U.S., Canada Trade Officials Discussing Next Steps

The U.S. and Canada are discussing the next steps for approving the USMCA, officially replacing NAFTA.  U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer visited Canada this week meeting with his Canadian counterpart, Chrystia Freeland.  A spokesperson for Freeland told Bloomberg News the meeting I was an “opportunity to take stock of the next steps on USMCA.”

The countries expect to sign the agreement by November 30th, when Mexico’s incoming president takes office.  However, lawmakers from all three nations would need to approve the trade pact.

Once in place, USMCA promises increased market share to Canada for U.S. dairy.  However, Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue said any gains in USMCA are dampened by the U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, adding that he is an advocate for removing the tariffs against Canada and Mexico.

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