In a letter to the newly confirmed U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell laid out the importance of trade for Kentucky and provided some thoughtful points to consider when modernizing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) or other agreements and creating new trade opportunities.
The Kentucky Chamber supports expansion of trade opportunities that benefit both producers and consumers in the state and joins Senator McConnell in recognizing the importance of trade in Kentucky.
Kentucky has a history of growth in export value which reached $29.2 billion in 2016. Numerous jobs are tied to exports, and the economic benefits reach across the regions of the state. Kentucky’s signature export industries, aerospace, automotive, and beverages including distilled spirits, are poised for growth as new and modernized trade agreements are developed. There is opportunity to expand energy exports as well.
NAFTA is especially important to trade opportunities in Kentucky, as Canada and Mexico are among the top markets for Kentucky exports. The Kentucky Chamber looks forward to working with Senator McConnell, President Trump’s administration and many others to secure a solid future for Kentucky’s economy through fair, pro-growth trade policies.
For more state government news go to the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s The Bottom Line blog.
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