As trade deficit narrows, USMCA advances in Senate

Exports in November went up 0.7 percent to $208.6 billion, while imports went down one percent, to $251.7 billion, as the individual trade deficits went down with three major U.S. trading partners - China, Japan, and Canada.

The trade news came just a few hours before the Senate Finance Committee overwhelmingly voted to approve enabling legislation associated with the USMCA - the trade deal involving the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, which hammered out in recent months by the Trump Administration.

The USMCA now goes to the Senate floor, where final approval is expected as early as next week.

"This long-awaited agreement is a significant improvement over the status quo of NAFTA," said Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH). "By opening more markets, it is good for American workers, farmers, and manufacturers, and it will create thousands of new jobs here in the United States."

"It is good for American workers," said Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS), who joined Portman in voting for the plan in committee. "It is good public policy."

"One step closer to seeing USMCA signed into law," said Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD).

The USMCA agreement has been especially welcomed by farmers, as farm interests at all levels have been buffeted by the collateral damage of the President's trade fights.

"We hope the USMCA will be a model for future U.S. trade agreements as the administration pursues a level playing field around the globe for our farmers and ranchers," said Zippy Duvall, the President of the American Farm Bureau Federation.