The various descriptions of Trump's "wish-list" for the NAFTA renegotiation demonstrate yet again Donald Trumps' frightening ignorance about the nature of trade agreements and his shocking disingenuity. Ignorance: he doesn't recognize that a country CANNOT agree to allowing one side to slap tariffs onto the goods of the other simply because there is a trade imbalance, or because specific firms may be non-competitive with imports produced on commercial terms. He would also restrict federal procurement to US companies, frustrating the shared benefits of international competition. Disingenuity: Trump assured Trudeau that between the USA and Canada the existing agreement only needed a few tweaks. Sounds innocent but it isn't. It's loaded. I have no doubt Canada's trade negotiators will assess and argue all this very diligently, but at the end of the day, it may be necessary to leverage these talks by tabling a wider range of cooperation areas that are heavily weighted toward the interests of the USA, and they are numerous and substantial. Canada cannot and will not allow itself to be bullied into a set of arrangements wherein the give and take doesn't end-up being beneficial, fair and balanced for both sides. I expect these talks to be long and difficult unless Trump tweets ultimatums, which could cause the talks to collapse and result in much commercial damage to both countries.
It's obvious Donald was ignorant on most matters and he went to school when he got in office. Sad. Terrible. Bad.
How is it possible that a world-class paper like the NYT can support the completely false notion that value added taxes distort trade. Your world map showing VAT added to tariffs is inflammatory nonsense.
1
Who knew that trade agreements could to be so complicated?
2
President Donald Trump - a whirlwind of incompetence and ignorance.
2
It is no surprise that Trump is altering his views to shift more moderate now that he has won the presidential race, but there is still no reason why there should be so much opposition to the NAFTA. The free trade agreement between America, Canada, and Mexico is a trade agreement that has not only made Canada and Mexico better off, but also has made America better off. Contrary to many beliefs, the trade agreement has ultimately been a positive sum gain as it has eliminated trade barriers between countries and lowered prices on imports while also creating jobs. President Trumps idea to once again create tariffs and tax goods will not benefit the American people as although producers will be better off, consumers will be paying the ultimate price suffering from higher prices on goods. If Trump wants to help the American people, he will promote free trade between countries and stop trying to 1-up Canada and Mexico by trying to compete with them, countries are not corporations and they do not compete. Each country is independent of one and other and operates on its own and the use of free trade is the easiest way to benefit the American people. The NAFTA has ultimately been positive for all 3 countries within it, and with extreme negotiation/abolition of the aggreement the American people will be made worse off.
2nd Worse Deal now?
Will the Study leave room for a Sliding Scale of Worseness?
Will the Study leave room for a Sliding Scale of Worseness?
2
His NAFTA promise was just another lie candidate Trump spouted because he sounds good to supporters. My bet is Trump has no ideas about the details of NAFTA just like he has no idea what's actually in the Affordable Care Act.
7
It still gets me when I read a headline in a legitimate well respected newspaper when referring to Trump as if he actually "thought" about something before he shot his mouth off and has now changed his position, as if he has "thought" about it again.....when in truth, stuff just comes out of his mouth without thought, conscience or precaution.
6
Please check the Canadian and Mexican input , they completely think it is one sided proposals to make America First policy.
2
What next, campaigning against the hinderance of Seat Belts and Speed Bumps and those pesky traffic lights?
Oh but not until you have to conduct a 6month study of them:):)
Oh but not until you have to conduct a 6month study of them:):)
Maybe he can also get a "Study" on the value of knowing about issues that are well over 20yrs old?
Another day, another lie revealed. How much does it take before he falls?
2
Mexicans buy more per capita from the USA than Americans buy per capita from Mexico. So why does the USA have a trade deficit with Mexico. Unfair trade practices may be irrelevant. The cause is simple arithmetic. America has 3 times as many people and many times more wealth.
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I was told there'd be no MATH, logic, or reasoning??
Trump knows his base. He knows he can backtrack on absolutely everything he ran on and they will still support him. They loved the sound of his bellowing, not the content of what he was saying. We needed an election like this to realize what a portion of the country really consists of.
He in someway validates his supporters. Many of us who supported Hillary did so out of a conviction that Democrats in general work for the good of the country, and for those who have no voice. A huge number of us would be helped by Trump's policies but could never support such a man with a black hole for a soul. I guess that makes us the "elites" the Trump base loves to stick it to. We need psychiatrists, and behavioral experts to know how to convince this segment. It is all too depressing.
He in someway validates his supporters. Many of us who supported Hillary did so out of a conviction that Democrats in general work for the good of the country, and for those who have no voice. A huge number of us would be helped by Trump's policies but could never support such a man with a black hole for a soul. I guess that makes us the "elites" the Trump base loves to stick it to. We need psychiatrists, and behavioral experts to know how to convince this segment. It is all too depressing.
3
In Red State Iowa, the Trump voters are seeing one immediate impact of their hero's tough trade talk. Mexico is in the process of finding other sources for the corn the Hawkeye state has been selling them. Iowa could be really Red, as in red ink!
2
Although most of my comments these days may seem to some to defend Trump against what I think is worse - the media's coverage and the hysteria among many on the left, I have never had a great regard for him. These are my beliefs about him:
1. He broadcasts his feelings as facts and doesn't check them.
2. He is comfortable changing his mind rapidly and without shame.
3. He is very good at promoting his brand. But, he does not appear to know much about history, science, economics or politics (not that the last one mattered). He may have been a "bright" person at one time. He is, perhaps wily, but I have never heard him say anything that seemed especially intelligent to me with few exceptions. That doesn't mean I think he is wrong about everything. He was right that other countries have to contribute to defense, that trade deals should be fair, that we do lose to much (because we defeat ourselves) that we need a border solution (I don't think his works), that the media is very dishonest and that he was going to win the election,
4. Because he is not particularly educated, he can be influenced by those he trusts, for better or worse.
5. He is interested in improving our economy and global standing.
6. He would rather negotiate with the Democrats (but they aren't interested)
7. He has said bigoted things then walked them back, but I don't think he is really bigoted the way he is portrayed. Nor does he appear autocratic at all.
