WASHINGTON (May 11, 2017) – The American Chemistry Council (ACC) issued the following statement in response to the confirmation of Robert Lighthizer as United States Trade Representative (USTR):
“ACC and our members applaud the confirmation of Ambassador Lighthizer, who has a long history of advocating in support of industries that create jobs and drive economic growth.
“Ambassador Lighthizer’s confirmation could not have come at a more exciting time for the U.S. business of chemistry. U.S. chemical production is expected to increase dramatically as more than 280 natural-gas related projects come online in the next few years. The surge will create a supply that is far greater than the U.S. can consume domestically, creating the potential to double U.S. chemical exports by 2030, boost economic growth, and create new, high-paying American jobs.
“ACC looks forward to working with Ambassador Lighthizer on modernizing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and in pursuing new opportunities for improved access to key foreign markets. NAFTA has provided enormous benefit for the chemical sectors in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Since the agreement entered into force, trade in chemicals between NAFTA countries has more than tripled, from $20 billion in 1994 to $63 billion in 2014. With a strong and growing trade surplus, the U.S. business of chemistry today is trading from a position of strength.”