Despite Lack Of Progress On Negotiations, MSCI Members Encouraged To Call Representatives On NAFTA

Canadian, Mexican, and U.S. negotiators continue to discuss how to update the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), but late last week U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said the countries are “nowhere near” agreement on several remaining issues. Speaking the same day as Lighthizer, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was more optimistic. He said, “We’re down to the point where a good deal is on the table … We know that those last conversations in any deal are extremely important, so I’m feeling positive about this, but it won’t be done until it’s done.”

The Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI) continues to encourage its members to discuss their opinions about NAFTA reauthorization with lawmakers. The Canadian government has established a webpage for stakeholders to submit their views. Companies also may submit comments by email (NAFTA-Consultations-ALENA@international.gc.ca) or by mail to: NAFTA Consultations, Global Affairs Canada, Trade Negotiations – North America (TNP), Lester B. Pearson Building, 125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2.

MSCI members in the United States who are interested in weighing in on NAFTA deliberations should contact their representatives in the U.S. House and Senate to let them know how altering or eliminating NAFTA would affect their businesses, employees, and customers. Click here for contact information for every member of the House and here for senators.

MSCI’s comments to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative regarding NAFTA reauthorization are here and a National Association of Manufacturers’ report outlining NAFTA impact on each U.S. state is available here.