More than 350 businesses and associations have signed a letter urging Congress to ratify President Donald Trump's replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The proposed U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement "makes significant improvements to the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement and will spur growth and much-needed certainty within the critical North American market," the organizations said in a letter. The National Association of Manufacturers led the effort.

"North America is the most significant trade market for the United States globally, with Canada and Mexico purchasing one-fifth of the total value of U.S. manufacturing output," the groups said. "Canada and Mexico alone, despite representing less than 4 percent of the global economy, buy more U.S.-manufactured goods than our next 11 trading partners combined."

Business groups have been pushing for ratification before the end of the year, but some of House Democrats' key allies—particularly labor groups—have concerns about the trade agreement. The current impeachment inquiry also has cast doubt on quick passage of the deal.

Among the many associations that signed the letter are the Aerospace Industries Association, American Gas Association, American Iron and Steel Institute, National Association of Chemical Manufacturers and Plastics Industry Association. http://bit.ly/33ChoAe

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