I wonder why The Times refers to NAFTA as Nafta? I can't think of any other anagrams that it lower cases. You don't see Usa, Fbi, Cia, Potus, Nato, Ussr, T.p.p., Kkk, Naacp or even Ncaa. It's the NFL, NOW, NRA, NYT and NEVER TRUMP. Speaking of the Evil One, this new trade deal is a mortal sin. It makes the Usa a laughingstock. Trump bullied our dear friends and allies. Canadians will stop migrating south in the winter, and Mexicans will stop migrating north in all seasons. Kavanaugh will have to pay more to black out on Molson or Corona. China will crush Trump in trade talks. The uSa economy is foundering. The soaring stock market is transferring more wealth to rich white guys like Buffett, Bezo and Bloomberg. Don't panic. Help is on the way. Blue skies on the horizon. A new day in the usA is an election away. NEVER TRUMP!
I have to give Trump credit. He did what others couldn't.
Many liberals are dismayed not by the USMCA, but by the person. It's the same behavior and thought process of those who insist Obama is from Kenya, blind hate from the left.
But the USMCA is really about China. The IP controls, source of materials, wage minimums, and importantly, Chapter 32.
If one of the three were to sign a free-trade deal with a non-market country, either of the other two would have the right under article 32.10 to terminate the trilateral USMCA with six months’ notice and form its own bilateral deal on the same terms.
There are provisions against currency manipulation and shark finning in USMCA.
This is as much about China as it is about dairy farmers.
And it's an issue that's gotten bipartisan support. Those agreements to target China are necessary for the bipartisan support from Congress. I expect Congress to pass the USMCA, even under Democratic control because of the blowback they suffer if they didn't and because it benefits many Democratic voters in swing states Trump is targeting that Dems don't want to antagonize.
Have to say, liberals are really underestimating Trump.
Two words define President Trump: STRENGTH + LEADERSHIP.
Thank you President Trump. You are making America great again.
Like my dog who sets hid territory by peeing at every tree, Trump has to put a 'T' on everything, also the things he did not do or own.
Especially tempting are trees with a 'O' on it.
Very simple low-level mammal behavior that does not require reflection or wisdom. But congrats to the showmanship. It worked on some commenters + voters.
3
Big mouth is growling how great he is by creating NAFTA 2.0, "the "greatest trade pact of all times", of course. This is ridiculous since it is in reality NAFTA 1,0 just warmed up.
How this primitive man is doing politics in the meantime has come to be inexcusable. Can't he be refrained or does Congress even appreciate his work. Sometimes I have the dark feeling that they are proud of him but so refined to hide their opinion.
It is such a disgrace for an European who has spent part of his life (10 winter "seasons" in Florida) to see how this great country ( air exchanger heated swimming pools !!! ) is coming down. People here in Europe are only laughing, sorry to say.
Regardless of what the actual content of the deal is - Trump has managed to send a message to the workers of the U.S. - I am fighting for you. Whether his policies are working on not - small businesses are being sent the message that he is fighting for them against the world. With a strong economy, extremely low unemployment, that message resonates. For those who seek to prevent a second Trump term, this is important to heed. Sometimes people just want to feel that you are in their corner, even if you can't really do much.
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@Adib
That's good?
Feeling he is in their corner while he lies and destroys jobs is not a good thing, it's being fleeced by a con artist. He got our workers nothing other than restoring SOME of what he destroyed, and one ego salving brag point (no mention of the items we are losing on in the new agreement).
5
@Adib
Small business owners' optimism is sky high. Given they are the engine of our economy, it's safe to say it's real.
Having run many 2018 projections for individual tax filers, I predict Americans are going to be happy when they do their taxes next year as well. In high taxed states, the reduction in the Alternative Minimum Tax will relieve some of their suffering.
So, Trump proved he was a bully. Big woop!
1
If I understand "uss-muh-cah" (USMCA) correctly, Canada and Mexico will lay off auto workers so that Americans can replace them in American-built factories. Likewise for steel manufacturing, where Canadians will lose jobs.
These American factories don't yet exist, are expensive to build, and do not offer a living wage or union jobs. Unions have been oddly silent on this point.
Americans will have a long wait for manufacturing jobs while the facilities are built, and then they're stuck with low-paying, non-union jobs. In the meantime, auto, steel and aluminum manufacture will continue in Mexico and Canada.
America already has a $2 trillion deficit thanks to Trump's tax break for the wealthy. Is America now supposed to pay for factory-building?
Auto makers and steel manufacturers will hold their hands out to the government for aid in constructing these expensive facilities. The deficit will grow.
America never had a trade problem. Trump misunderstood "trade deficit", and so began his tariffs. What America had, and has, is a corporate greed problem.
Americans don't need non-union manufacturing jobs or a deficit increase. They need higher wages and permanent, full-time jobs with benefits.
Hiring temporary workers or foreigners in order to pay lower wages, and avoid paying taxes and benefits should be illegal.
Corporations are sitting on vast amounts of liquidity. It's time they gave back, and invested in Americans.
4
The plan should always have been to team up with Mexico, Canada and Europe to take on China. The question is whether Trump really needed to anger them so much and destroy historic relationships in order to do it.
4
Reading today’s NYTimes article, ‘Wendell Berry’s Right Kind Of Farming’, what does this trade deal do to protect, encourage, sustain small family dairy operations in Mexico, Canada and the U.S.? Any special tax advantages, quotas, to protect them from giant factory dairies? Any set-asides from an industry to help small farmers buy land, get started with equipment? Any limits on antibiotics, feed additives? And if milk, cheese are made from mixing dairy from all three countries, what will the label say? Democrats should be concerned about all these specifics- oh, wait- Republicans are the party of the small farmer, rancher, worker. Surely their protections are already in the new agreement.
This one is a positive step for the US worker and the US economy. This will improve US manufacturing and farming because it creates a more level playing field on wages, IP, subsidies. The old agreement was badly out of date. Yes there is some rebranding but many of the key problems have been addressed. A win is a win.
8
This was already a win under the TPP from Obama. This is rebranding.
2
Leadership is defined as the singular effort or ability of a person in moving people or processes from point A to point B, where point B is a destination that would never have been achievable left to the people or processes themselves. What we are witnessing with Trump is leadership.
We were an iceberg hidden under the surface adrift in the Atlantic under Obama. Hitting a Titanic was purely accidental and often catastrophic to the ship and to the iceberg. So, giving away America’s strength was the easier path and Obama cowed down to foreigners in trade and in political dealings. President Trump, on the other hand, thought a great deal about NAFTA before the election, vetted the details ad infinitum during and after the election and did not jettison the details of the deal to underlings or hair-brain pundits in the media.
Instead, Trump took body blows in the ring and prevailed his stance over Mexico and Canada. The left-wing marauders mourn his success but Trump proved that he could make America great again and Americans Proud again.
10
@Appu Nair Please remove your MAGA hat for a moment and clarify this statement with actual fact:
"Instead, Trump took body blows in the ring and prevailed his stance over Mexico and Canada."
How so?
3
@Appu Nair I'm not sure what most of this means, but I do know this much: President Trump has not issued a single statement about trade, trade deals, tariffs, etc. in which he demonstrated even a basic understanding of the issues at hand. (Look up any of his especially ignorant comments about trade deficits for a salient example.) He speaks in vague generalities and shows no grasp of the basics of international trade. He may have gotten us to point B somehow, but it wasn't due to careful thought and actions. He had plotted a course for point Z and managed to bumble his way to the vicinity of point B. (When the deal is inked and ratified we'll know whether he actually got us there.)
2
@Appu Nair It never ceases to amaze me how Trump supporters can take a sow's ear & turn it into a silk purse by simply refusing to acknowledge facts & reality.
The reality is, in exchange for a few very minor concessions that were already part of the TPP, all Trump had to do is repeatedly trash the Prime Minister of Canada, flat-out lie about turning down a request to meet with him, insult Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christia Freeland (which was to be expected as she's a strong, confident & capable woman, just the type Trump abhors dealing with) and impose tariffs on Canadian aluminum & steel by labeling the country "a threat to national security".
The only thing Trump and his bellicose bullying accomplished was to ensure the once strong relationship and mutual respect enjoyed by our two countries was left in absolute tatters....MAGA indeed.
Oh, and we're still not going to buy your hormone-laden, inferior milk, cheese and dairy products.
3
This is a revision of NAFTA, not a revolutionary game changer. Most are updates that obviously needed to be made after the passage of a quarter century; others readily could have been accomplished without the chest thumping, the sturm und drang, the Jerry Springer Show chair throwing and hair pulling with long time allies.
Indeed, some of the 'new' provisions reportedly were already incorporated into the more expansive TPP, which of course had to be thrown out because it was a product of the prior administration.
It's the typical Trumpian exercise - generate chaos and bad blood; diddle with what was accomplished by others before him, through long, hard, intelligent work; declare victory; then shamelessly and endlessly preen in front of a bellowing, red-hatted crowd .
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, American taxpayers just forked out $12 billion in additional subsidies for "farmers" like Senator Grassley, to defray their lost profits as a result of the Trump 'trade war.' Trade wars are easy to win, you know, as long as you're spending other people's money - which is one of Trump's special skills.
Poor children, disabled and elderly who will choke down higher food prices, also the fallout from this "trade war"? They'll get new limitations on the food stamp program, of course, to teach them a lesson in "self-sufficiency."
"Vote Trump - what the hell have you got to lose?" Well, your soul for one thing...
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@chambolle...Every major contender for the Presidency in 2016 was adamantly opposed to Obama's T.P.P. They all claimed it was another disaster for American workers. Hillary, Bernie and the Donald disowned T.P.P. Did you support any of these candidates in 2016? By the way, tax payers have not forked out $12 Billion to farmers. Nice try.
The U.S. won't find a fairer trading partner than Canada. The numbers verify this.
Canada won't forget the bully tactics and incivility of Trump et al in these (supposed) negotiations. Thanks, "friend."
Trump's outrageous steel and aluminum tariffs, supposedly for "national security concerns" (and thus, conveniently, outside the scope of trade agreements), remain in place. I guess an "ally" like Canada is just expected to suck that up. Who cares about fairness when there are mid-terms around the corner, right?
Trump will claim big "gains" with Canada on trade, but this is not the case nor should it have been. There will not be "hundreds of thousands of new jobs" in the U.S. because of this dea, though there very well could have been the opposite if this deal hadn't been reached. Trump demanded ridiculous concessions and achieved a few minor ones. Oh, and he had the name of the trade agreement changed from NAFTA to USMC - you know, to put "America First."
153
Well, that was fun. As a Canadian who's career has been tied to the automotive industry for years, the future of NAFTA has always been top of mind. After all the bluster, what has Trump achieved? Virtually nothing that wasn't already agreed in the aborted TPP agreement negotiated by the previous administration. The access to the dairy market was already done. Trump may think that a new name makes it a new deal, but this excuse for an administration has wasted 2 years to disrupt everything, and achieve nothing. Pretty much their MO on everything else as well.
261
Our president is very good to invent problem, speak loud of the problem and then devise a solution (like or not) and then speak loud of the solution that may already exists. He then say, 'it is the greates, biggest and fantastic thing I did no other president could have done'. what a creep? his supporters blindly believe him as if they either do not have a brain to analyze or too partisans to believe nay thing right and good for the country - what sad state we are in?
1
This changes absolutely nothing. It’s still a global economy. Period. More like getting 50 bucks off the price of a new car with a free gallon of milk thrown in. It’s still nafta and nafta has not been that bad for the greater economy of our three countries. Like a dog that has to urinate on every tree it passes by, trump needed to put his name on something and say, see! I really can walk on water. Because I do know the art of fooling a lot of the people some of the time.
I admire those who think this will help jobs in America.
However that is to deny the truth and reflects a reality left behind long ago.
I have worked for American companies that have more factories in China than at home.
It is just another dose of Trumpian rhetoric with precious little substance but a wall of resentment rising higher between you and your former allies.
His biggest achievement is in further isolating America and increasing his commercial aims in Russia and Korea.
When the wheedling spoilt bully comes demanding support dont be surprised when the reaction is not sincere.
Good luck with your new justice. He's as squalid as Trump.
Canadian Politicians need to wake up and diversify our trade .The
U S A is looking after number 1 and so should we.
One thing i hope we as Canadians have learned is that perpetual subsidization of industries makes no sense
It's still NAFTA with a tweak here and there. No big deal.
@James MurphyExcept that he's pissed off Canadians. Especially those in the province of Quebec's dairy industry.
This American shares the deep concerns of all who have posted questioning the so-called leadership of the occupier of the White House. Please understand that the majority of American voters did not vote for him and that we are doing our best this coming November to limit any further damage he may do and reduce that which has already been done. Most Americans know that you don't make or keep friends by beating them up and then expecting them to thank you for it.
1
What a twisted story! When Trump wanted nothing to do with NAFTA the way it was, he was criticized to death. Now you are worried because we might have problems with only one country!! Go figure!
Long overdue, now we can get some of the things manufactured in China made in Mexico. That will reduce CO2, make economic activity in North America, and many other beneficial things. Some can actually come to the US or even Canada.
1
Reduce co2? Your man Trump already said that climate change is a Chinese hoax. What are you worried about?
1
This was nothing that could not have been done through simple renegotiation without all of this dram from Trump. If they had simply changed the name, Trump would have claimed victory. U.S. consumers will pay more.
2
Dear Canada,
Please understand that Trump supporters needed this illusion to feel justified in their horrific mistake in November of 2016. As with all things Trump, he will create a problem, rant about it for a few months and then slap a different name on it and claim victory. Most Americans are embarrassed and things will change soon. Don't give up on us so quickly. Mr. Trump is not well and has sickened our nation but we'll recover and all will remember the relationship, shared values and losses both our nations have endured in the past. There are few people in the USA that embrace our healthcare, tax policies, trade issues, national security and other areas wherein Trump and his minions have injected their toxic misunderstanding of cooperation and understanding.
Please don't abandon the relationship yet. Sanity will return.
3
@Robert WestwindThe mid-term elections will be the chance for Americans to prove their forgiveness. If things don't change much in the House and Senate, Canadians will be disgusted.
Have any actual signed agreements been passed around? Or is this just another "presidential" fantasy? Who knows what to believe about anything.
