U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilber Ross was in Erie Wednesday to talk about how businesses can recover from the pandemic.
Ross said that despite the effects of Covid-19 on the economy, he is optimistic about the future of manufacturing.
Ross discussed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which went into effect on July 1st, and will replace NAFTA, and which he said will benefit Erie.
Ross said the agreement is focused on creating a level playing field for American workers, and will help smaller cities and agriculture.
Ross said that 18% of Erie’s workforce is in manufacturing and that most products are made in Erie and are what are known as intermediate goods.