NAFTA talks soften - FYI
2017-12-15 08:41 ET - In the News
The Financial Post reports in its Friday, Dec. 15, edition that North American free-trade negotiations are approaching a new phase of talks.
A Canadian Press dispatch to the Post reports that negotiators at an informal session in Washington this week are discussing ways to work around a main impasse of the talks so far, a U.S. demand on auto parts deemed unfeasible by Canada, Mexico and the industry.
Now, Canada and Mexico are asking the U.S. whether there might be a way to rework the proposal in a manner palatable to everyone, while still achieving America's goal of bolstering domestic auto production. It is an effort to get a head start before talks enter a critical stage next year.
Rounds are currently scheduled only into March; Mexico and the U.S. have national elections thereafter, and President Donald Trump has threatened to start the withdrawal process to get a quick deal.
An unnamed source says a spirit of problem-solving has permeated this informal round. He says: "The mood has lightened a bit since the Mexico round. It was a bit acrimonious." The main goal this week is to start exploring solutions for the auto provisions, a key priority for a Trump administration.