Canadian and Mexican negotiators have a surprising ally in their resistance to reforming NAFTA–the career trade officials representing the U.S. in the negotiations between the three nations.
Members of the U.S. delegation at the latest round of negotiations were “uncomfortable with the demands they are presenting, which appear to have been dictated to them by the Trump administration,” according to a CBC News report.
“They don’t like what they are doing,” a source told CBC.
Withdrawing from NAFTA was one of Trump’s standout campaign promises in 2016. Candidate Trump often described it as a “job killer” and “the worst trade deal ever made.”
Trump flinched from withdrawing from the trilateral deal in April, instead announcing that his administration would attempt to re-negotiate the deal. On Tuesday, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, the chief U.S. negotiator, expressed his frustration at the refusal of Canada and Mexico to accept changes.
“We have seen no indication that our partners are willing to accept any change that will result in a rebalacing and a reduction in these huge trade deficits,” Lighthizer said. “Now I understand that after many years of one-sided benefits, their companies have become reliant on special preferences and not just comparative advantage. Countries are reluctant to give up unfair advantages.”
The White House, however, continues to push negotiation attempts. When asked if NAFTA was doomed, a White House spokesperson said Wednesday: “Not yet.”
It may be difficult to achieve meaningful progress when the U.S. side of the negotiations are staffed by those who do not support the U.S. position.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.