2
No real, effective or lasting dispute resolution. We're taking Mexico and Trump literally at their word. The definition of insanity. We sold the family cow to protect car jobs in southern Ontario again. Liberals are toast out West.
For too long US was the dumping ground for Chinese Junk manufacturers.
Tariff inwards into the US was ridiculously low & waves of Ships were offloading so called merchandise that eventually found its place in the Junkyards,with disastrous consequences for US Manufacturers.
The consequences of this self defeating trade policy is that much of American manufacturing has gone & in its place its RUST YARD & the consequent tragic human toll in the form of Opioid Addiction fueled ironically by even more tailor made drugs coming through the US Post from China & taking an unprecedented toll on the lives of millions of families afflicted by the twin scourge of unemployment & Opioid addiction.
The emotional trauma & pain is incalculable.
President Trump has taken the Chinese dragon by tail & is slowly reaching into its belly,an act that has enthused the moribund US Manufacturing.
If the President continues with his rightly chosen direction of America first & foremost,then history will rate his presidency very highly insofar as economic revival & prosperity is concerned.
The GDP Growth rates in the US has been very very good & will continue to improve.
Halcyon days are not very far off.
Much to the dismay of China.
A revisit in trade with China on the lines of NAFTA is paramount for the future well beings of generations of Americans.
The President’s doing good.
He needs your unflinching support.NOW.
2
@VIOLET BLUES China. I can understand the true troubles with that reckless nation. Nuy Trump is holding Canada's bloody head up high for the Chinese to see. Canada buys more from USA than vice versa. And more than any other country. We aren't the croooked Chinese up here. We are also less crooked than today's USA.
1
What...there were defects in NAFTA? Wouldn't have known it from the coverage up to now. All we've seen is how Trump and his deplorable followers are destroying NAFTA. What happened.?
3
18-months of bluster, insults, threats and punitive tariffs and all we got was a new name!
2
Mexico and Canada backed down as suspected.
China will be a more difficult set of negotiations but we do have the upper and as we are witnessing cracks in the Chinese economy at an unlikely time for them..
No end to supply management, no end to diary tariffs on American dairy imports, no end to the chapter 19 dispute mechanism, increased car production in Canada, no 5 year sunset clause...doesn't seem Canada gave much up.
4
NAFTA 2.0 is still a mystery. The reports do not analyze how the treaty will protect American workers. The $16 wage for final assembly workers might have some positive effect if it is not riddled with loopholes. Until that time, we can enjoy the hype and Trump can hope his treaty will charm the media and deflect attention from the Kavanaugh nomination and the fate of immigrant children in detention.
1
$16 wage for auto assembly workers will eliminate every one of those jobs in Mexico. Robots can do it all.
1
Although the renegotiated trade pact between the US, Canada, and Mexico that replaces the NAFTA is hgh on symbolism and bereft of substance, and even leaves the devilish details, one can't deny that Trump has got away with what his campaign rhetoric had suggested, I.e. to renegotiate the whole gamut of trade deals on the US terms, even if needed through bullying the trading partners,yhat he has really done.
6
Once again, Trump shows his resolve to keep his campaign promises--on his way to "Making America Great Again". And all Democrats, Progressives, Liberals and Socialists (as if there's any difference) can do, is grit their collective teeth--and pray for failure--or even facilitate it, if they are able.
We are witnessing in America right now, the greatest case of mass treason in our country's history--as a political party, with one monolithic philosophy, is cheering our failure and downfall. During only one other time, have we witnessed so many American's rooting against the national interest--and that was in the middle of a civil war.
Those of us who truly love this country, will be out in force in November to make sure the Left does not succeed in carrying out its scorched earth policies.
3
@Jesse The Conservative
“Once again, [Obama] shows his resolve to keep his campaign promises--on his way to ["Change You Can Believe In"]. And all [Republicans, Conservatives, Neocons and Fascists] (as if there's any difference) can do, is grit their collective teeth--and pray for failure--or even facilitate it, if they are able.
We are witnessing in America right now, the greatest case of mass treason in our country's history--as a political party, with one monolithic philosophy, is cheering our failure and downfall. During only one other time, have we witnessed so many American's rooting against the national interest--and that was in the middle of a civil war.
Those of us who truly love this country, will be out in force in November to make sure the [Right] does not succeed in carrying out its scorched earth policies.”
That was easy. Funny how that works.
13
@Kat
--Socialized medicine
--A weakened military
--Anti-law enforcement
--Anti Business (you didn't build that)
--Higher taxes
--Disadvantaged trade deals--left in place
--New regulations, every day
--Anti-energy
--Food Stamp Economy
--Millions filing disability claims.
--Stoking race tensions
--A prostrate foreign policy--fake red lines
Now none of that resembled an attempt to make American Great Again, eh?
Without knowing all the details, this agreement appears to be a basic rehash of NAFTA, but with a slight incursion into the Canadian dairy market. What a waste of time and effort - not to mention severely bruising our relationship with an important ally -, but plaudits to the Canadians for standing firm - Trump got out-manoeuvred at the bargaining table. Again. The Art of the Deal!
12
It is all scripted. China and the US will announce a deal before the upcoming election. I stated this months ago. First Mexico , then Canada , and surpriclse China , deals will be reached. Every effort is being made to cause a conflict and then surprise the conflict ends and everyone is friends again. Typical Trump.
I think the new deal is going to be problematic for the President.
If it took him almost a lifetime to understand the difference between Medicaid and Medicare, how long will it take to remember the acronym USMCA?
4
USCAM is easier to remember and more to the point.
1
All 3 leaders claimed a win for the revised NAFTA, salvaged from being renamed SAFTA. Win win win ? The reality is, the tariff war Trump started is inflationary and will make our trade deficit worse. It would force the Fed to raise rates and slow down global economic growth in the future, as the IMF forecasted!
5
@Chin Wu
And all the touted labor gains, if any, will evaporate with the Fed raising rates to quash inflationary wage gains. The Fed was created to destroy labor wage gains
through interest rate increases creating layoffs and then a surplus of labor lowering wages.
Will we ever wake up? America is run for business, not its citizens at large.
2
Trump created this crisis and then claims to have solved it. In fact, the deal is not that good for anybody, including Americans, on whom it gradually increases prices and does nothing to address the many substantial social problems and failures of government investment and assistance that are at the heart of many American problems. From a Canadian perspective, what is clear is that the US cannot be trusted. The use of tariffs and threats of tariffs, the bad faith negotiations, the violations of the rules of international trade that typified the US approach under Trump simply serves to underline the extent to which the US is dangerous and unpredictable. These damages will need to be worked out with later US governments, as the economic inefficiencies created by Trump begin to take their toll. But, for Canada, what is apparent is that we must move further and further away from the US, diversify our economy and trading partners, and never again put ourselves in a position where we can be blackmailed and attacked from an unreliable predatory state.
9
Real "free trade" agreements could be written on a postcard. NAFTA was more than 1700 pages long. It was a defacto "managed trade" agreement, where sadly the American worker (and to a large extent, the Canadian workers) were managed out! LABOR ARBITRAGE, pure and simple. NAFTA, did we hafta?
Oh goody. How much longer are these 80 year old peanut vending exercises in total claptrap likely to take before something goes seriously wrong? Trump seems to believe that everyone will come to his party bringing presents. So while USS Decatur is trying not to get rammed by a Chinese destroyer in the South China Sea, official visits are being cancelled, the TPP, (negotiated in secret, behind the backs of the citizens of all nations involved), is the masterpiece of achievements? Does it include that wonderful TPP dispute resolution mechanism, which is outside national jurisdictions?
For those who don't know, many agreements are basically copies of other agreements. No talent, logic, or understanding of any kind is required to enter in to these agreements. Know anybody who might?
6
The way Trump is governing his trade talks will cost you a lot of friends...and a lot of $!
7
@yves rochette
Business lobbies wrote this deal. Labor was not at the table and as usual, was on the menu.
2
China is not so easily bullied like Canada or Mexico. Export is becoming less important as a percentage of Chinese economy as its domestic market has been expanding quite rapidly, and in many ways is surpassing US. And how much time Trump has? The mid-term is coming in a month, and Trump is going to have his hands full when the Democrats take over the House, and maybe the Senate as well. On the longer term US has to think about the dangers of being excluded in the Chinese market because of this new cold war with China.
4
Reality Check amzing how people can led to believe what they being told. As for trade usa is leading cause of climate change in world because of huge amount imports brought into usa. We consume more then we putting back into nature rining the future generations because we refuse to live with in are own means an mass produce are own waste.
1
This is an underwhelming agreement, a real mixed bag of needed adjustments to Nafta to bring it in to the 21st century. This is combined with a win or two for the US, a win or two for Canada and nothing much visible for Mexico. The majority of its significant terms fall into the "we shall see" category. It really seems to be a marketing effort and is more like a "promise kept alive" and not a "promise kept." It still has to ratified by 3 countries and won't take effect, if ratified, until 2020. Maybe the best part is that it won't be reviewed until after our Boy President is gone.
The idea that this is going to win a trade war with China is fanciful at best and delusional at the worst.
8
How about a $16 per hour minimum wage in the U.S. - for everyone, and not just for auto workers? We could put a 10% surtax on the incomes and estates of the top .01% until they stop whining about how the U.S. can’t afford to pay living wages, fix its infrastructure, and make higher education and basic healthcare affordable for working families.
11
Unfortunately, because the man behind the mic is such an compulsive, scatter-brained liar, the very real grievances Americans can justly claim to have with the way the Chinese regularly abuse us and other countries both within their borders and with their international policy aimed at throwing barriers to fair competition get lost in the onslaught of his smug idiocy:
software piracy (find me one domestic company here that actually pays for a Microsoft Office or Adobe Dreamweaver license!),
outright theft,
copyright infringement (recently saw a clone of Onituska Tiger called Wild Tiger or something like that, for sale outside a popular shopping mall in China's 'most international city'),
forced sharing of code, blueprints, other IP which inevitably ends with the Western competitor losing to the often state-supported start-ups that steal or are handed the IP,
draconian capital controls leveled at foreigners but relaxed for ease of citizens buying up assets overseas,
foreigners forbidden from investing in domestic financial products and often forbidden from buying property, even if tax-paying residents,
legal harassment and fake charges against international firms, the list goes on and on and on.
In that sense, I would say China is an even bigger bully than the USA, and they need to be brought to the table to discuss a fairer relationship.
While I despise Trump and most of what he represents, let's not lose sight of this reality.
2
Credit where credit is due. How many trade deals did Obama get done in 8 years?
3
Not ratified yet, so it’s tied with TPP in that respect.
4
FINALLY!!!!! A well developed, researched and journalistically BALANCED story from the NYT. There is hope yet for the world!!
3
@Rob benedetti Didn't you say that last week?
4
@Kenneth I'm sure I could have, but it wasn't me....
I'm sure manufacturing workers will be just thrilled to hear that owners of so-called intellectual property, and in particular, pharmaceutical companies, are going to see their profits increase. Canadians will have to pay higher prices for drugs - tremendous win for the common man (<— only men count in the Trumpian calculus)?
9
To be fair, Trump deserves partial credit for getting the few improvements done. His approach is very unorthodox and risky, but he got a couple little things improved. On the other hand, there's no guarantee the rest of the trade mess will get fixed soon, which could cause lingering damage to the economy.
3
Starting the fights, and closing them (with the claim that the results are in our favor) before midterm election to score credits!
I have to say that Trump is quite smart. He insulted most of the leader while negotiating, but left Xi alone (he even praises Xi). That does not make him successful in dealing with the Chinese. There are Chinese imports that we cannot find anywhere in the world - rare earth is one of those. There are components crucial to many industries that are almost exclusively made in China.
What is the cost of a PC if everything is made in the US? Go figure, and you can expand the list to furnitures, textiles, automobiles, building materials...
Politically, the Chinese do not have to worry the midterm or 2010 election. They are not as in debt as we are. Their homogeneous society makes it easier for them to go along with the leader.
I applause the achievement on USMCA, but am still cautious on US-China.
2
Why did TRUMP rename the agreement? This new agreement is NAFTA with some few changes, that will potentially hurts the end consumers.
6
Read the Times' account of Trump's 90-minute "speech" here; then read the Guardian's account, here:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/oct/01/trump-nafta-usmca-speech... .
The Times has to some extent normalized the ludicrousness of Trump even being President; the rest of the world hasn't.
14
Trump hails... Trump says... Trump assails...
Haven't we all had enough of those click-baiting headlines?
Trump also says he's "a genius" and the best president ever? Why report such bloviating utterances as if they're somehow "news"?
14
He is a narcissist with no understanding of the complexities of global trade. I am not impressed by his
bullying methodology and his over hyped results.
The cost is the loss of allies and friendship.
To a limited sociopath like Trump it is all about money and hyperbole. He is the Elmer Gantry of politics, an immodest demagogue and fraud. He has no dignity and class!
8
Just a side note. I'm in the midst of a major $100K construction project at my house. My contractor just told me the cost of a box of steel nails has tripled and the cost of a 2x4 went up by a buck since the Trump tariffs went into place. Maybe this trade warrior and tariff wizard can get lucky and repair the damage he's done? Meanwhile, the farm tariff bailout checks are going out, and I read that the head of the Senate Judiciary Committee just got his $750K check. Like the old kiddie puzzle...what is wrong with this picture?
22
@Chip Lovitt You forgot about the NY Times article about the IRS giving up on tax cheats. Well, so much for the good news.
3
TRUMPFTA has to be absolutely the most current, the most recent, and the most incredible new trade agreement between these three parties in the history of our great nation. But the serious and unanswered question that hovers over this article is, "What's in it for Putin?"
9
Well, like it or not, the trade deal is another specific, not vague, campaign promise kept.
5
Mr. Trump would like us to believe that it's good news every time he keeps a campaign promise. It doesn't matter whether they're good campaign promises or bad campaign promises.
Well, let him keep one more campaign promise: RELEASE YOUR TAX RETURNS!!!
18
He closed this deal quickly to distract from Kavanaugh's fall.
Everything he does is sone out of self-interest, and should be reported that way.
12
I really dislike Trump, but it is dishonest now is to deny that the new deal has some value. And, as much as I despise the President, I am angry at the decades of Democratic "free trade' neoliberals who let these anti-worker and anti-environmental deals go through. Thanks centrist DNC folks!
