Mexico and Canada Optimistic on Nafta Deal Amid Tariff Tensions
- High-level talks are picking up again after two-month lull
- Sticking points include car content rules, expiration clause
Mexican and Canadian officials are optimistic they can reach a Nafta trade deal with the U.S. in the next several months, even amid sticking points on car production, an automatic expiration clause and President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on foreign vehicles.
The nations will work to land an agreement before U.S. mid-term elections in early November, Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo said Wednesday as he and Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray hosted their Canadian counterpart Chrystia Freeland in Mexico City. While some of the negotiations take the shape of meetings between just two nations, and the U.S. has expressed a preference for bilateral deals, Mexico and Canada remain committed to a trilateral agreement, they said.