MSCI Highlights International Trade At Annual Meeting, In New Blog Post
As S&P Global reported, at the organization’s Annual Meeting co-hosted with the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA), Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI) President and CEO M. Robert Weidner, III highlighted the importance of free and fair trade and the strong relationships between the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“We have members moving product back and forth across the borders all the time so ease of doing business for our members is critical as they move from one facility to the next, as well as their customers,” Weidner said. As S&P Global reported, service centers also “are concerned about nonmarket economies circumventing and breaking trade rules by bringing products in through Canada or Mexico, as well as excess steel capacity.”
Weidner and SMA President Phillip Bell did note that all three countries, the United States, Mexico, and Canada, need to meet the expectations set forth in their trilateral trade agreement in order for that pact to be successful. In related news, Weidner also used his second quarter blog post on MSCI’s website to discuss free and fair trade.
Weidner said several principles must guide North American trade policies, including whether agreements:
- Open new markets to North American products;
- Enforce and strengthen current laws and agreements that are meant to prevent and combat unfair trade practices, including currency manipulation; and
- Address unfair trade practices through legal action when necessary.
“Opening new markets and building supply and sourcing opportunities is vital to the competitiveness and growth of the North American manufacturing economy,” Weidner wrote. “Trade with foreign nations breeds economic growth, creates well-paying jobs at home, and raises workers’ standard of living — as long as there is a level playing field. … Failure to confront countries that violate trade rules damages workers, businesses, consumers, and our national security.” Click here to read the full column.