8. His insecurities are his biggest problem.
1. He broadcasts his feelings as facts and doesn't check them.
2. He is comfortable changing his mind rapidly and without shame.
3. He is very good at promoting his brand. But, he does not appear to know much about history, science, economics or politics (not that the last one mattered). He may have been a "bright" person at one time. He is, perhaps wily, but I have never heard him say anything that seemed especially intelligent to me with few exceptions. That doesn't mean I think he is wrong about everything. He was right that other countries have to contribute to defense, that trade deals should be fair, that we do lose to much (because we defeat ourselves) that we need a border solution (I don't think his works), that the media is very dishonest and that he was going to win the election,
4. Because he is not particularly educated, he can be influenced by those he trusts, for better or worse.
5. He is interested in improving our economy and global standing.
6. He would rather negotiate with the Democrats (but they aren't interested)
7. He has said bigoted things then walked them back, but I don't think he is really bigoted the way he is portrayed. Nor does he appear autocratic at all.
8. His insecurities are his biggest problem.
Believe it or not I agree with most of your assessment.
So let me show my disagreements:
4. He doesn't sound very intelligent. Doesn't mean he isn't. I don't think he's the brightest bulb but you don't have to be to succeed in life.
6. He's a lot more responsible for anyone not wanting to deal with him. Be it TRUST, prior statements, attitude towards others,...he has a record. I'm just glad I don't have to deal with someone like him, for I couldn't.
7. I've personally said similar EXCEPT I don't blame how he's portrayed. He has the quotes, the footage, the interviews,..that does it for him.
5. Name anyone that's ran for POTUS you believe didn't and why?
So let me show my disagreements:
4. He doesn't sound very intelligent. Doesn't mean he isn't. I don't think he's the brightest bulb but you don't have to be to succeed in life.
6. He's a lot more responsible for anyone not wanting to deal with him. Be it TRUST, prior statements, attitude towards others,...he has a record. I'm just glad I don't have to deal with someone like him, for I couldn't.
7. I've personally said similar EXCEPT I don't blame how he's portrayed. He has the quotes, the footage, the interviews,..that does it for him.
5. Name anyone that's ran for POTUS you believe didn't and why?
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What is the surprise?
All politicians move to the center once elected. They make lots of promises that are hard to keep. Trump is no different, and that is good.
Let’s face it, liberals actually love “crazy Trump”. It’s great for energizing the base and raising cash. Every utterance or twitterance is amplified with delight by the media echo chamber.
What liberals really fear is “reasonable Trump”.
For example, they want and need Trump to start a trade war with Mexico. They realize that if Trump keeps NAFTA, but renegotiates some more favorable terms for American workers, he will strengthen his position even more in battleground Midwest states.
All politicians move to the center once elected. They make lots of promises that are hard to keep. Trump is no different, and that is good.
Let’s face it, liberals actually love “crazy Trump”. It’s great for energizing the base and raising cash. Every utterance or twitterance is amplified with delight by the media echo chamber.
What liberals really fear is “reasonable Trump”.
For example, they want and need Trump to start a trade war with Mexico. They realize that if Trump keeps NAFTA, but renegotiates some more favorable terms for American workers, he will strengthen his position even more in battleground Midwest states.
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Then they have nothing to fear. Apparently you're (totally) unfamiliar with his record.
"What liberals really fear is “reasonable Trump”. "
"What liberals really fear is “reasonable Trump”. "
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Mark:
Apparently you didn't read the article. Or perhaps you disagree that Trump's softer approach to NAFTA is reasonable?
Apparently you didn't read the article. Or perhaps you disagree that Trump's softer approach to NAFTA is reasonable?
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John, sorry
My standards are higher for a 70yr "Realizing" they suddenly didn't know what they were talking about (NAFTA).
My standards are higher for a 70yr "Realizing" they suddenly didn't know what they were talking about (NAFTA).
Canada and the U.S. are the world's biggest trading partner, 600-700 billion US dollars a year. Now if T.Rump messes with that, he'd better do it genially, with harmonious debate, and consideration of the permutations of every change.
In other words, he is congetically incapable of such subtle contemplations.
In other words, he is congetically incapable of such subtle contemplations.
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I am so proud that out super smart president is going to create more White House buerocracy to find answers to why we have a trade deficit. I am sure being so smart he will discover the real (alternative) facts leading to job loss and manufacturing other than things like technology and automation, local and state overlap of red tape, that companies cant find people to work most factory jobs and oh, and of course what Americans are willing to pay for a product "Made in USA". Go White House!
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i don't get it, well, actually i do..... is this how it's going to be? 4 years of executive orders and no legislation? i guess after the healthcare bill disaster we know they CANNOT govern. won't even republican voters get tired of a government that is all posture and no legislation? this is truly pathetic.
Ahh but you forgot the Studies, the Kremlin, and the frequent admission of things being "Complicated".
Reality sets in and another promise dies. When will his support realize that he was and will always be a con artist with a small mean-spirited brain (and hands and...).
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No surprise that Trump has been found in yet another campaign lie. Why is this man still President?
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Some experience in government needed for the top position of the country. That was totally stupid. NAFTA was mainly supported by the Republicans but for pandering the unions he dismantled the trade pact without thinking whether it is good or bad for America.
The shopping channel " president ". A product notable for flash, low-quality, hyperbole and ultimately, useless. AND, no refunds.
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read today that trump thinks that Mike Flynn should ask for immunity because it's a witch hunt. If that were true, why doesn't trump just give him a general pardon?
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who would have thought free trade agreements could be so complicated?
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For far too many people--including Mr. Trump--trade agreements like NAFTA are abstractions, to be vilified or supported without much understanding of their actual consequences. NAFTA itself has dramatically altered the economies of Canada and Mexico, far more than it has impacted the much larger economy of the US. Mountains of corn now move from the US Midwest into Mexico, which used to be a big corn exporter. A net producer of oil, huge volumes of manufactured petroleum products nevertheless flow into Mexico from the US. Consumer goods made in the US or transshipped from there under NAFTA have nearly wiped out their production in Ontario and Quebec. A US corporate presence is seen everywhere in Mexico and Canada.
