[CTC] USTR Statement on Trade Negotiations with Mexico and Canada

[Arthur Stamoulis]

USTR Statement on Trade Negotiations with Mexico and Canada
 Washington, DC – U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer today issued the following statement regarding the status of trade negotiations with Mexico and Canada:
 “Today the President notified the Congress of his intent to sign a trade agreement with Mexico – and Canada, if it is willing – 90 days from now.  The agreement is the most advanced and high-standard trade agreement in the world.  Over the next few weeks, Congress and cleared advisors from civil society and the private sector will be able to examine the agreement.  They will find it has huge benefits for our workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses.
 “We have also been negotiating with Canada throughout this year-long process.  This week those meetings continued at all levels.  The talks were constructive, and we made progress.  Our officials are continuing to work toward agreement.  The USTR team will meet with Minister Freeland and her colleagues Wednesday of next week.” 
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 Q:  Doesn’t the Administration have to include Canada in this agreement? 
 
A:  On May 18, 2017, the Trump Administration notified Congress that it intended to initiate trade negotiations with Mexico and Canada.  Those negotiations began on August 16, 2017.  Since that time, the Administration has worked hard with both Mexico and Canada to reach a trade agreement that sets high standards for free, fair and reciprocal trade.  As required by TPA, today the President notified Congress that he intends to enter, that is, sign, the agreement reached with Mexico.  He also notified Congress that if Canada will meet the standards of that agreement, he intends to sign with Canada.  In other words, Canada is welcome to join the United States and Mexico if Canada is willing.  This satisfies the Administration’s statutory requirements for notification.
 
Q:  What happens to NAFTA?
 
A:  NAFTA remains in effect until either one of the parties withdraws from it or until Congress takes action so that it is no longer effective under U.S. law.  In this case, if Congress approves the new agreement, we expect it to replace fully the old agreement.  We will be working closely with Congress, and hearing from stakeholders, on these issues. The President today notified Congress of his intention to enter into a trade agreement with Mexico – and with Canada, if Canada is willing – to supersede NAFTA.
 
Q:  What happens if Canada does not agree to be a part of this trade agreement?
 
A:  We have been working with both Mexico and Canada over the past year, and as the President notified Congress today, we are open to having Canada as part of the deal – if it is willing.  
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