The largest dairy processor in Canada says President Trump “has a point” when it comes to dairy trade between the U.S. and Canada. Saputo Inc. told Reuters:“Canada should consider eliminating its Class 7 milk policy in order to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States.” The CEO says he understands “the frustrations,” adding, “quite frankly I …
Secretary Perdue Comments on Canada Dairy Issue
While traveling to Canada last week, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and his Canadian counterpart spoke in unison supporting trade. Perdue visited the farm of Canada’s Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay, Friday. Speaking with reporters after the event, Perdue discussed Canada’s Dairy Supply Management System, targeted by the U.S. dairy industry as a priority to address through the North American Free Trade …
Mexico Calling for Flexibility in NAFTA Talks
Mexico is calling for flexibility in the North American Free Trade Agreement talks. A trade official from Mexico said Monday that the only way the countries renegotiating NAFTA will find a solution is through “sufficient flexibility” to narrow differences. Further, the official says Mexican and Canadian negotiators will be “engaging strongly” in July to reach an agreement that is “feasible, …
Tariffs Throw Another Monkey Wrench Into NAFTA 2.0
The steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by President Trump threw another wrench into the North American Free Trade Agreement talks. Politico says that will further delay a final agreement between the three long-time trading partners. The action also revives the possibility that Trump will once again possibly follow through on his threat to withdraw from the pact. That’s a move …
NAFTA Talks Continue, Time Running Short
Negotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) continue this week in Washington, as all sides are trying to wrap up the talks quickly. Canada’s foreign minister Chrystia Freeland is in Washington this week, meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and others, according to Bloomberg News. However, absent from the table is Mexico’s Economy Minister, who is attending …
Ag Commissioner Candidates Take Aim at NAFTA
Florida’s next agriculture commissioner likely will back White House efforts to change the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as a way to help the state’s farmers. Worried about the impact on Florida farmers, state Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam has been a frequent critic of the 24-year-old trade deal between the United States, Canada and Mexico. But as Putnam prepares to …
U.S. and Mexico Talking Cars in NAFTA 2.0 Discussions
Two sources familiar with the negotiations have told Bloomberg that the U.S. and Mexico are discussing automobiles in an attempt to break an impasse over auto-production rules in an updated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The anonymous sources say officials are meeting to discuss Mexico’s automotive proposal. The auto issue has been a key sticking point during the nine …
Administration Focusing on Good, Not Quick, NAFTA 2.0
Bloomberg says the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are all on separate pages when it comes to a new North American Free Trade Agreement. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says the administration is more focused on reaching a good deal rather than an immediate one. Mnuchin says it doesn’t matter if it’s passed in this session of Congress or the next one. …
NAFTA 2.0 Likely Not Done This Year
At the Thursday, May 17 deadline for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations, there isn’t an agreement in place and no end in sight to negotiations. Politico says divisions among negotiators from the U.S., Mexico, and Canada on difficult issues are driving a stake through the heart of President Donald Trump’s goal of signing a new agreement into …
Lawmakers Renew Call for Completing NAFTA This Week
The Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee is echoing comments from House Speaker Paul Ryan, calling on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) talks to conclude in an agreement this week. That is if the Trump administration wants Congress to consider an updated NAFTA before the end of 2018. House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady says …