A trade lawyer in the U.S. says companies should start contingency planning amid trade uncertainty. Dan Ujczo, an international trade lawyer specializing in Canada-U.S. matters, told Canada’s Globe and Mail newspaper that growing uncertainty over the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement means companies need to brace themselves, including for the possibility that President Donald Trump walks away …
NAFTA Renegotiation Agreement Depends on Tax Reform, Agriculture
The fate of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) depends on U.S. tax reform and agriculture. That’s according to Former U.S. ambassador to Mexico Jim Jones, who told Politico that if tax reform passes, President Donald Trump will be “more interested in listening to reason” on NAFTA and other issues. Jones says: “Trump is less interested in substance than …
NAFTA Notice Would Devastate Farm Economy
President Trump has been weighing the idea of giving notice that the U.S. intends to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as a way of taking a tough stance on the negotiations. Politico’s Morning Ag Report says even giving the notice would cause immediate harm. A group of 86 food and agriculture groups sent a letter to …
National Farmers Organization Talks NAFTA
The National Farmers’ Organization took its turn to weigh in on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations. The Hagstrom Report says the NFO called on the Trump Administration to be “cautious” when it comes to the negotiations, noting that there would be substantial fallout for American farmers and ranchers if the agreement is terminated. Paul Olson, NFO President, …
Congress Member Questions Trump’s Ability to Withdraw From NAFTA
Wisconsin Representative Ron Kind, a Democrat who represents a district of dairy farmers, is questioning President Donald Trump’s ability to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement. Kind said this week: “Constitutionally, I think the president would be on pretty shaky grounds if he tries,” according to Politico. Congressman Kind made the comments during a speech to the National …
Korea Sends KORUS Analysis, Says No to Opening Ag Trade
A review of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade (KORUS) Agreement by South Korea claims to show little basis to support the U.S. desire for renegotiation. A South Korea-based newspaper reports that Korea submitted an analysis to Washington, D.C. showing that preferential U.S. duties as part of KORUS had almost no direct effect on the increase in South Korean exports to the U.S. over …
Canada “Extremely Worried” About NAFTA Direction
Canada is “extremely worried” behind the scenes regarding the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations. News network CTV of Canada reports the latest round of negotiations has caused concerns. The U.S. has since tabled a measure to dismantle Canada’s dairy supply management system, but the issue is likely to come up again. Canada refuses to make changes to the …
Trade Negotiators at Odds Over NAFTA Proposals
Trade negotiators are accusing each other of sabotaging attempts to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) following the latest round of talks. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland accused the U.S. of pursuing a “winner take all” approach. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said of the talks that the NAFTA trade partners do not seem “willing to make any …
Ag Exports Key to Trump NAFTA Deficit Strategy
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts says agricultural exports are key to achieving President Donald Trump’s plan for reducing the trade deficit with NAFTA members. The White House says more ag exports into Canada and Mexico through the North American Free Trade Agreement will help reduce the trade deficit, and Senator Roberts agrees. Roberts spoke with U.S. Trade Representative Robert …
TPP Members Nearing Agreement
As the U.S. remains focused on reworking the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and to a lesser extent, the U.S.-Korea Free (KORUS) Trade Agreement, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is heading closer to reality. TPP was worth an estimated $4 billion annually to U.S. agriculture. However, upon taking office ten months ago, President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the …