5
So Trump put some some lipstick on a dairy herd in rural Quebec. That had already been achieved in the TPP, and it proved a hilarious rope-a-dope on a miniscule issue. Little else changed, except his forgetting to reverse the steel/aluminum tarriffs which have cost the Ford Motor Co. $1 billion by their own account. Other American companies have also been proportionately punished.
Part of being Canadian, with a population and econmony about 10% of our cherished southern neighbours, is to make sure that their political leaders believe that they have 'won'.
We counterbalanced that this summer with the vigorous apologies of American vsitors, necessarily of the ilk that owns passports.
Here, the new-old trade deal is already being called MUCUS, a more fitting acronym perhaps; after all, they cost nothing.
13
So let me get this straight. Trump calls Nafta the worst deal ever. Now he has tweaked it in a few places, helping us a little, helping Canada a little, and helping Mexico a little. And now it's suddenly the greatest deal ever and a big achievement for Trump? Not buying it.
34
You make a fair point.
7
Surprised Kanye West has not tweeted his approval.
9
Expect no imagination from the Trump administration. Instead of USMCA they could have chosen US MAC (that is, US, Mexico, And Canada), provided that McDonald's Corporation would be paying for all expenses incurred throughout the long negotiations!
6
Well it was a promise, and how he has delivered as usual. This president tries very hard to deliver on his promises.
4
@vulcanalex As do all presidents. What's your point?
2
@vulcanalex
Mexico paying for his wall?
Repeal and replace Obamacare with a much better and cheaper healthcare?
North Korea moving to de nuclearisation?
Withdrawing from international deals on limiting Iran’s nuclear program was stopped by Trump, despite the US admitting it was working as intended.
Pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord to be linked with one or two other nations unconcerned about issues from climate change/global warming?
Weakening environmental and consumer laws to hurt most Americans.
Giving unfunded tax cuts worth over $1.5 trillion, heavily skewed to favour the 0.1%.
Treating long term NATO allies like enemies and long term enemies like allies.
Attacking his CIA, FBI, DOJ and the main stream media.
Picking the ‘best’ people for his administration, who often turn out to be not the best people, as seen by Mueller’s work.
Real wages have fallen 0.2% in the last 12 months while the mega rich have never had it so good. Yep Trump has delivered big time for the 0.1%.
3
For those of us who hoped to see genuine efforts to increase manufacturing industry in the US, its ultimate effectiveness will depend to some extent on Canadians buying US goods. And this is why you don't scorch the earth. Just as my father, who was there on D-Day, would never consider a German car, there is now a generation of Canadians who will travel less to the US and buy fewer of our cars.
15
If you hold a gun to the head of your much smaller and weaker neighbor to force him to give you a few more apples off his tree, and he complies, I guess you could call that "success".
But no one would call it a reasonable negotiation between friendly neighbors. Let's be very clear about that.
"Success" like this can be costly in terms of broken trust and faith. Everyone I know in Halifax is now firmly determined to buy as few US-made goods as possible, and forget vacationing in the US. I'm pretty sure that determination is now widely, and quietly, shared across Canada.
According to the USTR, Canada was America's biggest goods export market in 2017. I suspect the US is about to learn directly how we feel about being suddenly mugged by a neighbor we saw as at least respectful.
29
@Nick Wright 158 Canadians died in Afghanistan. Next time I suspect that when the time comes for Canadians to join Americans on some fruitless expedition, they'll pass.
11
@Nick Wright. The antipathy you feel towards the US is increasingly being felt in the UK. I have numerous friends who are now proposing a boycott of American goods. And it's ironic of course that Article 4 of the NATO agreement has been invoked just the once - following 9/11 - when America's allies leapt to its defence. And we all know where that lead us.
19
@Lazza May Doing what? We had large numbers of military protecting Europe for decades from Russian invasion.
I think it important to note that this trade deal is most certainly not good for the Canadian or American worker - but it's a great deal for the multi-nationals. And it came about not because of Trump, but in spite of him . . .
3
So, my understanding is that the US subsidizes the US Dairy industry in the production of milk and milk products, I've seen the number of 40% of production, which ensures that the dairy industry is profitable in the US. While Canada subsidizes their Dairy industry with a supply management system whereby consumers pay higher prices set by the Canadian government ensuring that the Dairy Farmers make a profit. So, so by shipping 'cheaper' milk products to Canada, the US taxpayer is now subsidizing the consumption of milk products by Canadians? Canadians basically now get to consume cheaper milk products courtesy of Donald Trump? Granted, the percentage of increase is small but how is this a win for Americans? Perhaps it's a win for a few Wisconsin farmers?
10
The Dairy industry in California hasnt been profitable for sometime. The average cost of production is about 10% over income. Most of the 30 cents a gallon subsidies don't make it to the farmer either. It costs $2000/yr to maintain a cow.
@Jill
you bet and now the price of our milk will increase.
MABA. Make Americans Broke Again!
Trump declaring nation security to impose tariffs is equal to declaring militay war; and Congress and the next POTUS needs to insure a vote of Congress is taken prior to its future use!
2
The Art of the Deal at work here. Great job Mr. President.
Keeping America Great.
6
@Brewster Millions. Please don't conflate the Art of the Deal with America's economic prospects. I mean, the man did suffer four Chapters 11 bankruptcies, one public company disaster, and more than a dozen business failures. Or perhaps you weren't aware of that.
3
We do not have to invade the United States, we will destroy you from within.
Nikita Khrushchev
--------
You Americans are so gullible. No, you won't accept communism outright, but we'll keep feeding you small doses of socialism until you'll finally wake up and find you already have communism. We won't have to fight you. We'll so weaken your economy until you'll fall like overripe fruit into our hands.
Nikita Khrushchev
--------
The press is our chief ideological weapon.
Nikita Khrushchev
-------
And here we are! Wake up my fellow Americans!
3
Hey, if this is good for American workers, then yay! Time will tell.
3
It's nice they signed a deal. Now for the real work: enforcing it.
1
So another claim that was already negotiated by Obama under TPP. Didn't Trump just recently say he might just support TPP? Or was that just another tweet ? I believe Kim Jon Un is readying a deal for Trump to develop Trump Tower in NK?
5
The Nafta deal only means more jobs at the expense of our climate. Coal destroys the atmosphere and the toxic by product coal ash will destroy our water supplies. Their is arsenic , lead , cadmium and many other toxic chemicals that will come back at us. More jobs more pollution. Typical GOP.
8
It’ll never be known as Usmac (or whatever): it’s NAFTA II
4
Trudeau will pay dearly for this capitulation which not only is a bad deal for Canada gives Trump much needed “good news” in time for the mid-terms. This comes close on the heels of a very questionable deal whereby the Government of Canada bought a controversial pipeline for far more than its valued at. Unlike his father, Justin looks like a one term Prime Minister whose party will be unforgiving.
2
@Norman Dale, I guess you could call it capitulation. But I think Trump was serious about tariffs on cars and other severely punitive measures. That's not "capitulation"; that's a hostage-taking and would have decimated the economy of your largest province. I gather you are not a fan of Mr. Trudeau - and perhaps you are mad at Ontario too. However, to suggest that Trudeau could have done anything other than what he did (which was, in effect, take in the ear) seems to be a bit unrealistic. I think you should all be very glad it wasn't much worse. Or perhaps Canadians would rather stick to their principles and be impoverished in the bargain. 'Cause that's what was on tap my Northern Canadian friend.
4
Canada was smart enough to stay in the TPP, Asian markets are opening up to them while they are closing to us.
10
@Norman Dale Thanks, Norman. What do you believe Mr. Trudeau should have done?
3
If Trump does everything the left wants they will still be after him. Why? because they are not in power. And that is what this is all about. Power and money.
My biggest fear of the left isn for the government to take over everything. IL is so massively in debt with government worker pensions. So many left states are the same but not as bad yet. As soon as the left has control of the fed they will rule that all the states must pay the state government pensions. So all the red states will now pay the debts of the blue states.
5
Right now the taxes paid by the blue states support all the red states....
13
@Jim This is why Trump won.
1
@Jim Of course Republicans aren't interested in power and money, right?
Having a foot in the north, the whole deal is just optics for Trump. The deal sets limits that are so high that they are unlikely to be reached any time soon.
the whole milk issue is around milk solids that are added to food. Canada had already set a new standard in their deal with the EU so agreeing to the same with US was obvious.
As far as the minimum wage in the car industry, that is complex and easy to fudge. However, Canada was already on board with the raise and happy to have Mexico agree as it will benefit Canada who will get more work because Canada has a car industry wage far above 16 dollars.
Canada got the US to keep what was important to it.
So usual Trump - make a stink and then agree to what the other side wants. Meanwhile the relief from the Trump firestorm to Americans seems like a win.
The lesson the world learned was stand strong against the Trump wind and give him the optics of a win. The result is a win against American. However, everyone loses because everyone becomes an opponent. No mutual benefit.
12
This treaty is tremendously big, and tremendously the same.
5
Tweaks, really, to NAFTA, plus shifting dairy concessions from TPP to NAFTA, now renamed USMCA. The 'rename' part seems to be what Trump really wanted. Is this entire awful play the result of Trump's ego, wounded by Obama's dinner jokes? Get rid of anything Obama? Good god, what a tiny, shallow man.
27
@Doug Fuhr yes indeed, very shallow.
4
you are spot on!
2
It's NAFTA. He did nothing. Why is the NY Times putting this out as something new?
17
@Joe Sabin Hi, Joe. Journalism requires reporting and there are some things new.
2
@gc it's how it's reported. And it is the same agreement with marginal changes, it's nothing new. The Times needs to report this like it is, he gets a "victory" by saying he got rid of NAFTA. That's it.
I love a Japanese English "match pump," meaning setting a fire and extinguishing it by himself. Yet another one-man show by Mr. Trump.
10
Trump did the equivalent of burning down his own house while screaming racist remarks at his neighbors and blaming them, then crowing how he rebuilt the house and added a closet and his neighbors promised not to have him arrested.
21
@Steve Zakszewski Thanks I laughed when I read your comment! I agree with you
5
All this appears to be not much more than a photo op for President Trump to blow his own horn, but will have little impact on the US economy or jobs.
10
From what I'm hearing - this deal represents a modest change overall to NAFTA. I'll wait for the analysis from those who study international trade because our president over hypes and misrepresents (nice word) virtually everything.
Trump says, "It will create 100,000s of jobs." Well - we've been adding hundreds of thousands of jobs each month for the past 8 years.
Some good things to be sure - like higher wages for those in Mexico and changes to help auto industry - but these are marginal improvements.
Business leaders are of course happy for a deal because Trump was ready to blow everything up and tank our own economy to fulfill just ONE campaign promise.
13
The NYT is USA on this...from our side of the border, from our own reporting:
CBC:
So when Lighthizer agreed to a longstanding Canadian demand to preserve Chapter 19 of the original NAFTA, in its entirety — a dispute settlement mechanism that Lighthizer personally loathes — the Canadians gathered in Telford's office gasped, senior government sources told CBC News.
Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, Canada's political lead on the file, threw her hands up in the air and shouted, "Yay!"
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/tasker-nafta-tick-tock-nafta-1.4845904
To top it off, we as a nation will now be examining all products for country of origin.
19
It is getting really painful to watch Trump on TV and in video form.
As this video demonstrates once again: Trump's lying and bragging on the world's stage are insufferable, obnoxious, and embarrassing to this once great nation.
Here is a tracking of Trump's lies published in the NYT on June 23, 2017.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/06/23/opinion/trumps-lies.html
See how time-consuming and complicated it is to count Trump's lies.
So to simplify matters, instead of counting all the times Trump lies and exaggerates, how about we just count the times Trump tells the truth and is accurate in what he says and claims.
Another count requiring no effort would be to keep track of the number of times Trump is thoughtful, considerate of others, diplomatic, and exercises humility.
Essentially, Breaking News would be when Trump tells the truth and is diplomatic and humble.
Sorry World, but the American people voted for Hillary Clinton and not Donald Trump in 2016. He is not our fault. Blame the Republican Party,
23
exactly!
10
@PB lol, thanks for your insight, funny but unfortunately, it’s true too
2
One published comment from Texas said that the negative response from Times readers was Trump Derangement Syndrome, and that, fortunately, Times readers were a small percentage of the population. How about this view, also from deep in Redlandia; all Trump really accomplished was a few minor tweaks to NAFTA, which could have been done quietly and without all the bluster and damage to our markets and reputation. All the drama was simply to appease his ego and give his “base” an achievement to point to.
32
@Beachbum6556 That’s bang on! I live in Canada, we are actually pretty easy to get along with. So it wouldn’t have been hard to get a deal done without all the nasty stuff.
4
One thing that Trump doesn't factor into his ham-fisted approach is public sentiment in Canada and elsewhere. Wine, Cheese, vacations, clothing - all very highly competitive markets, where retail consumers can make or break industries. As of this summer, a remarkable 70% of Canadians reported to have made at least one conscious decision to buy a Canadian product over a comparable American one--all thanks to Trump's remarks about Canada.
Of course, in the big picture, Canada is relatively small potatoes for most American industries. But little things add up to big things. Just imagine if the "don't buy American" sentiment took hold in Europe, Asia, or in Latin America. Stats already show that international visits to the US (with the exception of Canada as source country) fell by 3.8% since Trump took office. This slump goes against the international average, which actually saw a 2% increase in global tourism.
25
It was grotesque. Trump trashing women asking questions, rambling, incoherent. Bizarro.
21
We could have done much of this without alienating our second largest trading partner and closest neighbor. But Trump wanted his "own" deal. Meritless ego and bottomless idiocy.
23
“campaign promise”, I’m still waiting for his promise to repeal and replace ObamaCare on Day One with a health care for all and it would be better and cheaper. Still waiting...
8
@Freer Huguenot Suggest you ask "Thumbs Down"McCain about that.
3
@MCH
Are you kidding me!? Did you even read the abomination that was the 'replacement' plan. They has nothing....literally nothing after all those years of railing against the ACA. What a joke.
6
I have said it before and will say it again, I don’t particularly like the way Mr. Trump,comports himself, but based on the bulk of these reader responses one ha to conclude Trump Derangement Syndrome is sweeping the land. It doesn’t matter what he does, many people are incapable of being objective. The only saving grace is that while NYT readers are very opinionated, they are also a very small portion of the population.
