Fellow Illinoisan,

Last week, I was proud to announce my support for the United States Mexico Canada Agreement, or USMCA, which updates the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA. While not perfect, Democrats were able to secure important changes - including enforceable labor protections - that make the USMCA a win for American workers, farmers, and manufacturers.

It is also a win for Illinois. 

Illinois is the sixth largest exporting state in the U.S., and Mexico and Canada are our largest export partners. Nearly $28 billion of Illinois products went to these countries in 2018. And these markets have continually grown over the past ten years - Illinois exports to Canada have increased by 46 percent since 2009, while exports to Mexico have increased by 187 percent.

DURBIN ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR USMCA TRADE DEAL

Illinois’ success in exporting its products depends on fair trade agreements that level the playing field for Illinois workers, manufacturers, and farmers. The USMCA will do just that, supporting Illinois jobs and ensuring that our exports can continue to grow and thrive in these markets.

The USMCA will also help maintain strong markets for Illinois’ agricultural products well into the future, providing much-needed certainty for our farmers and creating jobs that are essential to rural economies across the state. 

While no agreement is perfect and I am disappointed the agreement did not include stronger provisions to address climate change, I believe that the USMCA will bring NAFTA into the 21st century and set important standards for our economic success. I’m proud to support this agreement, which will grow jobs and support our economy at home in Illinois. 

Sincerely, 

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)