Whether 'good' or 'bad' for them overall, politicians in both smaller countries have a lot at stake in NAFTA, if not simply because the status quo is based on it. They also have a lot of leverage if the US negotiators become too imperious. Real trade chaos and continental economic disruption are significant possibilities here.
Whether 'good' or 'bad' for them overall, politicians in both smaller countries have a lot at stake in NAFTA, if not simply because the status quo is based on it. They also have a lot of leverage if the US negotiators become too imperious. Real trade chaos and continental economic disruption are significant possibilities here.
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"The president will order a 90-day study of abusive trade practices that contribute to the United States’ trade deficit."
He can start with his lack of support for American alternative energy, which is going to cede the energy future to China.
He can start with his lack of support for American alternative energy, which is going to cede the energy future to China.
Instead of ridiculing him for having said one thing and now appearing to do another, let's congratulate him on coming to understand what NAFTA really is and taking a softer stance. Loathe him or not, he's president. All mocking him gets us is more likelihood that he'll do something just to show us he can.
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you are right.....reverse psychology works well with children.
I see very little to "Congratulate" on a grownup sounding grownup.
My standards are slightly higher than that.
My standards are slightly higher than that.
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Is NAFTA to blame, or the consumer? In our never ending quest for the "lowest prices, guaranteed" what will be the fallout should a "border adjustment tax" be implemented, or changes to the treaty be implemented that increases prices for the consumer? True that many manufacturers took advantage of the lower labor costs in our treaty partners which leads to higher returns for the manufacturers and their investors, the consumer is also to blame for the desire of lower cost goods.
As the reality of higher cost goods sets in, should taxes be implemented and/or treaty negotiations increase the cost of goods to the consumer, what will the backlash be then? What will be the cost to the economy?
Sometimes we should be careful of what we wish for.
As the reality of higher cost goods sets in, should taxes be implemented and/or treaty negotiations increase the cost of goods to the consumer, what will the backlash be then? What will be the cost to the economy?
Sometimes we should be careful of what we wish for.
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Well Dan, now you up and done did it. Yes we said it like that when I grew up in the Deeeep South.
By chance such a (so called)n issue be solved,...those $7 Turtlenecks will be $57.
Ahh but not before our auto manufacturers storm 1600 PA Avenue for the %200increase Tariffs they've been hit with by Canada and Mexico,..with other Countries actually bidding on the next round chances to embarrass the Bejesus out of Fearless Leader even more.
But not before another Study of course:):)
By chance such a (so called)n issue be solved,...those $7 Turtlenecks will be $57.
Ahh but not before our auto manufacturers storm 1600 PA Avenue for the %200increase Tariffs they've been hit with by Canada and Mexico,..with other Countries actually bidding on the next round chances to embarrass the Bejesus out of Fearless Leader even more.
But not before another Study of course:):)
Perhaps a carbon tax on imports would be a good starting point to level the field. It would also spur development of non-carbon fuel sources world-wide. Also, tying wage agreements to NAFTA would help so all workers have the same standard of living. Perhaps a tax-free status for any manufacturer that has all of their manufacturing based in America would help.
Gosh, who knew that trade policy could be so hard?
2
“In terms of what we consider to be President Trump’s economic nationalist objectives and what he has said previously about Nafta, the list of negotiating terms was relatively benign,” said Scott S. Lincicome, an international trade lawyer at White & Case.
A rare instance when Trump's actions can be accurately described as "benign."
A rare instance when Trump's actions can be accurately described as "benign."
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Instituting tariffs on Mexicos based automotive suppliers and the short term impact due to higher prices will be offset by the increased demand created by the vast quantities of new autoworkers who are paid a good wage. Henry Ford grasped that 100 years ago and help ignite the boom for the new and expanded prosperous middle class
I find it strange that there is no mention of the vast American Distribution that depends upon low priced imported products to compete with American produced products, and are the real culprits in displacing American manufacturing jobs.The Chinese do not sell directly to the consumer, they sell through American Distributors, most of whom are Trump supporters. It doesn’t surprise me that Trump is softening on NAFTA, you don’t bite the hand that feeds you..The Import Distributors do not have to contend with Unions, manufacturing regulations,the EPA or OSHA, They are multi million dollar businesses that profit from the dismantling of American manufacturing.The major obstacle in bringing American manufacturing jobs back is not technology like Robotics , but American Import Distribution.The Republicans love them, especially when they fill their coffers.
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It really is amazing how long Trump has conducted himself as though everything can be transformed by magical decrees.
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Did President Trump learn a few new things in Economics 101?
NAFTA was established to minimize/remove trade barriers and investments between the USA, Mexico and Canada in addition to eliminating tariffs on exports. The investing and relocation of many US companies to Mexico/Canada is solely driven by the all mighty dollar and the maximization of their profits. As long as their profits remain high and steady or a major shift in policy occurs, there may be no turning back.
One might blame the companies, the greed, Wall Street or just a company’s matter of survival while others may blame the workforce, Unions and benefit packages. The jobs that we once had here may never come back unless these companies get a huge chunk of corporate welfare at the expense of the taxpayer…..even then there is no guarantee.
NAFTA was established to minimize/remove trade barriers and investments between the USA, Mexico and Canada in addition to eliminating tariffs on exports. The investing and relocation of many US companies to Mexico/Canada is solely driven by the all mighty dollar and the maximization of their profits. As long as their profits remain high and steady or a major shift in policy occurs, there may be no turning back.
One might blame the companies, the greed, Wall Street or just a company’s matter of survival while others may blame the workforce, Unions and benefit packages. The jobs that we once had here may never come back unless these companies get a huge chunk of corporate welfare at the expense of the taxpayer…..even then there is no guarantee.
1
Except financially and logistically it can't happen AAF.
A job previously done here for say $18 an hour, moves to Overseas or Mexico and only pays $4 an hour isn't coming back here,..
UNLESS it's to pay say around $7 an hour, which if you factor in the what $18 an hour was in the 70s-80s to what $7 an hour is now,...
No reason for it to happen.
My only real question (which I H8 my perceived answer) Did Trump KNOW he wasn't bringing anything back, yet kept repeating it??? What exactly do you need a study for? How do you (his team) not know the information or what they want to do already?
