NAFTA Talks to Begin, Ambassadors Urge Caution

The Trump administration’s effort to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement and secure “a better deal for America” begins this week with talks between Canada, Mexico and the United States. The opening round will be in Washington on Aug. 16-20. The second round will take place in Mexico City around Sept. 10. Canada will host the third round at a date not yet announced. Negotiators hope to wrap up the NAFTA talks by early next year in advance of Mexican elections.

On July 17, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer released a summary of the United States’ objectives in renegotiating NAFTA. The primary goal, in line with President Trump’s campaign promise, is to “seek a much better agreement that reduces the U.S. trade deficit and is fair for all Americans by improving market access in Canada and Mexico for U.S. manufacturing, agriculture and services.”