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Lousiana port interests plead for compromise and NAFTA as it is

LOBBYISTS for Louisiana ports, based in New Orleans, appealed to Washington not to harm trade relations with Canada and Mexico in the absence of a better deal for the United States.

In an article in the American Journal of Transportation, Paul Aucoin, executive director of the Port of South Louisiana, and Caitlin Cain, CEO of the World Trade Centre of New Orleans (WTCNO), said:

"No question, if Washington can improve trade agreements, that would be welcome. But we urge our leaders to keep in mind that international trade is critical to our economy, and that should be reflected in our nation's policy priorities.

"Whether that means improving our ports and logistics infrastructure, or securing access to international markets for our small businesses and farmers, it all benefits American workers," they said.

Multilateral agreements like the North American Free Trade Agreement are responsible for direct business growth in Louisiana, said Mr Aucoin and Ms Cain.

"While some may take issue with these trade agreements, we believe that international commerce is the foundation of our region's economy and essential to the long-term well-being of Louisiana. Trade is also the bedrock of many smaller, rural economies in the United States.

"Today, more than 30 states rely on the Mississippi River to export their grains globally. Nationwide, the US exports some US$135 billion in food and agriculture products each year," they said.

"At a time when Washington is eager to create jobs, particularly in rural America, initiatives to help our nation's farmers and ranchers grow exports is crucial. In the US, 1.1 million jobs are supported by agriculture exports, and for every additional $1 billion in exports another 8,000 jobs are created.

"Infrastructure policy is something that must be addressed. In 2016, over $20 billion in agricultural exports were handled through Louisiana ports," said Mr Aucoin and Ms Cain.

"Yet these shipments are threatened because the primary shipping channel on the river is not deep enough, and so many ships must operate with about one to five feet less of cargo.

"Each foot of cargo equates to a loss of around $1 million. Spread those losses over thousands of ships, and buying American grains like corn, soy, and wheat makes less economic sense for foreign consumers.

"Eventually, nations that import millions of tons of American grains may get their food elsewhere," they said.