A job previously done here for say $18 an hour, moves to Overseas or Mexico and only pays $4 an hour isn't coming back here,..
UNLESS it's to pay say around $7 an hour, which if you factor in the what $18 an hour was in the 70s-80s to what $7 an hour is now,...
No reason for it to happen.
My only real question (which I H8 my perceived answer) Did Trump KNOW he wasn't bringing anything back, yet kept repeating it??? What exactly do you need a study for? How do you (his team) not know the information or what they want to do already?
The only campaign promises Trump can keep, are the easy ones. Travel bans and building walls are pretty easy, but when you get into the meat and potatoes of real politics, and special interests, he is going to find another wall, one he can't surmount. If he doesn't keep his campaign promises to the people in the rust belt, then he risks becoming a one term President, but if he goes against the oligarchs of the one percent crowd he risks even more than that.
Trump finds himself in a strange place of his own making. All the people he liked rubbing elbows with, the Movie stars, recording artists, sports Athletes, even the reporters he liked to gossip with, all hate him now, and he finds himself having to deal with the wishes and needs of a lot of farmers from Kansas or factory workers in Ohio, all who want him to live up to their far flung expecatations. and are ready to turn on him if he doesn't
For a man like Trump, a man with no real love for politics, and almost zero idealism, the presidency no matter the fame and power it bestows, i mean its a great think to brag about, but it may be a hollow victory. Trump likes fun, he likes games and excitement, four years of constant slog and scrutiny, it's not for him.
The old saying: "be careful what you wish for because you just might get it" applies here.
Dorothy left Kansas and found herself in the wonderful world of Oz, Trump is the opposite, he lived his whole life in Oz, and now wakes up in Kansas.
Trump finds himself in a strange place of his own making. All the people he liked rubbing elbows with, the Movie stars, recording artists, sports Athletes, even the reporters he liked to gossip with, all hate him now, and he finds himself having to deal with the wishes and needs of a lot of farmers from Kansas or factory workers in Ohio, all who want him to live up to their far flung expecatations. and are ready to turn on him if he doesn't
For a man like Trump, a man with no real love for politics, and almost zero idealism, the presidency no matter the fame and power it bestows, i mean its a great think to brag about, but it may be a hollow victory. Trump likes fun, he likes games and excitement, four years of constant slog and scrutiny, it's not for him.
The old saying: "be careful what you wish for because you just might get it" applies here.
Dorothy left Kansas and found herself in the wonderful world of Oz, Trump is the opposite, he lived his whole life in Oz, and now wakes up in Kansas.
So typical of Trump: denounce and disparage without even knowing what he is talking about (has he read the details of NAFTA or anything ever?) and then realize he might just be wrong. We all know the true issue with jobs and trade are automation and technological changes and advancements. "Dig more coal!" "Create more jobs!" -- all shallow rallying cries. If this President (and I gulp every time I say that word as it relates to Trump) wants to create jobs he needs to embrace technology and economic structural changes. And he needs to stop playing the blame game. Going back to a 1950s economy is pure folly.
1
On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly stated his skills as the ultimate negotiator and dealmaker. However, now that he occupies the White House, the emptiness of those boasts is all too apparent. In his quest to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act, Trump couldn’t effectively negotiate with his fellow Republicans. In the end he was ready to give away the farm, but still couldn’t strike a deal. Admittedly, dealing with the sovereign nations of Canada and Mexico is in some ways easier than dealing with the Freedom Caucus since those countries believe in constructive engagement, rather than mindless opposition. However, the reasonableness of the negotiating partners belies the difficulty and intensity of the negotiations. With so much at stake, Canada and Mexico will drive a very hard bargain.
The Affordable Care Act has been around for just seven years; NAFTA has been around for over three decades. Dealmaker Trump discovered that “repeal and replace” of the ACA was far more complicated than he anticipated. Likewise, revising a heavily entrenched agreement that undergirds $1.1 trillion in trade cannot be accomplished by a tweet or executive order. Any negotiations will take many months if not years to conclude. Maybe he will reach an agreement, or perhaps as with the ACA, he will just walk away, all sound and fury signifying nothing.
The Affordable Care Act has been around for just seven years; NAFTA has been around for over three decades. Dealmaker Trump discovered that “repeal and replace” of the ACA was far more complicated than he anticipated. Likewise, revising a heavily entrenched agreement that undergirds $1.1 trillion in trade cannot be accomplished by a tweet or executive order. Any negotiations will take many months if not years to conclude. Maybe he will reach an agreement, or perhaps as with the ACA, he will just walk away, all sound and fury signifying nothing.
2
There are several studies available, if the president actually wanted to understand, that show how NAFTA has an overall moderately posititive effect on the US economy. As with any trade policy there are winners and losers, so it's not a bad idea to take another look and see what can improved.
The concern with Trump is his reckless rhetoric about the trade deficit and the general assumption that the US is being snookered could have a negative effect on trade, and the damage to US jobs and consumers could be enormous.
With respect to Mexico, we need a strong, prosperous neighbor on our southern border and if NAFTA has helped, I think it's great.
The concern with Trump is his reckless rhetoric about the trade deficit and the general assumption that the US is being snookered could have a negative effect on trade, and the damage to US jobs and consumers could be enormous.
With respect to Mexico, we need a strong, prosperous neighbor on our southern border and if NAFTA has helped, I think it's great.
Trump was who the Native Americans in old Hollywood westerns were thinking of when they said "white man speaks with forked tongue".
"called the North American Free Trade Agreement “the worst trade deal” ever"....He also said that Obamacare was a disaster and the replacement would be beautiful and your going to love it - truth is he didn't have a clue about healthcare. He said he would ban Muslims from entering the country to keep America safe terrorists, but the travel ban affects only six Muslim countries, none of who have ever been involved in terrorism in the U.S. and even that was blocked by the courts - truth is he didn't have a clue. He said he had a plan to immediately get rid of ISIS and Al Qaeda - truth is he didn't have a clue. He said he would build a wall and make Mexico pay for it, but he presents a budget without any money to build it - truth is he didn't have a clue. Same thing with Nafta - he didn't have a clue. Want to take bets on tax tax reform?