9
Do you actually try bring objective? You do realize that these mostly cosmetic changes have to be voted on and passed through both chambers of Congress, right? He can tour and bluster all he wants about this but the fact is it’s just for show.
11
@TW Smith And NY Times readers are also, compared to the rest of the population, highly educated and well informed. In case you haven't heard, the New York Times is the greatest newspaper in the world, and has been for a very long time. Proud to be a Times reader and paid subscriber.
And by the way, the average Trump "base" member is ten times LESS objective than Times readers, and a hundred times more gullible.
In honor of our French speaking friends to the north, I propose renaming the USCMA the "Camus" (The Canadian Agreement with Mexico and the United States). Since nothing is likely to change much, perhaps "The Myth of Sisyphus" could be read at the signing ceremony.
14
@jrinsc, if you were Canadian, you might want it renamed: the USBIBFA. Or, the US Bullies Its Best Friend Agreement. 350 million people vs. 35 million. Oooh, we're so tough. Making American Great, one ruined relationship at a time.
13
Trump's pyrrhic victory on dairy will only result in American dairy ending up in Canadian landfill sites. Canadians do not want to buy these products because they are full of growth hormones. The aftermath of Trump's badmouthing Canadians will be beneficial to his anti alien program. Less Canadians will be traveling to the United States. Canadians have long memories.
25
Like most people, Canadians vote with their wallets. Canadian dairy is ridiculously overpriced.
2
@Tom Yes we do
2
@Tom Aquinas
I didn't think Thomas Aquinas had a wallet and I don't think he would have subjected himself to a second rate dangerous product.
Fake news must even admit this is huge for Trump.
3
News, or rather journalism, isn’t about making judgement calls. You don’t understand that and when you believe they aren’t doing that to your advantage you call it FAKE NEWS. It’s quite moronic if you think about it.
4
Too bad it isn't called US - CA - M agreement, or U-SCAM!
16
@rozanne junker
Love it..well done! That's what I'm gong to use for the acronym.
4
If only Trump hadn't dared to take credit, his critics might have had the breathing room to acknowledge the benefits of this new deal. But he didn't ,and they cannot.
For the rest of us, the increased percentage in how much of the auto must be made in North America, as well as that minimum $16 wage that must be paid for auto assembly workers are definite benefits.
By all accounts, it's good for American workers.
4
It’s almost like Donald Trump has a credibility problem!
So unfair. That’s definitely everyone else’s fault but his.
2
Sorry Mr. Trump, it is the same Nafta revised, it benefits a few more, keeps a few more jobs in the car industey, but it is the same old deal. You are not fooling anyone.
15
So let me get this straight! As all it does is make the American consumer pay more for what they buy? And do you remotely think American businesses are going to raise wages?
15
Deception Politics 101: fake a crisis, lie and shout about it, then settle for a name change and a few trivial changes to substance.
Trump's "new deal" is the same deal he could have had with Canada and Mexico, as well as the economic heavyweights China, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. Instead of supporting the Trans-Pacific trade pact, he chose to start a trade war.
The man is a dumb liar sustained by a devious political machine and a hogslobber electorate!
32
@AynRant
I love the name Ayn!
3
I'm confused, did the creators of South Park come up with this new trade deal acronym, "Us, MKay!"? Then again, the "Us" part does put America First, so maybe it was Trump after all.
I do recall Trump saying during the campaign that he was the only one who could, "rename things for the betterment of the entire country!" And today, he delivered on the first part of that promise!
I guess the "betterment" part will have to wait until after the election...
3
The fact is Trump tried to strong arm our NAFTA partners and allies and, at best, made modest changes to the agreement (some of which would have been included in the TPP agreement negotiated by the Obama administration but from which Trump walked away) while making us look like bullying morons in the process.
No doubt his base will lap up his mindless and almost completely unjustified bragging.
27
@NJB
I was going to make a comment, but you said it for me. Thank you.
4
Ice cream will be cheaper in Toronto, yay! Car workers get min wage, yay! North American cars are made in US, Canada and Mexico, yay! Is there inclusion for US workers (recompense for lost US jobs)? No. So, nothing achieved, but 1) DJT bilateral fixation undermined, 2) dispute resolution kept and 3) Canadian TV and film industry kept intact, which is better for world culture and for everyone, so basically DJT did minimal damage.
8
Only if they decide to start eating 'Merican ice cream. Have you been to Canada? I have. They're not going to abandon their local non-growth-hormone laced ice cream makers. in Canadian, I believe the phrase is: stick it.
13
Trump didn't keep his promise.
The same people who voted for him forgot the original promise.
Trump said he would get rid of NAFTA, not just rename it.
19
It’s minor tweaking and rebranding - much ado about very little. Of course the GOP and the Bloviator-in-Chief will trumpet it as a great victory between now and the midterms.
All sizzle, but not even a Trump steak
11
Meet the new NAFTA same as the old TARP...
They’re all agreements designed to ensure the ever-more-rapid shoveling of wealth from the pockets of the masses into the pockets of the 1%.
4
Another campaign promise fulfilled. Now, if he could just get the wall built.
4
USMCA? who was the creative team behind that unpronounceable acronym?
5
@ryan ryan Just be careful of, "Desert Storm" and "Iraqi Freedom". Don't be fooled by that patriotism, it could cost you your life for no reason at all.
2
Donald Trump brings new meaning to the term "Frienemy", mostly by negating the "Friend" part.
10
Isn't this basically the same deal Obama negotiated under the TPP. Trump creates chaos and drama (on a daily basis) and then restores the status quo (see North Korea and the ObamaCare replacement) while claiming he moved heaven and earth and only he could (restore what he destroyed) under a rebranding. Slick trick for his credulous followers
13
"I got rid of NAFTA!", says Trump, "By renaming it! I told everyone that I was the only one who could rename something, while alienating every ally, and embracing everyone of our enemies!"
Perhaps Trump can keep his promise to MAGA simply by changing our name from the United States to the United States of Great America? You know, like the amusement park?
9
Like any trade agreement - any one gain is irrelevant - the question is the whole picture. I'm not an expert - but since Trump badly needed a win, I'd bet you anything there's a few little gains, with a bunch of losses for the US.
And I sure won't have any hard feelings against the Canadians nor Mexicans for this - Trump is the one who unilaterally pulled us out of an agreement for no reason other than grandstanding. No reason to expect any agreement negotiated under these conditions to be in our favor.
5
Trump is so transparent and actually an awful negotiator. His idea of negotiating is starting a trade war via twitter. Canada knew they had him because he wanted a deal before the midterms, so they told him to go pound sand. This deal is just as great as the deal that ended the nuclear threat from North Korea, oh I forgot there was no deal with North Korea...Trump just likes signing stuff in front of cameras. He is desperate to prevent the midterm nightmare that is headed his way, He knows if they lose both house and senate he will be impeached. Even if they just lose the house(which is more likely) there is still a chance of impeachment. This is just the start, you are going to see Trump non stop telling you how great he is for the next couple months. The amazing part is that his followers don't really care how full of it he is. He really is PT Barnum calling all the suckers into his tent.
13
Since taking over the office Mr. Trump has done nothing for America and American's. He has only helped the rich get filthy richer. Trump has no idea what he is doing and appears to be histories greatest con artists with the help of the GOP and Russia of course. However Trump greatest weapon in this last election was the selective-ignorance of his supporters who have continued to support a narcissistic moron who is stealing from them every way he can while expediting the demise of the environment which is killing us all, the 99% that is. We are living through histories most insane period and I fear this is only the beginning.
8
This deal includes terms about the internet not contemplated in the 1994 nafta. I heard that the terms are copied from TPP negotiated by Obama. Once again Trump taking credit for Obama’s good work. ( the other is the economy-trumps influence doesn’t immediately start in January 2017.)
8
It is clear the title of this new agreement (I assume it was so designated by Trump) is an awkward, long winded and left wanting, acronym.
The original - NAFTA - designation rolled off a tongue of even the Trumpian world. How do we pronounce this boggled concoction? "Us hmm caw", has the romance of a half eaten hamburger thrown out a car window.
Surely this agreement needs a better acronym. Perhaps it something best addressed by throwing out a challenge to American early grade students to rename the agreement with something pronounceable.
5
To all the Republicans who will hold this up as a Republican victory, where were you when NAFTA was voted into law by...Republicans? It’s not surprising that the Trumpers don’t want to talk about who voted for NAFTA in the first place, and which party has been championing ‘free trade’ (meaning free of unions, in reality) for decades. What baffles me is why the Democrats don’t have the guts admit the mistake of Bill Clinton’s pandering to big business but point out that most Democrats voted against NAFTA, it was a Republican concept and they made it law.
I guess it’s a testament to the Republicans vastly superior propaganda.
4
Apparently, Wall Street does not think much of Trump's "promised kept". Let's face it, Canada would not cave into to Trump, nor would Mexico. Neither would take a deal that made them worse off. Thus, it is either status quo, or Trump gave away something.
If I were an ex-union worker expecting to get that high paying job in a steel mill, auto plant, coal mine, appliance manufacturing, motorcycle manufacturer, paper mill, lumberjack, etc., don't hold your breath. Oh, if you are a small farmer, guess what, there are still tariffs on China, and whatever Trump claims to have gotten you, will still not keep your farm profitable.
Trump sold you out, and is declaring a victory.
17
Stroke the ego of the mad king and rename it from NAFTA to USMCA; wow, just wow that 45’s base is so easily fooled by these shenanigans
12
“As someone who voted against NAFTA and opposed it for many years, I knew it needed fixing,” Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said. “The president deserves praise for taking large steps to improve it."
That's how this was reported in the Washington Post.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/2018/10/01/cae5b7fa-c588...
3
Now that the NAFTA 2.0 distraction is temporarily resolved, it's time for Canada to focus on the possibilities presented by the revised CPTPP and CETA. Reducing our dependancy on the whims of the US economy will only enhance our future prosperity.
25
Democrats, liberals and progressives (or whatever they are calling themselves these days) are seething that Trump negotiated a better deal than their sainted Bill Clinton, who literally gave away the farm to both Mexico and Canada with the NAFTA fiasco. They would prefer to let these neighbor nations continue to fleece the United States, simply to be accommodating. That ways lies madness, and fewer jobs for Americans. Good on Trump. He is doing what he promised to do, which is to put Americans and American interests first and foremost. That's his job.
3
As it is Trudeau's job to do the same for the citizens of Canada. There needs to be give and take on both side. We ended up exactly where we would have been a year ago if it had no been for Trump's bluster to support his ego and base. Canada did not give up much. The dairy concession was exactly what we conceded for TPP Trump walk away from. The major US concession was dispute resolution which is big (so long as US adheres to the decisions which it has a long history of doing e.g. softwood).
Speaking of being taken advantage of the US has stricter import quotas on dairy than Canada plus US taxoayers subsidizes milk production between 40 and 73% of milk prices.
https://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2018/06/us-trade-policy-on-dairy-...
9
@paul It's just amazing how other countries are "fleecing" poor US but our country is still the greatest economic powerhouse the world has ever seen. And has been for three quarters of a century.
The Great DealMaker couldn't push weak MX to pay for his wall? SAD!
5
The other little concession that got slipped in was that Canada would agree to get permission from the US to negotiate any trade agreement with 'non-market' countries. An America First provision if there ever was one. Will be interesting to see how this collides with the TPP as this rolls out. Assuming, of course, that Congress approves. And that the sovereignty concessions does not cost Trudeau his government. (Voters do count for something on the north side of the border.) And from watching the trade talks in the news, am thankful that Mr.Trump was not directly involved with the actual negotiations.
6
The best things about this deal appear to be what was kept from the Clinton designed, Nafta. So Mr. Trump solved a problem he created by keeping most of what he complained about. All so he could give it a new brand. The punchline is, just like all his other achievements, it really isn't done, they are just bragging it is.
9
Bet we will still call it NAFTA for a long time.
All is not final till Congress speaks.
3
Just asking - did anybody run the new name by the US Marine Corp? USMCA makes it sound like it has something to do with the Marines. Am I the only one to notice this?
(And I speak as someone who lives in a city where the local hockey team apparently didn't run their new mascot, Gritty, by a focus group.)
Where is the article that actually talks about all the nuts and bolts of the deal instead of this political gossip column? Why do I subscribe to this paper? Its certainly not for articles like this. This article is all about optics. But in reality it sounds like a huge deal just to gain some concessions for dairy farmers. Was there a huge intellectual property issue among the US, Canada and Mexico? But I would say its a good deal because reasonably Canada could say they won the negotiation, Trump thinks he won and Mexico seems happy.
4
@EdwardCanada can't say they "won" - because dairy is changing.
1
Trump should buy flowers for himself. This to satisfy his ego.
5
According to an article in The Globe and Mail, this deal is not that much different from NAFTA, and USMCA doesn't exactly trip off the tongue.
4
If this minor tune-up shifts the outcomes in midterm elections, considering all the havoc and dysfunction Trump and the GOP have caused in comparison, then we truly are a nation ruled by an idiot electorate.
11
I am not an economist (I play one on these message boards), but as far as I understand it, the ''deal'' (yet to receive any votes in the house where it needs ratification) essentially stems the flow of jobs to Mexico by raising the hourly wage floor to $16hr.
There are more protections for intellectual property, and there is a higher percentage for manufacturing autos within North America, than what was in the TPP. There is a lowering of tariffs on some things, but the mechanism for disputes remains the same. (meaning the U.S. cannot bully its partners without consequences)
Many tariffs (100's of billions) still remain to be worked out. So, a ''deal'' (again - not ratified) was exclaimed as a win by the President, when in actuality nothing has happened. We shall see.
There are elections on the horizon and I doubt the final deal comes anywhere close to what it is in its current form. The press will lose interest (as they always do) and all sorts of ''backroom'' things will be inserted in the end, resulting in more funneling of money (tax payer money) to the top.
Same as it ever was.
3
@FunkyIrishman
It will have a limited effect, since 40-45% of the value must be by workers earning over 16$/hr. Most of the vehicles assembled in Mexico already have a high value add in USA/Can/Eur/Jap, so final assembly workers can still be paid less, as long as the 40% number is achieved.
Basically, minor tweaks to NAFTA after 2 years of screaming and chaos.
