Nafta Deadlock Dashes Hopes for a Quick Deal
- Talks extended into 2018 with next round in Mexico Nov. 17-21
- U.S. ‘surprised’ by Mexico and Canada not backing its demands
Lighthizer: Nafta Has Caused U.S. Trade Deficit
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Nafta talks are switching gears and slowing down as key obstacles emerge, with Canada and Mexico rejecting what they see as hard-line U.S. proposals and negotiators exchanging their strongest public barbs yet.
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland wrapped up the fourth round of North American Free Trade Agreement talks in Washington on Tuesday and said negotiations will run through the end of March 2018, abandoning a December target. They also extended the time between negotiating rounds, giving themselves more space to consider proposals.