SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) president and CEO Brian McGuire is calling for action to ease the continuing trade tensions between the United States and Canada, sending letters to governors in states with significant exposure to Canadian trade.
McGuire warned that the effects of the ongoing trade dispute extend well beyond international commerce, pointing to the highly integrated nature of supply chains across North America. Heavy machinery, agricultural equipment, industrial components and service parts can cross the U.S.-Canada border several times throughout the manufacturing and distribution process.
“Our supply chains do not stop at state lines or national borders,” McGuire wrote. He added that continued uncertainty surrounding the trade dispute could disrupt major multi-year capital investments, raise equipment costs and put local jobs at risk.
The AED leader recently travelled to Washington, D.C., where he met with officials at the Embassy of Canada to the United States as well as senior lawmakers. His meetings included members of the House Ways & Means Committee’s Subcommittee on Trade.
In his letters to governors, McGuire reiterated AED’s position in favour of free and fair trade while highlighting the importance of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for equipment dealers, manufacturers and customers across the region.
AED is calling on governors to use every available mechanism to restore a stable, tariff-free trading relationship between the United States and Canada.
“The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was crafted to guarantee stable, duty-free trade and protect North American competitiveness,” McGuire stated, adding that honoring the agreement’s framework is critical to keeping operating costs low for small businesses, farmers, contractors and builders.
AED said it will continue monitoring developments in the U.S.-Canada trade relationship and remain involved in efforts aimed at reaching a resolution that safeguards North American supply chains.