4
Typical Trump trash! The USA can now send its hormone infested milk to Canada (why would we want to buy it?). He has enabled Big Pharma to operate more effectively in Canada (that will please them). He gave up on his ambitions to have American courts decide on trade practices. He has rewritten NAFTA as the USMC but we Canadians will not forget his rudeness, intemperate speech, and his truly ugly and bigly idiocy.
47
@Stephen Kurtz
Spot on. Not sure we know anyone on Vancouver Island that has any plans to purchase American chemical-infused milk. Do you know anyone in Ontario that will? I thought not.
6
So Trump to replace NAFTA's name, a name that actually stated what the agreement did, with a name that is utterly meaningless.
9
Please all this guy does is make a big mess out of things then try to look like a hero when he puts it back together again under a new name. If he were less of a narcissist he would have just quietly made a few minor modifications without all the drama. Its so sad this reality show country we have now.
13
Stopped buying US products. That is all I have to say about these “negotiations”.
27
I thought it was us Trump voters who were supposed to be low information, but it doesn't seem like that by reading these comments. For those who say Trump only got what the US was being offered under the Pacific agreement, that's precisely the point - what the US has to give up in multi-lateral agreements is much more than what it has to give up in bilateral ones. So let's take a look at NAFTA specifically, and then measure the gains. Substantial ones include, enhancing the percentage of North America sourced products, increasing the $16 base wage percentage, modifying dispute resolution and yes, dairy access. This is an improvement in NAFTA for the US, and a marginal give away for Mexico and Canada. Any bad blood will go away over time - this is a fair agreement.
2
Never underestimate bad blood.
Also, wondering if you're old enough to remember the table grape boycott. The Nestle baby formula boycott? Boycotts can go on for years.
Personally, I don't take well to bullying. If you need me to pick up your dry cleaning, you ask me nicely, or you can pick it up yourself. And the next time you need me to do something for you, I will remind you of the other time.
19
@MRPV
Why don't you ask the farmers who are facing huge tariffs on their soybeans to China, and all the workers making products with Alum & Stell who are losing their jobs. Consumers paying more for the products. All this garbage to get what was already agreed 2 years ago in TPP. You may think the bad blood will go away over time, but I know many Canadians who have chosen no to buy anything American whenever possible. be it food, wine, or holidays including myself)
12
There is no agricultural product grown, produced
or manufactuired in this country, in one way
shape or form that is not toxic. Just ask Canada or
the EU. And cows eat grass that is weed killer and fertilizer
contaminated. Milk has not the remotest resemblance in flavor and taste of milk 50 years ago. Cattle are infused with hormones.
Soy beans are the worst of the lot. If you can't beat China, poison them.
As you sow, so shall youn reap.
F3
F3
10
Time will tell how this works out. It's a boon for Auto Workers a loss for auto consumers. Canada had already granted similar concessions regarding the dairy industry in the TPP agreement so all Trump did with that was make up grounds that he lost there. On the call I think it's a win for Trump and the country (unless you want to buy a car to the next 2 or 3 years) but not the major win that he and US wanted.
1
First, I read that this is a big deal for Donald Trump; a landmark agreement. Then I read further and I begin to see that this deal involves some minor tweaks and concessions that don't alter the original NAFTA agreement all that much. Then, I find out on CNBC that the deal Trump signed was actually the un-finalized agreement that the Obama administration had negotiated with Mexico and Canada right before he left office. So in essence, a deal which will only affect two models of automobile made in Mexico, the Nissan Versa and a high end Audi, out of over 32 models produced south of the border will potentially be affected. I also learn that essentially Obama did the homework, wrote the paper, and Trump passed it in and changed the name of the deal to make it sound like he did the work. Of course, I didn't learn this from the front page of the NY Times. I had to do some digging. I wish the reporters for the NY Times had done the same.
56
I am not certain that Trump and his supporters understand, or care, the level of contempt and distrust his trade and foreign policy tactics have engendered both here in Canada and around the world, towards the US. The threats, the bullying, the outright lies will not be forgotten.
The most amazing thing though, is that Trump and the US were actually badly out negotiated and the one thing, the very thing, that the US and Trump wanted most in the entire process, they didn’t get. Article 19, and a tripartite dispute resolution apparatus, lives on. It was truly the only thing that Canada wanted and needed. It is the only thing that saves our country from the economic brutality of people like Trump. But your thug of a President got what he wanted; a victory for Wisconsin’s poor beleaguered dairy farmers. They will now be able to ship more of their excess production, occasioned by stupid and unnecessary subsidies paid for by US tax payers, to Canada. So, well done Mr. Trump. You have gained very, very little, and America has lost its soul.
55
@John David James
and they'll only be able to export a tiny amount of special milk products..
4
I am very happy to hear countries trying to move forward with a very serious ongoing problem in America and other countries. I worked two jobs and even delivered this news paper early in the morning rain, shine , snow , ice , in Dallas Tx years ago. A middle class family can now be hopeful. Many cities in our country look like ghost towns with companies leaving out of the United States. I am so happy for our famers in our Country as well. Is the glass half empty or half full? I say full of hopes and dreams for our graduates to come out with college debt, and having job growth is a glass that tips over for sure with stability. Thankyou to the writers on posting a great stories today. I enjoyed reading this paper today , with just the facts. I seen him talk about the trade deal today and you all were right on with what he was saying.. makes me proud delivering this paper at one time.. thankyou...
SoTrump's tough guy approach worked eh?
Guess what Mr. Tough Guy: You may have gotten access to our dairy market, but I'll never, ever buy any yoghurt, cheese, or cream products made in the U.S.A.
Never. Ever.
And I'm pretty sure that I'm not the only Canadian who thinks that way!
83
@Shelley B - but you will buy cars & Trucks, that now have to have 75% North American content. good for Canadian auto workers and steel producers. More Importantly for Canada, the raw materials of this 13% increase in content is what the Canadian economy is built on. There is a reason Canada has the third highest per capitia carbon footprint in the world.
2
@mkm
maybe now you can remove the "Natonal Security" tariffs on steel and aluminium.
And many Canadians will make an effort to NOT buy cars and trucks produced in the US. There are plenty of other choices.
@Shelley B
You're definitely not the only one!!
4
Dear Canada,
I'm a big Neil Young fan. Joni Mitchell, too. Can I come live up there and participate in the American cheese boycott?
I also love your maple syrup and always go see the Blue Jays when they're in town (truthfully, primarily to hear O Canada). I don't follow hockey, but I'll give it the old college try (to be clear, not meaning a Kavanaugh college try).
I'm worried if I don't get out soon, the Trump troops won't let me out.
I can be packed in an hour.
49
@itsmildeyes
"I can be packed in an hour".
Promise, Rosie O'Donnell???
@itsmildeyes
If you are sane and can be a good neighbour, a fine citizen, respect others, give back to your community, learn to save, be and act like most typical frugal Canadians, do consider applying. Here on Vancouver Island we are chock a block with ex-pats. Most are not from America but a few are. Our ex-pats tend to be from the UK and especially South Africa- lots of MD's from SA.
You will feel encouraged to spell correctly and pronounce words correctly (i.e. it is pronounced Seattle with a t and not Seaddle with a d).You may learn to enjoy French and realise that Quebec is Canada's smoking section. You will realise that Justin is more popular in other countries than he is here. You will learn to embrace G&T's and the occasional Pimm's No. 1 in the summer months. You will learn to purchase Canadian goods and services at every opportunity and over time will lose your desire for screaming American newsreaders on CNN, FOX, etc. The New York Times is exempt as it does try to be a bit more international in scope. You will vote in each and every election. You will realise that Health Care in Canada is run on a needs model, rather like police and fire and not on an American style business model that one may buy stocks in. You will learn to apologise more, just not to Americans so much as they still feel they own the world despite their crumbling bridges and schools, and they can be such a bore.
A while back the Vancouver Sun reported that about 58,000 Americans legally got out
7
MKS in British Columbia,
Thanks for all the info. Just got back from seeing Neil Young an hour ago. I already do that apologizing thing.
Notice how different your comment is from my compatriot in Phoenix, AZ. Kind of tells you what you need to know about the state of affairs here.
It’s so crazy on the inside. I can’t imagine what it must look like from the outside.
1
Considering Trump's history, calling the agreement the USMCA appears to be a threat of military force, perhaps first directed at Mexico, and now Canada. I do believe Trump is setting up a coup or martial law. He has showed off his love of all things military, even having the White House run by the military.
1
Hurray, higher prices!
8
More acting lessons from a clown. Does this guy know how FOOLISH he is? We're ALL laughing at him!
And Don Jr. once again proves his missing intellect; #MeToo is
frightening for young men??? Talk about the privileged having myopia.....this is classic.
6
And the Democrats lose more votes. It's not that I hate Canada and Mexico. They are not our enemies. Neither are EU, Russia and China. But the Demorats side with those countries except Russia and the EU every chance they get. They don't care about Americans losing jobs. Even if it's just rhetoric and Trump exaggerating his accomplishments. He got us better deal or at least it seems so. What have the Democrats done for us recently Except scold us into being more like Europeans? Taken a good look at Europe recently?
There's noises being made about anti trust actions. Well it can't be right if Trump behind it. No way.Can you tell me what use the Democrats are to the working man? Blows against the patriarchy?
It's not that I can't see through Republican lies. It's just that the progressive wing of the Democratic party is useless.
2
@JoeG
You say you can see through the Republican lies yet you still drink the Kool-Aid. How’s that make you feel?
Dems are trying to get Americans jobs of the future, not dead and dying jobs. And oh yeah, clean air and water, a decent wage, some bargaining power, healthcare and infrastructure anyone? You’ll find all that in Europe.
3
@L in NL
I'm feeling great. Thanks for asking.
Factories, farms. Mines, chemical plants, engineering, pharmaceutical plants, logistic support, warehouse, construction jobs to build that infrastructure, plants home and offices, welders, plumers, electrician and carpenter's obsoleted.
Obviously your much smarter than me. Can you think of anything I might of left out.
As I said useless.
@JoeG Why don't you give us an an example of the Democrats "siding" with another country? I don't see any in your comment.
As far as "taking a good look at Europe" I visit often and see many prosperous countries where people are happier than here. Notably except Great Britain, where 52% drank the populist, nationalist kool-aid, and are now contemplating the abyss.
Sounds like Mexico taught the Don a new trick by raising Mexican labor wages and passing it on to American automotive buyers while letting the Don feel the ego boost. Ole. $16 and hour is still half the cost of American labor.
2
Sounds like Mexico taught the Don a new trick by raising Mexican labor wages and passing it on to American automotive buyers while letting the Don feel the ego boost. $16 and hour is still half the cost of American labor.
6
His Real Estate empire building is his method. He tore down something built before just to put up something new. It's just a new NAFTA with a new face of a salesman.
3
Only ISIS claims credit for more things than Trump.
13
Send your dairy to our country. We don't have to buy it.
17
@JenWe won't.
8
Let's stop gratuitously bashing American dairy. Americans make good products too. Let's instead ask for detailed labeling. Everyone is free to choose. Choose what suits you!
1
@AngeloWe will choose Canadian cheese.
3
Negotiation? Same plan different name with minor changes! Then again, his base can't tell the difference.
8
On the bare bone details that have come out, it seems a lot to do about nothing. The President has been ranting about supply management on dairy since day 1. Well Canada gave up 3.25 to both CETA and the TPP and 3.6 percent under this deal. If that difference is going to save the US dairy market you have more problems than I thought.
13
Trump can sell anything! That's our problem. It's really nothing he sold our countries, as seen on TV!
2
I'm not partial to milk produced with hormones given to cows that US farmers use!
4
Naturally, even organic milk contains hormones from cows. Now, It has been proven by hundreds of studies that if a farmer injects rBST to his/her cows, levels of “hormones” in milk do not reach pharmacological levels. You would need to drink thousands of glasses of milk to get levels similar to some pills or hormones prescribed by doctors. On the other hand, rBST is being suspended by literally almost all US producers. As mentioned before, even “natural” cows will produce milk with hormones in it as I result of the mammary physiology. Consumers of both Milks, organic and conventional, must be reassured milk is not a source of hormones as their level content can be measured in fractions of nanograms per ml.
What, no one claims that this agreement is merely a smoke screen to distract from the Kavanaugh situation? I'll have to read more comments. Somewhere I know someone has made this accusation.
1
Thank You President Trump for your business leadership on NAFTA, and promise to MAGA! It is working and the EU has buckled under with more to come. China is in trouble and they too will come to a deal that is “ fair” for all...for a change. Now get “Bad Brett “on SCOTUS STAT and business will have a true friend there also...Do it!
2
"Don't worry, my loyal subjects. My goods that are manufactured in Mexico, China, Indonesia, and other sweatshops abroad do not need to pay any penalties. Because I wouldn't want you to see me at my rallies wearing ties that aren't made in China, suits that aren't made in Mexico, and a campaign banners manufactured in Taiwan.
"Because the law isn't the only thing your king isn't exempt from."
Sincerely mine,
- The greatest Leader of this continent since King George III.
5
Net job increase for the United States?
Pause
Enter crickets...chirp...chirp...chirp
2
It seems like cars just got a lot more expensive or wages just got a lot cheaper. I believe there are some caveats to this “deal” I am guessing that the auto industry did not give away their ability to contract with Mexican Auto Unions “Protection Contracts” at a rate much lower than $16/hr. I am guessing this $16 wage will become a ceiling and a floor. Ceiling in Mexico and a floor in the US.
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2017/09/26/low-wages-me...
1
USMCA??? (really just NAFTA 1.1)
Actually, Trump finally succeeded in building a wall. It just happens to be one separating us from our Canadian neighbors.
17
I'm no fan of Trump, but his trade policies seem to be realigning the world power structure with the US on top. In the end, it's always about the economy even if he is unorthodox.
6
Concluding a trade agreement is usually an occasion to affirm and celebrate friendship between nations. This one feels more like a non-aggression pact. More like stable wariness than genuine friendship.
14
Love McConnell accusing Democrats of "moving the goalposts." Yeah Right. As opposed to you Mitch--dismantling it on Garland,,,,
10
@That's what she said -Forgetting Harry Reid and his nuclear option, are you?
Trump is playing games with the FBI investigation. I'm sure he directed GOP Senators to make sure the investigation has a narrow focus, so, most likely, nothing has changed. Trump and the GOP are playing a con game.
4
Can we trade Trump to Canada for Justin Trudeau? Canada can have anything else it needs to sweeten the deal.