8
All he ever meant by "Mexico will pay" was that Mexico would suffer repercussions for stealing America's greatness. But I may be stating this too coherently. This was a payback election - never mind by whom, or for what.
1
Trump has no unique business acumen. His record of abandoned projects and lawsuits speaks volumes. Trump's public speaking and Tweets demonstrates that he's not very intelligent. He's a spoiled bully slowly realizing that national and international politics is difficult and your personal wealth and fleet of lawyers is useless in this arena.
1
Bait and switch; switch and bait; bait and switch...
The problem is how can anyone make any informed decision on the basis of what President Trump says? This is very serious and has far-reaching consequences.
Trump's mercurial personality and his unpredictable and unreliable decision-making are making it very difficult for everyone--not only in our country but in the entire world--to make plans, create policies, or have any idea what to do.
So, besides giving us the useless stock market report on the hour, maybe they should give us the Trump Mood Index Report (TMIR): He's up, he's down. No wait, he's down, now he's up. He's inching up to maniac; now he's raging. Off to Mar-a-Lago; maybe that will settle him down a bit.
No way to run the most powerful country in the world--soon to be past tense for us, unfortunately. However, as long as Trump and his family's businesses, investments, and his own trade deals are doing well, what does he care? Answer: obviously he doesn't.
The problem is how can anyone make any informed decision on the basis of what President Trump says? This is very serious and has far-reaching consequences.
Trump's mercurial personality and his unpredictable and unreliable decision-making are making it very difficult for everyone--not only in our country but in the entire world--to make plans, create policies, or have any idea what to do.
So, besides giving us the useless stock market report on the hour, maybe they should give us the Trump Mood Index Report (TMIR): He's up, he's down. No wait, he's down, now he's up. He's inching up to maniac; now he's raging. Off to Mar-a-Lago; maybe that will settle him down a bit.
No way to run the most powerful country in the world--soon to be past tense for us, unfortunately. However, as long as Trump and his family's businesses, investments, and his own trade deals are doing well, what does he care? Answer: obviously he doesn't.
2
Oooo, tough guy is ordering a study and directing a directive aimed at doing what is already aimed at being done but not done as much as it might aim to do. Watch him sign and again hold up the document like a restaurant menu of Trump steaks. What a fraud. What a demagogue. What contempt for the working-stiff suckers who voted for him. "Fulfilling promises," indeed.
Wait for the entire "renegotiation" to fritter away to a few carve outs for Trump backers & cronies on a "studied" "country-by-country, product-by-product" basis, just like the regulatory rollbacks and exceptions for Carl Icahn. You can be sure the Mexicans and Canadians breathing a sigh of relief have Trump's number, and that is what they will be offering.
Wait for the entire "renegotiation" to fritter away to a few carve outs for Trump backers & cronies on a "studied" "country-by-country, product-by-product" basis, just like the regulatory rollbacks and exceptions for Carl Icahn. You can be sure the Mexicans and Canadians breathing a sigh of relief have Trump's number, and that is what they will be offering.
1
It's okay. Donald can simply assuage his voters with, "Nobody knew international trade deals could be so complicated."
All will be forgiven -- no one wants to see how naked this emperor is.
All will be forgiven -- no one wants to see how naked this emperor is.
1
What else is new? Anything trump has ever said is up for "interpretation" (air quotes deliberate). It's either walked back, "misunderstood", a joke, or information that he's been given or heard on Fox News. The only way he can accomplish anything is by executive order - the great negotiator can't get build consensus in his own party - so we're going to live with rule by decree for the foreseeable future until, I sincerely hope, he's impeached for the Russian Connection.
3
DETROIT’S BRIDGE TO NOWHERE
Michigan in a multi-billion dollar joint venture with Canada, has started on the construction of a second span be-tween Detroit and Windsor—already the world’s largest international connection for import/export business (in the Detroit/Warren/Dearborn MSA, the current bridge supports 230,000 jobs and amounts to 17.4% of GDP ); all as a result if NAFTA.
The highway's centered in Detroit carry truck traffic from Windsor to Juarez, to Mexico City and pass through 13 US States.
In every visit to Michigan, Trump reminds Michigan’s Republican governor Snyder that he didn’t support his presidential campaign.
Neither of Michigan’s Democratic Senators have spoken up about tampering with NAFTA’s effect on the proposed bridge.
Trump has made two conflicting proposals: 1) to bring manufacturing jobs back to the US and 2) to get the new Detroit/Windsor bridge built; but, any tampering with NAFTA will make the proposed Gordy Howe Bridge a bridge to nowhere.
Michigan in a multi-billion dollar joint venture with Canada, has started on the construction of a second span be-tween Detroit and Windsor—already the world’s largest international connection for import/export business (in the Detroit/Warren/Dearborn MSA, the current bridge supports 230,000 jobs and amounts to 17.4% of GDP ); all as a result if NAFTA.
The highway's centered in Detroit carry truck traffic from Windsor to Juarez, to Mexico City and pass through 13 US States.
In every visit to Michigan, Trump reminds Michigan’s Republican governor Snyder that he didn’t support his presidential campaign.
Neither of Michigan’s Democratic Senators have spoken up about tampering with NAFTA’s effect on the proposed bridge.
Trump has made two conflicting proposals: 1) to bring manufacturing jobs back to the US and 2) to get the new Detroit/Windsor bridge built; but, any tampering with NAFTA will make the proposed Gordy Howe Bridge a bridge to nowhere.
1
I invite you to come to Windsor and tell people there that the span will be Detroit's "bridge to nowhere" - particularly on a Saturday night just after the bars let out. And any good Red Wings fan would know that it's Gordie Howe.
Hockey fans use the tunnel; plus, you miss the point. If Trump cancels or downgrades NAFTA, the new bridge won't be cost effective because the demand will be cut in half.
The automobile factories located near the current bridge will have their manufacturing demands reduced.
Remember CUFTA preceded NAFTA and was the impetus for Ford, GM and Chrysler locating in the Univ of Windsor Area.
The automobile factories located near the current bridge will have their manufacturing demands reduced.
Remember CUFTA preceded NAFTA and was the impetus for Ford, GM and Chrysler locating in the Univ of Windsor Area.
