In his remarks at the opening session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, President Donald Trump spoke on a wide range of topics, including international trade. On that subject, Trump said, “In America, we seek stronger ties of business and trade with all nations of good will, but this trade must be fair
Free Trade Agreements
NAFTA Renegotiation Begins
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland and Mexican Secretary of the Economy Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal have started the first round of NAFTA renegotiation in Washington, D.C. with opening statements and an ambitious agenda that is scheduled to take the negotiations through August 20.
In his opening statement, Lighthizer indicated…
NAFTA Renegotiations to Begin on August 16
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has announced that the first round of renegotiation of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will occur August 16-20, 2017 in Washington, D.C. Reportedly, the plan is to hold seven rounds of talks at three-week intervals, at alternating sites among the three countries, with a goal…
USTR Releases Summary of Objectives for NAFTA Renegotiation
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…
USTR and Commerce Request Comments Regarding Administration’s Reviews of Trade Agreement Violations and Abuses
As we previously reported, Executive Order 13796 of April 29, 2017, requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the secretary of State, secretary of the Treasury, attorney general and the director of the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy, to conduct comprehensive performance reviews of all…
Congressional Research Service Issues Report on NAFTA as Renegotiation Approaches
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…
President Trump Declares Week of May 21, 2017 “World Trade Week”
Stating that “trade is critical to the economic strength of our country,” President Trump has proclaimed this week to be World Trade Week. In issuing this proclamation, the president stated that the United States will:
- promote economic growth by strengthening the manufacturing base and expanding exports in manufacturing, agriculture, and the service industries;
- challenge
…
USTR Formally Notifies Congress of Intent to Modernize NAFTA
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…
Senate Confirms Robert Lighthizer as U.S. Trade Representative
After months of delays and requiring a waiver allowing him to serve as the U.S. trade representative (USTR), Robert Lighthizer was finally confirmed by the Senate on a vote of 82-14.
The delays in this vote were for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, a section of the Trade Act of 1974 excludes anyone…
Canada and Mexico File Comments in Response to Executive Order Regarding Omnibus Report on Significant Trade Deficits
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…