3
@Michael TyndallWe up here would build a wall if we saw Trump truly coming.
9
@Michael Tyndall
No! Sorry, we can't. We are fresh out of orange tanning lotion and wrinkle creams.
11
@Michael Tyndall, not in a million years. What a pleasure to watch our measured, well spoken Prime Minister and his amazing minister of Foreign Affairs conduct their post-announcement news conference, sans adoring acolytes massed behind them; just the regular news media in front of them. This is how 'business' should be conducted. And no long dreary asides, about how fantastic he is, and how in the whole history of the world this is the best deal ever, ad nauseum. I also notice that the agreement has to have the US listed first, Canada last. Despite what he now says, Trump still has issues with Trudeau. The agreement, USMCA, now sounds as though it is some sort of US government department, as opposed to a tripartite international agreement.
17
Trump takes a relatively functional trade agreement, which he describes as "the worst trade deal in history," assails his allies (while expressing love for the leader of the country with the worst human rights record on the planet), tweaks the deal, renames it, and then declares it "the greatest trade deal in history." (He might not have used those words yet, but tune in to his next cult brainwashing session... er, rally. He will.)
Egad, I can't wait until the US has a real president. Nov 6 can't come soon enough for a first step in that direction.
29
@RickyDickNeither can we.
6
There seems to be some genuinely positive aspects to the agreement, although as some trade experts and economists pointed out TPP would have provided those features as well. A lot of it seems to be superficial changes or even a game of three card monty. For example, Canada has to open its markets more to US dairy, which is heavily subsidized. But can Canada essentially achieve status quo by subsidizing their dairy against US imports? What about unintended consequences and costs that get passed to other US companies. For example, what does the mandated increase in US produced parts and wages mean for US assembly plants and car brands? Will car companies race further to the bottom by moving to even lower waged countries, knowing even after tariffs it will still be cheaper?
But of course, we are not a country that is really into reading the fine print. Perception "trumps" reality in elections.
9
He, for the most part, renamed NAFTA with some insignificant tweaks! His supporters are rubes!
32
I disagree with Trump on both style and substance. But it’s truly impressive how he is delivering on the agenda he was elected for. His start was messy with his lack of experience but he’s getting his act together and working systematically on the promises (despite as partisan an environment as what Obama faced). No wonder his supporters love him. When I look back to what Obama eventually delivered ( and he did deliver some good) versus what he promised and what we hoped for, it’s a study in contrast.
9
And of course he markets and tweets and does his best to publicize. But isn’t that communication part of selling change ? Modest and introverted intellectualism achieves little compared to people leadership : like Trump and Clinton demonstrate.
And just what has Trump delivered? This deal is basically the same as it was,no nothing here. The tax cut? Or welfare for the ultra wealthy? Only they should love that. Those temporary cuts for regular, go away, but corporate welfare is permanent, so just who do you think will be expected to pay for new and existing needs? The regular taxpayer.
9
Again, don’t mistake my description for endorsement. But here is what he has done:
He has cut down Mexican border crossings even at the cost of human rights.
He has tried to arrest the decline of coal and coal jobs
He has achieved a detente with North Korea
He has been relentlessly pro Israel’s ( in my view recklessly pro Israel )
He’s created a sense amongst American allies that the old understanding that the US would fund the liberal order is over and is working on reducing US spending
He is driving a conservative Supreme Court
He is cutting taxes
He is using tariffs to bring back jobs
He is deregulating environmental protections so business ( and job creation) can benefit even if there is collateral damage in terms of pollution.
It’s the work of a man who may not be principled or even an ideologue but is executing to the best of his intellectual Nd political ability what he was voted in for. And that authenticity of action is what people want everywhere but rarely get.
6
Is anyone surprised that Mr. Trump calls this revamped NAFTA the "most important" trade deal? As a real estate marketer, any deal he announces is described by superlatives. Remember when he legitimized the murderous Chairman Kim? All indications are that all that has happened on the ground is N. Korea giving up sites it no longer needs. Once again, Mr. Trump seems more interested in claiming success rather than achieving success.
Thank you.
9
As usual, Mr. Trump is blowing his horn, pretending he has managed to negotiate a much better deal than all his predecessors. He seems to believe whatever he touches turn to gold. The rest of the world are just suckers waiting to be outsmarted by him. This is not much different from the statements he made after meeting with Kim Jong-Un, claiming that NK has agreed to denuclearize.
The facts are very different. The Canadians knew that Trump badly wants a deal before the midterm election. So, they taught him a lesson or two in deal making (National Post article: "Trade talks with Canada proving 'really, really difficult,' with little progress: U.S. NAFTA negotiator"; 08/09/18). Chiristia Freeland, the Canadian FM, told the US negotiator, Mr. Lighthizer, let us know when the US is ready to move on specific items, and then she left Washington. That made Mr. Trump very angry. He told the US media "we don't like their negotiator." That intimidated no one. She flew back to Washington only when US indicated it is ready to move on the said items.
The main compromise Canada made to the US was on its dairy market, increasing US access by 3.6%. This is almost the same amount Canada agreed to in the TPP agreement. The US had that concession already, as part of the TPP. Also, Canada-US trade is about $800 billion annually. The Canadian dairy market is $20 billion in total. Even if Canada had opened that market to the US completely, still it would have amounted to very little.
281
@Eddie B. Thx. If Trump's mouth is open, he's lying but I wanted the details.
@Eddie B. Canada wanted Trump to rubber stamp the old deal and it did not fly. Trump gained further access to Canada’s dairy market plus concessions on automobiles. The Canadian’s were visibly angry over the change in the status quo. There is no nice way of putting it. Canada caved in when faced with the alternatives of tariffs on steel and aluminum. Be grateful wood products were not on the table.
@Eddie B. Rest assured most Canadians, myself included, will continue to boycott American milk products. The economic reasons are obvious. Less obvious are avoiding the drugs that American farmers give their cows to keep them constantly lactating, until their bodies wear out and they die. The taste of Canadian milk proves the benefit of not emulating this practice
3
A puff piece for Trump
Trump says that it is a great deal for the US and the Times is happy to parrot that.
The real story is that, there is no big story and that is the way Canadian business is seeing it. Aside from pleasing Dairy farmers in New York and Wisconsin, he got very little.
12
Trump is the laziest person I have ever seen.
He simply created a crisis and re-write the same deal with few words like huge & bigly and put his name instead of Clinton.
This guys is going to spoil all good work of last 50 years and will write his name on everything w/o doing anything.
I also see Kushner, where has he been for last few months.. and now he is here to claim credit.
16
This is another Trump "triumph." He got from Canada exactly what the US would have received if it remained in the Trans-Pacific Agreement. It is as if Trump gave someone one hundred dollars and then got it back, but hailed the latter as a great deal: "I just got one hundred dollars from Canada, I pressed them and they relented. This is another victory for the US (i.e. Me)."
10
Will Trump's "Make America Great Again" hats now be made in the USA? I didn't think so...
10
It is worth remembering, however, how much bad feeling these protracted negotiations, including the blasted tariffs based on 'security' caused in Canada where I live. I have been reading comments here about folks not wanting to buy U.S. dairy products today, and to be honest, I feel the same way. We still support our dairy farmers and we still prefer milk without growth hormones. As for the tariffs on aluminum and steel, they remain sores on the once sterling relationship our countries had. I suspect that while the deal in general is acceptable, Canadians will be left with a bad taste for many years thanks to the negotiating style and threats from DT.
205
@Marilyn you should delete "dairy" and talk about "US products".Best
1
Yup, the problem is the growth hormones ( if you ignore the horrors of factory farming in general). Don’t buy American!
1
@Marilyn You betcha. Trump breaks his arm from patting himself on the back any chance he can, and for all the wrong reasons. The man has no humility. Worse, he attempts self-deprecation when everyone within earshot knows it is false. I bet the The Marine Corps would have liked a better acronym as well.
1
The biggest change for Canadians is the de mininus rule.
Currently, if you buy anything from states that cost more than $20, you may have to (theoretically) pay duty on it. The amount will increase to $40 before GST can be added and $150 before duty can be added.
This won't take effect until approved by US Congress in 2019
1
To me, goodwill of Canadians matters more than a trade win. I've traveled to Canada, loved it, and want to be able to do that again without being perceived as a representative of a bully.
True, I'm not a farmer, but I do pay taxes that support farm subsidies. I'd rather pay more such taxes, if need be, than alienate neighbors.
7
So relations with Canada are back on a good footing...after Trump wrecks it in the first place. Like a fire chief starting a fire and taking credit for putting it out.
6
@Michael Gallagher Well put.Relations with Canada won't start to get "back on steady footing" until President Trump and his devout followers can no longer be seen. That'll take twenty years - at least.
14
Quote "...the great deals for people and the workers...". It's rhetorics and politics or at least still a theory. Hard facts and real results await in the future. A person with not so stellar business history and acumen is hardly believable. It is NAFTA v2.0 not Donald deal.
2
It is NAFTA with a few tweaks. But of course he will oversell it.
2
Where is Mike Pence, applauding with deep admiration, and not very pensive?
4
from north of the border, it is almost the same as nafta. good that it got updated, but the real work was done a generation ago.
4
So we have a treaty now, and we had one before, we still have a trade war with these two countries concerning steel. Will this stop Trump's US farmers new welfare handouts? Will this agreement finally force Mexico to pay for the Trump wall? It looks to me that it was Trump who blinked first, and we'll see what Mexico's new President has to say about it in 3 months....
1
When I saw the headline about a campaign promise kept, I thought maybe the audit was finally over...
9
NAFTA has been renamed U.S.M.C.A. I was amazed it did not have a big golden T in the middle that would stand out bigger than the other letters.
The new initials remind me of United States Marine Corp + the A.
2
Could anybody explain what is so great with this new deal? Car prices will go slightly up tariffs on steel and aluminum unsolved also retaliation tariffs on American goods still in place is this the art of the deal ???
4
Mr. Trump has just established the minimum wage for workers in America, $16 per hour. If that wage is good enough for the autoworkers it should be good enough for everyone else.
10
Bupkis or near enough
Class 7 ultra-filtered milk products excluded from supply management --expect products made without this US invented for Canada use only product to say so and discourage use in Canadian cheese and yogurt
Extend copyright from 50 to 70 years after death
Tightening of IP rules to increase cost of drugs to Canadians
Fewer small cars made in Canada, US or Mexico
Change of name
No auto tariff phase out chapter 7, retain Chapter 19 and any benefits of Mexico-US deal and effectively no sunset
Canadian Ambassador to US said "if a few months ago you had told me we would get a deal like this,I would have taken it in a nanosecond."
Btw, I think the picture shown at top of the article is not from a US cheese maker (as implied in its description), but from a Canadian one in Quebec.
6
Oh for Pete's sake! The Washington Post this morning listed what this new agreement actually does, and it ain't much friends---much ado about nothing; but then that's Trump, making something out of nothing is his specialty, especially if it make him look good.
8
I'm wondering what former PM Brian Mulroney and former negotiator and diplomat Derek Burney think. The have been two of Trudeau's most listened-to advisors during these ongoing negotiations. The changes to dairy won't go over well in QUEBEC!!!. Mulroney himself is a Quebecker who fought hard for the dairy industry during negotiations in 1988 because of their political power in Ottawa. Same thing when NAFTA came into being with Chretien - another Quebecker who fought hard for the dairy industry. The Americans back then "gave it up" and signed the deal both times. They viewed dairy as "not being worth the fight" because it involved little of the total trade between the two countries. And they knew that it involved the political power of the cranky province of Quebec. But since Trump's questionable election win, he has had to have a piece of meat to throw to his most devoted and loudest supporters - the milkmen in the Great Lakes states. I'd like to hear what Brian Mulroney has to say about what has gone on. I'm sure that he's unhappy. I'd also like to hear from Chretien and former Liberal Party PM Paul Martin Jr. - who was finance minister when NAFTA came into being.
P.S.Justin Trudeau faces federal election next year. Quebec votes are a key to victory.
2
@Luke Fisher
One of the speakers on CBC thought Justin's Liberals may only capture a dozen or so ridings west of Manitoba in 2019.
That seems like a high number to me.
1
This is a bad agreement for Canada. We gave up far too much while the Americans gave up nothing of consequence. We failed to capitalize on Donald Trump's vulnerability and succumbed to his bullying.
We too suffer from bad leadership. Trudeau has made a habit of posturing on issues that are important to Canadians. Then he does exactly the opposite.
38
@Randall
I can't agree with you, Randall. We did retain the Dispute Resolution clause, something the U.S. wanted to drop. Given DT's preference for packing U.S. courts with ultra-conservative judges, this may be more important to us as time goes by. We do not have a sunset clause. Gerry Dias felt that the decisions on autos were acceptable. Even the dairy industry was affected no more than it had been under the TPP. I do not see Trudeau as having done the "opposite" of what he hoped to do.
6
@Randall
What exactly did you give up? SPECIFY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As far as I can see precious little. Presumably you're some sort of Trudeau hater.
I won't hold my breath waiting for a answer because of course I'll never get one.
2
@John You are still sticking us with steel and aluminium tariffs and playing the usual games with softwood lumber, which, by the way, is only hurting yourselves by increasing the cost of lumber and all manner of metal products.
This is a sad repeat of Trump/ N Korea summit; regurgitation of the past; Trump will shout it out as a major "win"; Sad. Reminder; Republicans will take away your health care; take away Medicare; and take away Social Security if they win mid terms. Vote out GOP. Ray Sipe
57
I'll bet you my last nickel that Trump has no idea what's in the agreement. To him, anything that goes under his term would be "fair and reciprocal"; anything else would be the "worst deal ever". Only fools wouldn't see the marketing rhetorics.
Would deals have been made without the threat of tariffs? Very likely. Better and worse deals have and will be brokered with or without his presence.
Time will tell if expending all this political capital and diplomatic goodwill is worth it.
20
This guy loves doing these things. He creates problems and then tries to make it look like things are better. He has zero understanding of trade economics. His poor sheep think he was a successful businessman. The one thing he has been good at, which I'm sure that he is most proud, is enriching himself by using the presidency and also getting the american taxpayers to finance his absurd golf weekends. He is a suitcase president who has to go "home" every weekend to feel secure.