I look forward to watching Donald Trump and the Republican party go down in flames on this issue as they did health care. It is certainly more complex.
4
The demagogue at it again....
I know the NY Times has to do their job but please make these stories shorter and shorter....for example..in app. three sentences.
1-State topic.
2-Show how Trump has demagogued the issue.
3-Move on to next topic.
When you have almost every major establishment person, media, animal on both sides of the pol. spectrum plus many who are not establishment condemning him you know America has a problem.
The Congress should start building up a case to at least censor him....ie if he doesn't stop tweeting, saying outright lies.
I know the NY Times has to do their job but please make these stories shorter and shorter....for example..in app. three sentences.
1-State topic.
2-Show how Trump has demagogued the issue.
3-Move on to next topic.
When you have almost every major establishment person, media, animal on both sides of the pol. spectrum plus many who are not establishment condemning him you know America has a problem.
The Congress should start building up a case to at least censor him....ie if he doesn't stop tweeting, saying outright lies.
4
Maybe 40 characters or less so our POTUS can understand it better. That seems to be his max. Anything over that and it just taxes his brain.
1
You give him for credit than I think he deserves.....
1
Not a "Timesian" comment this but to use an old expression -- Reality Sucks. Perhaps the master negotiator (of his own imagination) has finally realized that "The World According to Him" does not exist and that there are equally, if not more,adept persons in this world.
1
Nothing Trump says or appears to say should be treated as rational, sane or even consistent. He is insane, demented and stupid.
2
One of the things our "clever" trade agreements allows is that any country like China or Korea to build there manufacturing plants in Mexico, and circumvent all trade tariffs. Think Samsung and Hyundai. When NAFTA was written in the 90's this was not a concern since Mexican companies did not manufacture, and produced mostly agriculture products. Things need to be adjusted in these deals.
6
We're way past folks claiming "Buyer's Remorse" but unfortunately POTUS seems too Narcissistic and lacks the Self-Awareness to have "Liar's Remorse".
5
The fact is that with or without NAFTA there are major impediments to free trade of end-use products and services between the USA and Canada. There are all manner of administrative rules and regulations that interfere with the true intent of free trade. If there is to be a review and partial renegotiation of the agreement, both sides should come clean on the elimination of these non-tariff barriers to free trade at the border and within their respective federal and sub-federal jurisdictions.
1
"After Calling Nafta ‘Worst Trade Deal,’ Trump Appears to Soften Stance," which shows that finally somebody with brains has explained this clueless ignoramus what NAFTA is all about, and what international trade means.
5
Unicyclists don't back pedal as much as this clown.
7
Instead of criticizing trade agreements for sport, why doesn't he read some of these deals and see why they were made and for what industry. NAFTA works well for the auto industry and that appears to be one of the beneficiary of it. If he doesn't read, then his daughter-and-protector might want to do that to help her father.
5
Country-by-country, product-by-product review done in 90 days? Do the Feds have a giant database of prices for bras, frying pans, mufflers, cell phones, plastic cups, candles, toasters, etc etc etc that has the capacity to do this project in 90 days? I don't see that happening.
10
Trump knows as much about NAFTA as he did about what was in his own health care bill, which is absolutely nothing.
Demonization, tearing down, wanton destruction. That's the Trump agenda. Facts don't matter.
Demonization, tearing down, wanton destruction. That's the Trump agenda. Facts don't matter.
14
You don't get it. Four years of Trump and Ryan are going to destroy the Republican Party. Endure it now, celebrate later.
8
What a surprise. Instead of tearing up NAFTA as promised, Trump substitutes smoke and mirrors promises which is what any "renegotiation" will amount to.
23
Negotiations go both ways. Any "benefit" negotiated will inevitably have an offset. Achieving a win-win for all three players will certainly be a challenge with unhappy losers in all three nations.
2
The only time negotiations result in lop-sided victories is when one side holds all the cards ( or, in Trump's case, when one side negotiates in bad faith and defaults later on contractual obligations)
11
Trump as always is clueless about the complexities of the real world, in this case the economy in general, and specifically the economics of production of anything (cars, component parts, food, appliances, electronics, apparel etc.)
Capital flows to where costs of doing business are less and returns highest. It has no conscience. Businesses relocate accordingly. No doubt the US lost manufacturing jobs to Mexico, where wages are 10-15% of US workers. And some studies show that for every job lost to Mexico, we lost at least 5 to China.
That's the real world. Tariffs will not change things in the long run, because affected countries naturally retaliate in kind. So yes in specific industries specific workers may benefit from tariffs initially, but across the country it is consumers who on average pay the cost through higher prices. So a few win, and the broader economy always loses when tariffs are enacted.
Who knew it could be so complex. The best policy is free trade, tweaked a little where truly needed, but tariffs will not bring back significant numbers of jobs. They only raise prices in the end.
If one is unemployed due to production moving, the best plan is to change yourself. The world will not change back simply to satisfy our longings for old paradigms.
Retrain as needed and pack up and move to where you have a reasonable chance at a decent job. There are no guarantees in life but you can increase the odds thru self effort. Trump supporters might think about it.
Capital flows to where costs of doing business are less and returns highest. It has no conscience. Businesses relocate accordingly. No doubt the US lost manufacturing jobs to Mexico, where wages are 10-15% of US workers. And some studies show that for every job lost to Mexico, we lost at least 5 to China.
That's the real world. Tariffs will not change things in the long run, because affected countries naturally retaliate in kind. So yes in specific industries specific workers may benefit from tariffs initially, but across the country it is consumers who on average pay the cost through higher prices. So a few win, and the broader economy always loses when tariffs are enacted.
Who knew it could be so complex. The best policy is free trade, tweaked a little where truly needed, but tariffs will not bring back significant numbers of jobs. They only raise prices in the end.
If one is unemployed due to production moving, the best plan is to change yourself. The world will not change back simply to satisfy our longings for old paradigms.
Retrain as needed and pack up and move to where you have a reasonable chance at a decent job. There are no guarantees in life but you can increase the odds thru self effort. Trump supporters might think about it.
