U.S. Pushes for Quick Nafta Accord But Canada Needs Details
- Lighthizer seeks fast resolution before Washington talks due
- Canada’s Freeland sees progress without endorsing the idea
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Robert Lighthizer’s trial balloon of seeking a stopgap Nafta deal has caught the attention of counterparts with Canada hailing recent progress, saying it remains ready to bargain while warning that gaps remain.
The U.S. Trade Representative said Wednesday he’s “hopeful’’ of reaching a deal “in the next little bit” with Canada and Mexico to update the North American Free Trade Agreement. “If there’s a real effort made to try to close out and to compromise and do some of the things we all know we should do, I’m optimistic we can get something done in principle in the next little bit,” he said in an interview on CNBC television.