74
I wonder why after eight years President Obama never renegotiated any unfair trade deals for America? President Trump is doing great things for all Americans and now Liberal Democrats find themselves message-less and only wanting to destroy anyone who loves America or wants to help her.
6
@P McGrath NAFTA took year to negotiate. How could Trump rewrite it in less than one? Or is he making a big deal over minor tweaks? Not impressed.
5
P Mcgraf, The only unfair trade agreements we have are the ones we've always had an bullied through, so maybe you might want to just remember that this is the only way we do business and have been doing it, way before Obama. We always make sure we get more than the persons we're making the agreement with. If it's equal, we always call it unfair, since we think we're supposed to get more. Just what would you think of a 50-50 agreement, that amounts to 20% for you and 80% for me? Yeah, I know, you think that stinks. So does our partners, but hey, this is how we do it.It's fine, so long as we get the lions share.
3
Is it simply a good deal because Mr Trump is telling us or is there any evidence that things are better now except for the workers in Mexico who will get a raise?
3
Once again Trump is a liar. Basically nothing of note changed except for the name. Maybe we can all move on now.
26
@Bill smith Practice some literacy skills and actually read the agreement. There is plenty that is improved including currency manipulation which sets up a North American confrontation with Asia, aka China.
2
Can you imagine some Democrats or Republicans in Congress wanting to change or modify Trump's Historic Agreement?
That darn pesky Legislative branch of the US Government.
Nothing but trouble.
6
You mean if I call it a Jelly and Peanut Butter Sandwich I get credit for inventing something new? Who knew innovation was so easy! #electoratesogullible
31
Maybe drinking Canadian milk will make Americans a little brighter in the future when it comes to electing Presidents.
139
No way they have to drink Jack Daniels
1
@Don Please don't mock America... You are welcome to mock Donald Trump not America
@Don M
Trump lost the popular vote by 3 million. Drinking all the Canadian milk available won't do anything to elevate US intelligence; abolishing the Electoral College, which in reality chose Trump, might.
2
But he also promised that Mexico would pay for his Wall!!! This new NAFTA is not much different from the previous one. Only difference are in the lies Trump is yelling about.
16
Ok, folks. Let's consider this a success for Donald Trump. I hope liberals can concede that without it having to mean they now become Trump supporters. And I hope Trump supporters can acknowledge the success while still admitting that a lot of what he is doing is not going to be good for America in the long term. In other words - it's not all good or all bad. You got your NAFTA, but you also got your degraded water and air quality. You got your tax cut, but it was tiny you also got your deficit. You got your ACA weakened, but you also got your.....ACA weakened.
6
don't forget the traumatized children -- they got that too.
5
Oh look another pretend victory by trump , for a trade deal that is very little in change from the original NAFTA deal .Phony present , phony deal /period .
31
The Emperors New Clothes. This deal is a big nothing. He can Trumpet all he wants and he will but come blue November Trump will be a powerless lame duck.
Quack!
37
Sometimes a chicken lays an egg and cackles as if she had laid an asteroid.
37
It is NOT a " revised NAFTA deal"! This deal is an all new deal made to help American workers and American jobs as promised by President Trump! The liberal media and the Democrats, who do not put Americans first, will condemn it. The President is a man of his word and works hard with the Republicans to help our country and its people. Democrats and the liberal media, like the NY Times, have always put American working people last. Hopefully the American workers will turn out in November to help give the President a larger Republican majority so he can accomplish even more.
2
This deal is next to the wall Mexico will pay for and the multitrillion interest for crazy deficit that will surpass the spending on military in a few years from now All great stuff for the average citizen
4
What this guy has accomplished in less than two years is simply amazing!
Where will ever find another one like him?
1
@Dave Prison?
4
In Russia I guess the guys name is Potemkin...
4
Who knew how little would need to change to turn the "worst deal ever" into a "great achievement. A little more dairy access, a couple of years of patent protection and a few more dollars Canadians can spend duty free. Now just eliminate those absurd steel and aluminum tariffs imposed for national security reasons and we are good to go.
10
The agreement is largely a refresh of a 25-year-old pact that has brought together the economies of Canada, Mexico and the United States but had become somewhat outdated in the digital age
Trump can call it a triumph if he wants but for all his huffing and puffing and threatening to blow the house down, the essentials of Nafta, aka to his base as "the worst deal for America ever," remain intact. Next he can sign back onto TPP, changing that acronym only slightly and call that a triumph too. What a fool's paradise our world has become for Donald J Trump!
21
And here is what Americans have lost - I have long checked labels carefully avoiding as much as possible from China, especially food, I always bought Canadian first, closely and happily followed by the US and Mexico then South America. Now I am checking labels for made in the USA and wherever possible I will avoid the product particularly food. I am sure there will be Canadians who will buy an American made product just because it is cheaper. I won't be one of them and neither will a lot of people I know.
38
There are many things that Trump does and says that I don't agree but I must admit he has been keeping campaign promises whether we agree or not. I am not sure how many politicians really do that!
2
Keeping a promise regardless of the content is ludicrous still waiting to see Mexico paying for the wall....
2
Meh.
Much ado about very little. The impact of Canadians changing shopping habits to avoid "Made in USA" (because of the obnoxious insults, lies and economic assault by the Trump administration) will likely outweigh any benefit of the agreement. Many, many more Canadians are aware that, in order to get hormone and antibiotic free milk products, they need to look for the "100% Canadian Milk" logo with a little blue cow.
The US got:
- increase in quota of milk they can ship to Canada (slightly more than TPP) worth maybe $0.2B
- updated IP, trademark and digital commerce rules (same as TPP)
- changes to auto content rules that may (or may not) have an impact on auto industry and jobs
- a new name (woo hoo !) that the Liar-in-Chief can tweet about
Canada got to clean up a few nagging issues such as explicitly recognizing Indigenous rights, the right-to-regulate w.r.t. environment, and improved border process, all without giving up anything significant. Net-net, about the same as TPP.
Mexico gave up a bit in terms of auto, which will reduce future investments, but protected its key interests and current auto production.
All in all, we could have got to essentially the same result if all 3 countries had signed TPP 20 moths ago, and skipped the economic cost of increased taxes (tariffs) and delayed investments. But the needy orange child in the WH would have had to admit he was wrong, so we have what we have.
33
Why use this headline? Why not call it what it is? NAFTA minor revision that Trump either believes is a big change or is simply lying to imply he got something for the mess he created? Meaningful changes are gradual over years, but they probably have little real impact due to the side letters. This was a spectacle created for him. The big winner may be pharmaceutical companies, but I suspect the Canadian government will simply take them to Court when they try to price gouge the Canadians as we allow. Very large non-event!
6
So perhaps Mr. Trump could take another shot at explaining how cancelling TPP was “a great thing for the American worker,” when this deal is going to make jobs and money pour into the US?
4
One thing that could come back to bite is the requirement of 75% of automobile components be North American. In the not too distant future, the biggest market for autos will be in Asia, not America. Getting to0 parochial with the automobile industry could leave North American companies uncompetitive globally.
1
A win for US workers no matter how you slice it.
The irony is next to American workers the biggest winners will be Canadian working families that will have access to competitive American goods and services.
Example... Canadian price of 4 liters of milk.. about 1 gallon.... now $5.39. ...soon $2.31.
2
@obummer - why would Canadians want to buy US dairy products? I am sure the quality is less and I'm sure their farms have better labor practices than US dairy farms. ALSO, they wouldn't be supporting their local countrymen. I hope Canadian families know that they were bullied and demonized by this administration when looking at buying US products. I hope Canada diversifies their other industries so they are not so dependent on the US trade agreements. As an American, I’ll look to buy more Canadian products in the future.
6
@obummer z .... it's not getting across the border if it contains growth hormones or antibiotics; the former which is BANNED in Canada.
I'm certain you enjoy paying for your 'cheap milk' twice. Once at the counter, and $22 BILLION annually to the farmers in the form of subsidies. That's 73% of their take home. Without them, your bargin milk would quadruple in price at the store. If American consumers actually had to fork over the actual cost of producing that gallon at the checkout....they'd be eyeing Canada's supply management system a little differently.
3
Yes, America, you now how better access to our dairy market. And after two years of threats and protracted drama (not to mention added bST), just how interested to you think we are in purchasing those products? I'd keep those test shipments pretty small if I were a U.S. dairy producer.
Oh, how I miss your last president.
32
May be some improvements, may be not. Certainly amounts to effectively replacing NAFTA. The higher wage factory provision is a shiny object. The target wage is poverty wage in the U.S. and it gets worse as the years go on. It will not bring any jobs to the U.S. It will not improve the wages of workers in Mexico either but the easing of unionizing will. Dairy is and was ridiculous. Canada cannot provide that much of a market for the U.S., but Trump made such a big deal about it that he could not make a deal without losing face. But all in all, Trump has a victory, even though it may not have been so great a deal as time goes on.
1
When schemes like NAFTA were enacted, the people of the United States were commonly referred to as "consumers." Those deals were good for consumers, it was argued, because it lowered the cost of products consumed by shifting production to low wage centers while eliminating tariffs.
That took a toll on wages and jobs in the US. What really did in both jobs and the consumption afforded by them was the Great Recession, brought on by Republican financial deregulation and unscrupulous banking activities. At that point, "consumers" were rarely mentioned, but jobs became a focal point.
Now, we are getting a trade deal that seeks to give a small boost to jobs (at a time of low official unemployment) and wages at the expense of higher prices due to taxes (tariffs) and import trade restrictions.
At the end of the day, most Americans are wage earners who work to be able to buy goods and services. Fueling inflation with skyrocketing government debt, increased manufacturing costs, and import tariffs harms Americans when they are acting as consumers, even if it helps some of them find jobs are earn a little more in nominal (pre-inflation) terms. Nothing about this robbing-Peter-to-pay-Paul story adds up to legitimate progress for average Americans.
A few more dollars in the pocket is no benefit when the value of those dollars is steadily declining. Only the wealthy are coming out ahead due to extraordinary tax reductions and large amounts of wealth invested internationally.
20
The Requirement that 75% of the content of Vehicles sold within the North American trade zone have 75% North American content is a major step. By moving the number up from 62% to 75% the content now captures more of the big money and best manufacturing jobs, the engine, transmission and axles. Sure this is going to add 2 or 3% to the cost of a vehicle. It will also require German, Japanese and US auto makers to increase their investment in North American plants to produce the parts. Increasing employment with manufacturing jobs – people who can afford to buy the cars.
5
@mkm The companies don't have to do anything difference ,but pretend they are doing what the new deal requires / no enforcement .
It's hard to miss that Trump insisted that this new trilateral agreement be named the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement, with Canada taking last place in this naming, as they were harder in his view to deal with. Also, he can't give an ounce of credit to any of his presidential predecessors, so he had to do away with the term NAFTA.
Trump's way it to threaten, to bully, to demean, to sabotage and if necessary to bribe, to get his way. Then when other sensible world leaders accede to some of his demands, he crows loudly how yet again, he has done something no other president has done. With that last part, most of us would agree, he really has gone places with his conduct and his demeanor, behaved badly and come close to ruining relationships with many other nations.
69
So let me get this right. Feel free to help me. The price of cars and trucks will increase and also have Taxes called tariffs added? Did I get that right folks? Hmm?
43
Listening to NPR this morning an economist said staying in the TPP would have brought the same deal as Trump claims to have negotiated with our NAFTA partners. The only difference from his perspective was it didn't include all the other nations that where included before. This is an early read but if it is true it sounds a another Trump tactic for his base to devour. The timing was also very convenient, it's another whack-a-mole moment.
60
Maybe Trump has set up a little extortion game where countries give him concessions a la the Canada dairy market in order to avoid having to interact with his Orangeness. Trudeau may have found that a fair price.
12
Not a lot has changed except for the name. The dispute resolution mechanism still remains intact and the United States is not getting any additional access to Canadian dairy than they would have received under the TPP. The US could have had this 18 months ago.
Sorry, American friends but Trump only replaced NAFTA with NAFTA and caused strained relations with his neighbours. Call it a "win" if you will but as per usual with Donald Trump it is all smoke and mirrors.
257
@tk Trump has ruined the good feelings between Canada and the U.S. for a very long time. And what for? Nothing.
11
How can we ever know the truth. What comes out of Trump's mouth is always suspect and most of the time a lie.
Personally, I will buy what is made in Canada, before I buy a US good, and my second choice will be something from abroad, whether that be from Europe or from China.
US corporations and the wealthy that own and profit from them have already gotten their bonus via the tax cut at US citizens expense. It's time to correct this error and arrogance.
Who is any body kidding we these trade deals. Why don't we just hit them over the head with a ham bone?
20
Not long ago Trump twitted that if the other part of a deal or negotiation is happy, something is wrong, as too much has been given away. Both Mexico and Canada leaders are as happy with the deal as Trump. In his speech he mentioned what he got, though not what he has conceded. This article helps to identify, in part, some of the U.S. concessions to area free trade and movement of goods and investments (what about workers?) of the original Nafta that have been kept.
3
On the one hand, I applaud our resurrected friendship with Canada and Mexico. Like it or not we are interdependent on each other on many levels, and, of course, economically. But if one is to analyze this agreement, and as this article points out, it is a refresh and required updated version of NAFTA. Mr. Trump has lauded our recent economic paradigm as his, while deliberately overlooking how this very economy was not only saved but also placed on a trajectory of progress under President Obama. With NAFTA, yes it had its flaws, but the original premise is both well intentioned and necessary for sister nations of one continent.
Realizing this is a bit off the subject as far as the entities themselves, but nevertheless basic to our economy, is health care. Mr. Trump can take the credit for it, and call it a different name, but he must also improve where improvement is needed, the ACA. When it relates to a thriving domestic economy and progress, affordable health care is right up there if not more important with trade and tariffs.
6
@Kathy Lollock
As far as many Canadians are concerned, this is NOT a resurrected friendship. Canada fought hard against Trump's bullying, and came out not too badly. His insults negate friendship.
The US is an inconvenient and worrisome neighbor, as our water and other resources may be next on Trump's Grab List.
We have definitive proof that the present US administration lies, bullies and cannot be trusted. Trump may renege on provisions of the new agreement.
I'm continuing to boycott US goods, services and travel, as are many other Canadians .
60
@Kathy Lollock
Don't kid yourself. Canadians are not going to forget the insults and betrayals.
