The 11 remaining Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) nations are edging closer to sealing the comprehensive free trade pact. Reuters reports that New Zealand recently agreed to amend some specific laws that are not subject to TPP but are needed to make a path forward for the agreement. The move brings member countries closer to a victory in support of free trade …
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 …
Perdue Talks About Successful European Trip
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue toured Europe, speaking with officials from several different countries about a variety of issues, including trade. After stops in the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain, Perdue said the trip has been very productive. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would be withdrawing the interim final rule under the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards …
Canada “Flatly Rejects” U.S. Dairy Proposal
Wrapping up the fourth round of talks on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the U.S. proposed a dismantling of Canada’s dairy supply management system. Bloomberg reports Canada “flatly rejects” the proposal by the United States. The proposal would effectively kill Canada’s supply management system by fully eliminating tariffs on supply-managed products over ten years. President Donald Trump earlier …
Trump Calls Trudeau a Friend During NAFTA Talks
President Donald Trump called Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, “great friend” as tensions rise amidst the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations this week. However, as Bloomberg reports, Trump showed no signs of retreat regarding NAFTA, saying “It’s possible we won’t be able to make a deal and it’s possible we will.” Farm and industry groups were raising alarms …
Trade Expert: U.S. is Setting Up NAFTA for Failure
Trade experts in Canada speculate President Donald Trump may be arranging the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations to allow the U.S. to walk away from the trade deal. The Canadian Press news agency says a consensus is growing that a series of untenable U.S. bargaining positions is part of a plan by Trump to lay the groundwork so …
NAFTA Negotiators Head to Washington This Week
NAFTA negotiators head into the fourth of seven scheduled rounds of talks this week in Washington, and agriculture is concerned as the talks enter a critical stage. American Farm Bureau (AFB) trade adviser Dave Salmonsen says the pace of talks and discussion of more sensitive issues is heightening tensions as the three-NAFTA partners try to score so-far, elusive gains. U.S. …
Business Leaders to Talk Trade with Mexico
Negotiations on the North American Free Trade Agreement continue Wednesday, with some speculating agriculture issues to finally emerge in the talks. However, while negotiators will be in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will lead a delegation of U.S. CEO’s to Mexico City. Bloomberg reports that the U.S. business leaders will meet with counterparts from Mexico’s private sector and …
Agriculture Changes Expected in KORUS Revisions
A South Korea trade lawyer believes changes to agricultural trade will top the list of changes requested in KORUS, the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. During a meeting last week between U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and South Korea trade officials, the two nations agreed to open KORUS to renegotiation. The U.S. proposed revisions to language in KORUS regarding industrial goods, …