RVIA has received its third Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) award to support efforts in international markets.
The association received its first award from the Commerce Department in 2012 and is under an extension of its second award, which expires at the end of the year.
The third award, issued through a competitive process, will run from 2021-2023 and includes $300,000 and technical assistance from the International Trade Administration (ITA).
“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with ITA to work together to prevent standards and other trade barriers from locking U.S. RV products out of foreign markets,” RVIA President Craig Kirby said. “During this third MDCP award, we will continue to build on our significant progress towards a more open and reasonable regulatory environment for U.S. RV exports.”
Under the MDCP, the association has been working to overcome regulatory obstacles to U.S. exports to China, South Korea, and Japan. RVIA said its goal is to make sure that U.S. RV products are not locked out of the markets due to compliance and unfair trade practices.
The association is also active at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in an effort to prevent motor vehicle standards promoted by the UN body from effectively locking U.S. RV products out of the many countries around the globe that adopt UNECE standards.
“Through these partnerships with non-profit industry trade groups, the MDCP awardees are able to address trade barriers, enhance industry competitiveness, and generate exports that create and sustain American jobs,” Under Secretary for International Trade Joseph Semsar said.
With the new MDCP award, RVIA said it would continue its efforts in addressing standards and other barriers to entry within the target countries as well as representing the RV industry’s interests concerning regulatory initiatives being developed at the UNECE that impact the RV industry.
The award earned praise from U.S. Rep Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.), whose district encompasses northern Indiana.
“This Market Development Cooperator Program grant is an investment that can deliver major results for our local manufacturers and create jobs for Hoosiers,” Walorski said. “It will allow the RV Industry Association to continue its work to ensure American RV manufacturers are not locked out of foreign markets due to regulatory restrictions or unfair trade practices. About 85 percent of the nation’s RVs are built in northern Indiana and boosting exports of these made-in-America products will further drive economic growth in our communities. I’m grateful for the Trump administration’s commitment to strengthening this all-American industry, and I couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity to take northern Indiana’s leadership in RV manufacturing to the next level.”
Over the years, RVIA has witnessed tremendous growth in the Asia markets, the association stated. Working with ITA, local governments, standards developing organizations, and industry constituencies, the association has been able to make significant progress towards a more open and reasonable regulatory environment for U.S. RV exports.