24
@Kathy Lollock Do not consider the friendship resurrected. The feeling up here is that Canadians will not soon forget the treatment from our supposed ally. We are a small nation that will never have much of an impact on the U.S. economy, however there is a collective 'sour taste' left in the mouths of many Canadians, and it will be hard to justify to ones self purchasing U.S. goods or traveling for pleasure for a very long time.
183
Like it or not, the truth is NAFTA wasn’t a great deal for America and this is yet another economic victory for Trump.
It’s these moments when Trump succeeds and the media refuses to acknowledge it that make his claims of bias ring true.
The left will never defeat Trump by pretending everything he does is bad for America when there is so much evidence to the contrary.
5
@Gary Taustine
Can you please point out to us the economic victory? Vitually all of this was agreed in the TPP and in the meantime, farmers are facing huge tariffs on soybeans to China, and Canada has been listed a national security risk. The reason the media isn't cheering is because the emperor has no clothes!
13
One has to be wary with the Trump administration’s trumpeting of the trade agreement. It’s doubtful jobs will be “pouring” into the country; taking a wait-and-see attitude is smart with anything this man touches. It may be a great deal, but Trump lies so much that it’s hard to gauge what effect it will have. Democrats are always the bad guys in his alternative world, and he’d be smarter to work with them instead of simply issuing a 1,000-page report.
8
If Donald John Trump, Sr. was not corruptly and cowardly hiding his personal and family income tax returns and business records from the American people we would know how wonderful this deal is for The Trump Organization.
Russia if you are listening please disclose all of this to us.
37
And the Winner IS : CHINA. As usual.
Thanks, GOP.
29
Big win for the President. Promise kept.
Keeping America Great.
Thank you Mr. President.
7
@Brewster Millions One of the base, I presume.
8
@Brewster Millions he got what would have had 18 months ago if he stayed in the TPP, he is a "Stable Geinus"
7
Isn't the dairy and cheese deal the same one offered to signers of the TPP? So Trumpp didn't really get anything .
42
On balance these changes seem rather modest compared to all the invective Trump put out about how horrible NAFTA was. Better access for dairy products while positive for farmers represents a very small part of our overall trade with Canada. Same for US wines on BC store shelves. Most if not all of these could and should have been resolved under the existing treaty modification process. Creating a problem and then solving it is one of the oldest tricks in a salesman’s book.
20
Trump's attitude and insults directed towards Canada during these negotiations has left less than good feelings about our neighbours to the south and the result may be a 'don't buy American' attitude from many Canadians about the very products they want to sell here.
26
@Disgusted - ok, buy a Toyota instead of a Ford. Now that 75% of the content must be North American made you will be creating jobs in Mexico, the US and Canada.
1
A Ford? That's amusing. The goods that Canadians will likely avoid are dairy products and wines made in the usa (no caps - you don't deserve that respect) and that won't affect Canadian jobs - will it?
It's ironic that the new deal includes provisions that make it easier for Mexican workers to unionize at a time that the Republican party is doing all that it can to destroy unions here.
10
Worst deal ever.
8
Agreements have parameters. Some of NAFTA's are changing. If no one had said anything about it, the general public wouldn't have noticed.
3
Congrats to Trump for solving a problem he created.
310
@Joe As the guy said during the announcement, "only one man [Donald Trump] could have made this deal happen" especially since he caused it in the first place
1
As part of the agreement, a significant portion of vehicles would have to be made by workers earning at least $16 an hour.
So repub dictating wages for Mexicans in the auto sector exclusively is not socialism? How about agriculture? I would pay a bit more knowing workers picking crops for my dinner plate are happy and healthy and wages go a long way to ensuring that.
So much for Dems being socialists...
5
@A Socialism is something totally different from what you believe it is. I could explain it, but why waste my time?
3
As we all know, Trump is good at slapping his name on to stuff.
I am not a trade expert but this is probably just an updated NAFTA agreement with a new name.
5
got milk?
@BeeQue
Canadians aren't going to drink your tainted American milk. It'll rot on the shelf.
10
@Randall Hey Randall - I'm on your side. That was my attempt at an ironic joke about a popular American advertising campaign and the shallow intelligence of Trump and his base who worship his simplistic pronouncements as sound foreign policy. Also, my labeling our Canadian neighbors as "foreign" is also an attempt at irony.
@Randall Sour, not rot.
The subject of this report is not the tweeking of NAFTA, which was what took place. Rather, the subject is what Trump said about what took place. Of course, the man will say anything, he loves to brag. Why is this news? It's the same old, same old, about how he keeps his campaign promises, it's great for the U.S., only he and his toughness could have accomplished it, etc. Most of this is false. The Canada-U.S. agreement benefits the U.S. in a small way about a small thing, dairy. There are mutually advantageous changes of benefit to all three parties, these are hardly Trump's doing. The deal has a new name, with the U.S. first. This is pleasing to Trump, no doubt. But does it matter compared to all the Canadians and Mexicans who are boycotting U.S. goods?
12
This is not a new agreement. It’s NAFTA 2.0; a mild refresh. But by giving it a new name it’s a “major victory” for Trump? Idiots. We are being governed by idiots.
350
@Matt Lampner Actually we are being governed by a showman, all show and no substance.
3
@Matt Lampner
Exactly. Trump takes NAFTA and blows it up. In the process he alienates our neighbors on our Northern and Southern border. After much bluster, Trump offers a slightly tweaked version of NAFTA and gives it a new name. Then, pats himself on the back with a Rose Garden presser. For good measure he calls on and then insults the female reporter.
2
I've have $100 here for any Trumpist that can explain what real differences exist between NAFTA and Trump-branded NAFTA.
10
@Randall
Your $100 looks pretty safe. Maybe we could get together and use it to compare Oregon and BC wine ;)
3
@Randall
Keep the $100 and buy yourself something nice...as long as it's made in North America.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/01/business/trump-nafta-usmca-difference...
2
@Randall Is that $100 Canadian or US?
Donald Trump is world-class when it comes to rubbing people’s noses in messes that he needlessly created. Is the renaming of NAFTA a shot across the bow of the Clinton presidency? Why does he think he needs to remake past agreements over into his own name? Oh; maybe I just answered my own question.
10
@Soxared, '04, '07, '13 Yeah, and check out the W. Post's list this morning. Not much to this "new" agreement!
Two important victories* for workers that surely democrats can acknowledge:
* Requirement for percentage of auto content to be made in North America increased to 75% from 62.5%
* Requirement that 40%-45% of auto content to be made by workers making at least $16 an hour. (double what Mexican assembly workers make today)
***************
* "Trump Takes a Victory Lap on His NAFTA Replacement Deal with Mexico and Canada",
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/01/trump-new-north-american-trade-deal-is-n...
43
@AACNY
"Two important victories* for workers"
------------------------------------
Nope.
Your party never does anything for workers without those workers paying some kind of price.
The only questions are what price that will be, and where in the details it is found.
6
@AACNY
Perhaps I'm missing something about your economy, but $16 per hour is more than many Americans are paid. Georgia's minimum wage $5.15 per hour; most workers there qualify for the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour, while certain farm workers, seasonal workers, health aides, and workers who receive tips are excluded. Is anyone interested in correcting that?
6
@AACNY If you think red states are going to pay $16 an hour to auto workers, then you believe an orange guy who lies. Red is expert on cheating the workers out of a living wage. They will use temp workers and pay them $10 an hour until replacing them with robots. As far as auto parts made in Murica, the same clause will be in there that reads "if they are readily available" or some such wording so that can be worked around.
9
I was almost fooled by Trump's confident remarks. I thought he made a better deal. But all he did was what he does best, congratulate himself on making a deal. The predictions for the future won't have meaning until the future. So he's at least twenty-five years ahead of himself. Also the deal does not say anything about the quality of the cars or show any incentives for American automakers to produce better cars that take into account climate change.
Lastly we have Trump's hammer economy and his true intent of not making America great again but making the Amish more great than they already are. A little explanation. In high school we learned about the cotton gin. Big deal. It reduced labor necessary for processing cotton. Less people, more productivity, more profit, blah. Then they threw the Colt 45 at us. Standardized parts, mass produced, helped the Union win the war. Invention of the horseless carriage, Henry Ford's assembly line, money, money, money. Adam Smith said wealth is the amount of labor one can command. By labor he meant the number of people that can be hired, but let's update it: In manufacturing, wealth is the rapidity with which the machines you own can produce products. The goal in manufacturing is always to reduce the number of jobs. The future of people's nostalgia for hand made goods is secure. Machines won. No one is going to invest in a hammer economy besides Trump and the Amish. Beat you to it, Alex Jones.
3
The US would have been the principle beneficiary of increased access to Canada’s dairy market negotiated as part of the Trans Pacific Partnership. However, the Mr. Trump withdrew the US from this trade treaty. Now to argue that the US has a major victory opening access to the Canadian dairy market is a bit misleading to say the least. Is the difference between the two agreements significantly different? I have my doubts.
45
Where are the details? How do the changes effect labor? Which industries are winners? How? Which are losers? How?
How will the new agreement effect future demand? What taxes and tariffs were changed?
Many, many questions remain to be answered! This article addresses none of them! It reads more like a press release of Trump's favorite stock phrases, no matter the policy, agreement, country, or issue.
93
@walterhett Wouldn't it be nice if the NYT had also released an article going into more depth? Like, you know, this one that came out an hour ago?
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/01/business/trump-nafta-usmca-difference...
3
The only Trump's policies I've supported are Trade-related, whether it's the Trade war with China or the E.U.
I lived in the E.U and I was once surprised that a US friend could not bring his car to Europe because of Europeans rules and regulations.
Mr. Trump success shows that Trade deals can be renegotiated contrary to what the Establishment both Republicans and Democrats, the Times included has been telling us for a while.
I wish for an anti-establishment candidate on the left in 2020 and maybe things will change for the millions of Americans who have been left behind by those trade deals.
On a side note, why is Kushner standing in front of US cabinets members with higher ranking?
7
Not sure if this deal will be a good thing in the long run for Canada without second line trade barriers such as exist in the EU: food rules banning antibiotics, hormones, chlorine etc.; higher demands in terms of product quality, warranty, ...
This is the best way for them as the US economy is becoming less compatible with other advanced nations due to deregulation, low wages and low cost, polluting production processes and energy, but Americans are not ready to accept responsibility (anti-dumping tariffs by other countries) for it.
67
@Fred
Canada already has food rules banning the presence of antibiotics and hormones in milk. I doubt that those standards will be relaxed, or if they are, that Canadians will buy tainted American milk.
4
I'm a Canadian and a US permanent resident working in the US.
I feel like the trade deal is a win win situation, although the US benefits more and Trump got a big win.
Sure, Canada would have preferred the status quo with NAFTA, and it would have gotten that with any other US President (Republican or Democrat). But by signing this deal, Canada has avoided a recession, which Trump could certainly have caused with a stroke of his pen. And now his ire will turn to other countries for at least a little while (e.g. until he gets back to NATO).
For Trump, he secured some important things. None earth-shattering, but he basically got something for nothing, so it's no doubt a win.
He got access to Canada's milk market, and eliminated the barriers to dairy powder. The steel and aluminum tariffs also remain in place wrt both Mexico and Canada. That's a win for the US steel industry (just check their stock prices) and US rust belt workers, who have been unprotected and decimated for decades. Plus the tariff income.
I'm actually surprised Canada got away so easily. I expected Trump to impose auto tariffs to make an example out of Canada because the real stakes are with China. I think what saved Canada from that fate was the US's upcoming midterm elections, and Trump wanted something to tout.
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@Ray Fox
American companies make cars in canada.
The auto tariffs were an empty threat.
Or, how were those tariffs going to work? I never read any detail.
5
@Ray Fox
Actually, he got nothing that wasn't already agreed in the TPP 3 years ago, and he's destroyed the relationship with Canada in the meantime. Bravo!
22
@Laura
This was not an empty threat, as tariffs would have applied to all vehicles built in Canada (Ford, GM, FCA, Toyota, Honda,...) and would have effectively been economic warfare
NAFTA 2.0
32
Congratulations Mr. Trump! Extortion works!
33
@Chicago Guy
Might work sometimes, but certainly gained nothing here and did a lot of lasting harm. He can do hard deals about as well as he can fire people to their face.
Even the Oct 1 deadline (but not tooooo much before the Quebec election on Oct 1 too....) was something Canada was keen to achieve too, unbeknownst to Trump and has amateurs.
Do you hear millions of Canadians laughing uproariously this morning? Can't hear it, eh. Good. Very good.
B.
6
@Chicago Guy You can check with all your American fruit and vegetable growers in about a year to see how well extortion works with Canadians after we have all been boycotting them for Canadian or Mexican/Chilean/South African/New Zealand/etc...
2
@Chicago Guy
CG, right now people are a bit overwrought up here and incapable of absorbing sarcasm.
1
I hope, but doubt, my elected representatives in Congress will explain to me the enormous benefits that will accrue as a direct result of this effort.
The candidate for the TX-3 seat, no incumbent running, and Lyin' Ted have three weeks before early voting starts.
12
Hopefully it works. Too bad it took Trump’s bully tactics. Don’t think we made any friends.
7
Yet again, a self created crisis where the result is basically the status quo and an opportunity for crowing. We didn’t pull out of the TPP over Canadian dairy, but to spite Obama. By doing this, Trump handed the economic future of the Pacific to China. Big win!
342
RE: the "press conference" where Trump mentioned Booker, Feinstein, and un-named Dem and Blumenthal as "liars"...
Those are NOT lifelong positions. Kavanaugh, if selected for the Supreme Court, can NOT be elected OUT once he's in.
Dear Donald that is the difference....and we don't want to start about LYING, something YOU do every single day.
49
Well done, Mr. President !
11
@Mary
If you're traveling to Canada, Mary, might want to pipe down. My relatives there are now determined to stop buying, visiting, consuming, any, and all, things American. Won't bother you, but I can assure you that there has been real damage done to the relationship with our steadfast friends and allies. For what? Some dairy farmers in Wisconsin. They attacked Normandy on the same day we did. They worked, at great risk, to get our hostages out of Iran. They took, into their own homes, thousands of our citizens, during 9/11. Well done, Mr. President? Spare me, please.
106
@Mary
For what? NAFTA 2.0?
15
@Jiggs
Thanks, it's comments like these that remind us that the bonds between our two great countries will outlast the current chaos...