Rules of Origin on Agenda for NAFTA Talks

U.S. content in NAFTA automobiles is shrinking and contributing to the trade deficit America has with Canada and Mexico, according to Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.

In an editorial for the Washington Post, Ross cites a new study analyzing data from 1995 to 2011 that indicates U.S.-produced content in manufactured goods imported from Canada fell from 21 percent to 15 percent during the 16-year period. An even more dramatic decline was observed in goods imported from Mexico, from 26 percent in 1995 to 16 percent in 2011. Ross said there is no reason to think the situation has improved.