As Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland returned to Washington, D.C. for continued NAFTA negotiations, a prominent Congressional member says time is running out. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise says sentiment is building among members of Congress that Canada is purposefully dragging out the negotiations for political purposes. “Members of Congress are concerned that Canada doesn’t seem to be ready …
Canada Returns to DC for NAFTA Talks
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations between the U.S. and Canada resume this week as both sides attempt to reach a deal by the end of the month. Canada’s Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland arrived in Washington, DC Tuesday ahead of scheduled talks with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. The two sides must agree to a “handshake” agreement by the …
U.S. Continues Demand for Dairy Fix in NAFTA
The United States still demands a dairy fix in the North American Free Trade Agreement, but Canada still wants to protect its dairy industry. While Canada may be ready to give some concessions on dairy market access, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his allies have strong political motivations to stand firm. A trade lawyer told Politico this week that much …
Mexico Heading to Washington to Move NAFTA Forward
Mexican officials are on their way to Washington to work on the wording of the trade agreement between Mexico and the U.S. A Bloomberg article says they’re prepared to enter a bilateral agreement with the U.S. that would leave current NAFTA partner Canada out of the trading block. Kenneth Smith Ramos, Director of Trade and the NAFTA Office at the …
Canada, U.S. NAFTA Talks Appear to be Progressing
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) talks between the U.S. and Canada continue as farm leaders remain hopeful an agreement will be made soon. A small group of state Farm Bureau President’s met with the administration this week and walked away with a positive view that an agreement could quickly be made, along with the future of trade talks …
NAFTA Talks Continue in Washington
Trade officials from Canada returned to the U.S. Wednesday as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) talks. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland resumed talks with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, but there are so far no major developments on the contentious issues being discussed, including dairy market access and the dispute settlement mechanism, top issues for Canada, …
NAFTA Partners Say Trilateral Agreement a Must
All sides of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) want a trilateral deal between the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as the White House is pushing towards separate deals. Trade officials from Mexico, along with key lawmakers and trade officials in the U.S., agree a two-way NAFTA is “incomplete,” and won’t win the approval of the U.S. Congress. President Trump …
Rubio, Nelson Raise Concerns About Mexico Trade Deal
While President Donald Trump on Monday hailed a tentative trade deal with Mexico, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., raised concerns about whether the deal would adequately protect Florida farmers. Rubio and Nelson sent a joint letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer requesting that he work “diligently to ensure Florida’s agriculture community is fairly …
Trump Terminating Current NAFTA
The United States and Mexico have agreed to a new North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) framework, prompting President Trump to announce his intent to terminate the current agreement. That means Trump is seeking to replace NAFTA with an agreement that for now does not include Canada. The expected agreement paves the way for the United States to shift its …
Farm Groups Respond to NAFTA Announcement
Farm country overall shows reserved optimism regarding the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) announcement Monday. The announcement marks a step forward, as Mexico and the U.S. have a basic agreement in place. However, with Canada yet to be included, many questions remain. Farmers for Free Trade director Brian Kuehl says there is “significant work that remains” in delivering on …