U.S. Trade Representative Cites ‘Guarded Optimism’ in NAFTA Talks

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The U.S. trade representative said there is cause for “guarded optimism” following the sixth round of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations in January.

Talks to revise the 24-year-old pact, which President Donald Trump has described as “the worst trade deal, maybe ever signed anywhere,” began last year. The United States is seeking major changes to the agreement, and in January, Canada and Mexico offered counterproposals, which, The New York Times reported, was regarded as a positive development that, at least, keeps the process going.

“The reality is some of the participants weren’t willing to talk about anything,” U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said. “Now, they’re starting to realize that we have to begin to talk. I think that’s a reason for guarded optimism. But you know, I’m never really very optimistic.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau indicated in early February that his country could be willing to walk away from the talks, if necessary.

“We are going to expect a good deal, a fair deal,” Trudeau said. “We will not be pushed into accepting any old deal, and no deal might very well be better for Canada than a bad deal.”

Additional talks are scheduled to be held in late February in Mexico City and in April in Washington, D.C.

Courtesy: AIIS