5
Trade creates winners and losers (by that I mean working folks who lose this assembly or sewing or even call center jobs, etc.--have to explain given the vibe surrounding the word). The upshot is that we need to do a better job helping those who lose adjust to their changed circumstances. The federal Trade Adjustment Assistance program is supposed to do that and it does to a degree but it it isn't up to the task of helping people compete in today's economy. If you really want to help those who work for a living at the lower end of the economic scale, this would be one way. Of course, retraining doesn't equal a new job but it is a vital start. Go ahead and review NAFTA though, all treaties should be examined after 20 years.
4
The most pressing reason there is a trade imbalance is that the majority of products are not made in the U.S. so either consumers get Japanese or Chinese TVs, phones, appliances, etc. or nothing. No amount of study will fix this problem which is why Trump is backing off. It is very sad that the an average American citizen can figure this out but Trump has no clue.
7
You forgot Korea and Vietnam, Malaysia, Mexico, etc
I would like to object to the tone of the authors of this article.
1- Investor State Dispute Resolution is presented here as far more benign than it truly is. ISDR Tribunals are cabals of Lawyers rife with conflict of interest that are granted extra-legal authority to undermine the sovereignty of our National and Local governments be economic coercion. Any law from local to Federal can be effectively voided by these Lawyers who nobody elected.
For example, long sought & hard fought for country of origin labeling of meat was quickly abandoned after one of these Investor-State Disputes was filed and the US was subject to Billions of Dollars in fines. The decision was not made by a court of the United States, but by a Kangaroo Court where lawyers are the Judge on one case and an attorney on the next. In response, the Congress and President Obama killed the requirement that American consumers know where their meat is coming from.
2- The use of the term "Free Trade", as if you oppose these legal constructs (Congressional-Executive Agreements) created to make an end run around the Treaty provisions of our Constitution, you somehow oppose trade and want Fortress America. No we do not oppose open trade, but we want fair trade that is not a race to the bottom for wages, worker safety and the environment. We object to secretly negotiated schemes like NAFTA, not voted upon like the treaties they truly are (2/3rds Majority vote) after a proper public debate.
1- Investor State Dispute Resolution is presented here as far more benign than it truly is. ISDR Tribunals are cabals of Lawyers rife with conflict of interest that are granted extra-legal authority to undermine the sovereignty of our National and Local governments be economic coercion. Any law from local to Federal can be effectively voided by these Lawyers who nobody elected.
For example, long sought & hard fought for country of origin labeling of meat was quickly abandoned after one of these Investor-State Disputes was filed and the US was subject to Billions of Dollars in fines. The decision was not made by a court of the United States, but by a Kangaroo Court where lawyers are the Judge on one case and an attorney on the next. In response, the Congress and President Obama killed the requirement that American consumers know where their meat is coming from.
2- The use of the term "Free Trade", as if you oppose these legal constructs (Congressional-Executive Agreements) created to make an end run around the Treaty provisions of our Constitution, you somehow oppose trade and want Fortress America. No we do not oppose open trade, but we want fair trade that is not a race to the bottom for wages, worker safety and the environment. We object to secretly negotiated schemes like NAFTA, not voted upon like the treaties they truly are (2/3rds Majority vote) after a proper public debate.
5
Do I read correctly that the Trump administration is actually trying to do a study, in order to make decisions that are based on actual facts? That in and by itself would be a revolutionary development.
24
Not when the info is already there.
It's a dude that did 10yrs in Prison and he's bragging he got his degree while incarcerated,...don't get me wrong, that's a Great Achievement.
HOWEva, you don't have to go to prison to get your degree.
You don't have to be POTUS to (suddenly) get International Trade Information.
It's a dude that did 10yrs in Prison and he's bragging he got his degree while incarcerated,...don't get me wrong, that's a Great Achievement.
HOWEva, you don't have to go to prison to get your degree.
You don't have to be POTUS to (suddenly) get International Trade Information.
Nonscientific studies typically start with a conclusion needing a rationale.
1
Steve, not to mention actually calling them "Studies" is being very charitable.
So he wants to study trade imbalances and countries that sell below cost?
Obama did this, Bush did this, Clinton did this. Big deal.
Of course scrapping NAFTA is dumb. Mexico is our neighbor. If they become poorer they become less stable. That means more people coming over the border (and no, the wall won't stop them), and more illegal activity because of less stability. That costs us money and therefore jobs in the long run.
Obama did this, Bush did this, Clinton did this. Big deal.
Of course scrapping NAFTA is dumb. Mexico is our neighbor. If they become poorer they become less stable. That means more people coming over the border (and no, the wall won't stop them), and more illegal activity because of less stability. That costs us money and therefore jobs in the long run.
15
Everything is "the worst" or "the best." It doesn't matter because it's all about selling. He doesn't know what's in NAFTA any more than he knew what was in Trumpcare. All he knows is how to grab money and power for himself, at everyone else's expense, in a game he makes zero-sum even when it doesn't have to be. It's time we stop pretending otherwise.
24
Buyer's remorse kick in yet? Note to those who voted for this turkey: The emperor isn't wearing any clothes and hasn't since January 20th.
14
The hole just gets deeper and deeper as it does with all politicians. Lie in order to get elected and then do the opposite once reality sets in. What is worse?, only the people for believing the story line and voting.
13
Trump is not equivalent to "all politicians."
1
Is Trump's about face on NAFTA a surprise? On any issue helping his white working class voters, Don the Con will abandon them. He tried to take away their health care to shower the rich with tax cuts. His cabinet is a testament to rich selfish old men, and his infrastructure plan is dead on arrival. You've been had folks, and it's not like we Clinton voters didn't warn you.
26
Trump-loving Texans have realized that they benefit greatly from NAFTA. Buyer's remorse . . .
15
Could someone, maybe Doc Krugman, run a piece or series on trade deficits? What they are and what, if anything, they mean. My limited understanding is that the US has run trade deficits even in what we recall as the best of times. I run a bad trade deficit with my grocery store - they never buy anything from me - but it helps to keep me alive.
2
I take it you plan on Shutting Down WalMart?
"collection of duties from countries whose companies American officials believe are selling products in the United States below their cost of production."
"collection of duties from countries whose companies American officials believe are selling products in the United States below their cost of production."
