U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has released a detailed and comprehensive summary of the negotiating objectives for the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In a brief statement upon the release, Lighthizer stated that the Trump administration will seek an agreement “that reduces the U.S. trade deficit and is fair for
USMCA (fka NAFTA)
Congressional Research Service Issues Report on NAFTA as Renegotiation Approaches
By Thompson Hine International Trade on
On May 24, 2017, the non-partisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) released a report on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In addition to providing a short history of the trade agreement and an overview of certain key provisions, this timely report provides insight into certain trade trends and the agreement’s economic effects on the…
USTR Formally Notifies Congress of Intent to Modernize NAFTA
By Thompson Hine International Trade on
The Trump administration formally notified Congress of its intent to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico, starting a 90-day clock for statutorily required consultations. This notification means that NAFTA negotiations with Canada and Mexico can begin no earlier than August 16, 2017. In the letter from U.S. Trade Representative…
Canada and Mexico File Comments in Response to Executive Order Regarding Omnibus Report on Significant Trade Deficits
By Thompson Hine International Trade on
In response to President Trump’s Executive Order 13786 (see our update of April 3, “Executive Order Calls for Omnibus Report on Significant Trade Deficits”), the governments of Canada and Mexico have filed formal comments with the Department of Commerce ahead of the public hearing to be held on May 18, 2017.
While Mexico’s…
Draft Notice to Congress Indicates Administration’s Intent to Begin Renegotiating NAFTA
By Thompson Hine International Trade on
In a draft letter to the Senate and House of Representatives, the Trump administration appeared closer to formally announcing and notifying Congress of its intent to begin renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The draft notes that the “persistent U.S. deficit in goods trade with Canada and Mexico demands that this administration take…