With new developments on a minute-by-minute basis, it should be no surprise that even our most long-standing and competent institutions are struggling to keep up with the COVID-19 outbreak. As our government continues toward a hopeful point of stability in the face of the pandemic, at times it has felt as though American businesses are being given helpless or disjointed recommendations when trying to respond. Unable to wait for firm procedural guidance, business leaders have had to make unilateral changes to protect employees and customers.

A renewed focus on small business is a welcome addition to the recently agreed-upon United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), particularly given that so many of our members fall into this category. The new trade deal not only recognizes their importance to our economy, but also looks to support and encourage future growth by requiring each country to carefully consider the potential effects of future rules and regulations on how they operate.