U.S. Trade Chief Says NAFTA Countries ‘Nowhere Near Close to a Deal’

May 17, 2018

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said that NAFTA countries are far from reaching a deal on new trade terms as a key U.S. legislative deadline passed on Thursday but pledged to continue negotiations with Canada and Mexico.

“The NAFTA countries are nowhere near close to a deal. As I said last week, there are gaping differences on intellectual property, agricultural market access, de minimis levels, energy, labor, rules of origin, geographical indications, and much more,” Lighthizer said in a statement issued by his office.

Lighthizer said the United States will continue to engage in negotiations to secure a deal beneficial for U.S. workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses.

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