Thread: NAFTA A Delicate Balance

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NAFTA: A Delicate Balance

Despite domestic challenges, trade remains the lifeblood of the economy for the three member countries.

by Andrea MacDonald

Posted: October 5, 2009




At a time when markets around the world are struggling to find a competitive advantage, North America has one that has been in place for over 15 years. The trade agreement between the U.S., Canada and Mexico has opened markets and established a record of growth and success that could prove key to a strong recovery. But no agreement is perfect and there are issues with NAFTA that businesses argue must be addressed if it is to live up to its promise.

The economic crisis in the U.S. has had a definite impact on its NAFTA trading partners—Canada is the U.S.’s largest trading partner, Mexico its third largest. Trade with both countries is down, and there are concerns that an inward focus on the part of U.S. trade policy makers could lead to measures that weaken NAFTA. The U.S. stimulus measures, particularly the “Buy Americanâ€

NAFTA: A Delicate Balance
by Andrea MacDonald
October 5, 2009