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 …
NAFTA Main Sticking Point Indeed is Dairy
Negotiators from Canada returned to Washington, D.C. Tuesday in an effort to reach a deal on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland joined U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer as the U.S. looks to wrap up talks with Canada quickly. However, talks are not expected the rest of the week with a looming hurricane along …
Perdue Says NAFTA Must Include Dairy Fix
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says Canada must make changes to dairy trade with the United States as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations. Speaking on C-SPAN, Perdue said U.S. farmers don’t have the same access to Canada that Canada has to the U.S., specifically referring the Class 7 dairy products in Canada. Perdue says: “Class 7 …
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 …
Canada Ready to Make Concession on Dairy Trade
Despite posturing by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Canada ‘won’t back down’ on dairy issues, Canada is ready to make concessions. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland rejoined the discussion in Washington this week. The Globe and Mail reports Canada is ready to make concessions to the Trump administration on Canada’s protected dairy market in a bid to save a …
R-CALF Looking for COOL in NAFTA
R-CALF is hopeful the details of the U.S.-Mexico announcement as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations will include country-of-origin meat labeling. R-CALF, a long-time supporter of COOL, in a statement by its CEO said: “We hope that a further release of details will show that COOL will be required for Mexican beef and beef from Mexican …
Canada Returns to NAFTA Talks
Negotiators from Canada rushed to Washington, D.C. this week to resume talks on the North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States. The U.S. is pushing to get a so-called handshake agreement with Canada, following a framework agreement with Mexico. The U.S. seeks to announce a deal by the end of this week, placing a deadline of Friday. However, …