5
And guess who pays the Tariff ..
And again if we put them on (so will all the others)...
and again guess who pays ????
And again if we put them on (so will all the others)...
and again guess who pays ????
2
Think of it as a freebie, Donnie. NAFTA is Murca getting the Canadian taxpayer to put a thousand dollars in health benefits free of charge into every car you buy from them.
Pretty smart negotiating, USA.
USA USA. Just think about it, Donnie. A freebie. See?
1
What do you call this new move by Trump? Self-fact checking? His lies about Nafta and many other things cannot be supported by the reality in life. Companies moved to Mexico and other countries to keep their manufacturing cost down and increase profit. Cutting tax in the US cannot balance the extra labor costs. Many of these countries will bring back some part of their manufacturing, and get the benefit of tax cut. However, they will keep good part of their business abroad. Trump will try and may succeed in some cases to cut domestic spending with lies that it will help the people. It is we the tax payer who are the loser in this deal.
3
Who knew that trade and economics are so complicated?
6
NAFTA and the planned TPP won the election for Trump. He should dance with the group that brought him to the prom.
Trump was right: NAFTA was a bad trade deal. NAFTA got 19% of 1992 votes for Ross Perot - a stunning number for an Independent who barely campaigned.
NAFTA and TPP moved more Black voters to vote Republican in 2016 for the first time in decades. Why? It's simple: unemployed/under-employed Black and White voters want jobs. And neither the leaders of the DNC nor the RNC gets it!
Career politicians and Op/Ed writers shake their heads at Trump's America First : they don't get it. Barbara Jordan (D-TX) got it. William Raspberry (1935-2012) in WaPo years ago got it. "...we must cease communicating to young people whose skills and inclinations impel them to work with their hands that manual work is somehow beneath them."
There are reasons why leaders of the DNC and RNC fear independents like Perot and populists like Trump: loss of power, loss of wealth. There are reasons why Op/Ed writers and many academics dislike Perot/Trump: their worldview looks toward helping Third World countries and ignores the Third World communities they drive around and fly over.
Ignore the poor and near-poor in the USA at your peril, career politicians. The millions of votes Perot got in 1992 and many more millions of votes Trump got in 2016 are there.......and one day, perhaps soon, will win.
Stay the course, Mr. President.......please.
Trump was right: NAFTA was a bad trade deal. NAFTA got 19% of 1992 votes for Ross Perot - a stunning number for an Independent who barely campaigned.
NAFTA and TPP moved more Black voters to vote Republican in 2016 for the first time in decades. Why? It's simple: unemployed/under-employed Black and White voters want jobs. And neither the leaders of the DNC nor the RNC gets it!
Career politicians and Op/Ed writers shake their heads at Trump's America First : they don't get it. Barbara Jordan (D-TX) got it. William Raspberry (1935-2012) in WaPo years ago got it. "...we must cease communicating to young people whose skills and inclinations impel them to work with their hands that manual work is somehow beneath them."
There are reasons why leaders of the DNC and RNC fear independents like Perot and populists like Trump: loss of power, loss of wealth. There are reasons why Op/Ed writers and many academics dislike Perot/Trump: their worldview looks toward helping Third World countries and ignores the Third World communities they drive around and fly over.
Ignore the poor and near-poor in the USA at your peril, career politicians. The millions of votes Perot got in 1992 and many more millions of votes Trump got in 2016 are there.......and one day, perhaps soon, will win.
Stay the course, Mr. President.......please.
1
If the agreements are as bad as you (others) POTUS Trump claim,..then why does he need a study?
So instead of the D's and R's getting rich it's the populist Trump and Co. who are lining their already overstuffed pockets. I get it now. The poor will remain poor, the out of work will remain out of work there is no magic pill under the present administration no matter what he promised on the campaign trail.
Isn't is possible (and wouldn't it be journalistically responsible) to avoid quoting stupid statements from our so-called "president"? Quoting them unfortunately gives them some credence in certain minds, especially minds that somehow persist in believing that Trump is ever a source of factual, intelligent information.
2
This was a Clinton-G.H.W. Bush initiative in the 1990s. Voters were warned that NAFTA would "flush millions of industrial jobs from the USA and many Northern states, to south of the border.
A result of this actually occurring has been that many Democrats now wanted an end to NAFTA also, and even Mrs Clinton was talking about re-negotiating much of the law's deals to bring back jobs.
There is always truth on both sides of any issue, but NAFTAjust stop, it collides and accordions in on itself, making a disaster of what might have been a delay.
But, It was "popular" in 2016 to blame the NAFTA act for our ills & because it was so complicated few knew what was at stake. Almost no one remembers that the last few big US unions went along with NAFTA, and that their members at that time, had their beds well feathered!
Our real problem is that in 1990-we were told America would be the Computer manufacturing and programming hub of the world. Our kids would sit at desks and write computer programs 8 hrs /day., and the poor Latinos below the border would do the "dirty work" of badly paid industrial production.
We really got suckered by that bedtime story.( NYTimes writers were all for it, and pushed it on readers as the logical thing to do.But how many 'Times readers work on production lines?)
A result of this actually occurring has been that many Democrats now wanted an end to NAFTA also, and even Mrs Clinton was talking about re-negotiating much of the law's deals to bring back jobs.
There is always truth on both sides of any issue, but NAFTAjust stop, it collides and accordions in on itself, making a disaster of what might have been a delay.
But, It was "popular" in 2016 to blame the NAFTA act for our ills & because it was so complicated few knew what was at stake. Almost no one remembers that the last few big US unions went along with NAFTA, and that their members at that time, had their beds well feathered!
Our real problem is that in 1990-we were told America would be the Computer manufacturing and programming hub of the world. Our kids would sit at desks and write computer programs 8 hrs /day., and the poor Latinos below the border would do the "dirty work" of badly paid industrial production.
We really got suckered by that bedtime story.( NYTimes writers were all for it, and pushed it on readers as the logical thing to do.But how many 'Times readers work on production lines?)
2
The loss of industrial jobs in Canada and the US hasn't been to Mexico or China, it's been to a Mitsubishi or Siemens robot.
Tariffs, new trade deals, border taxes, none of these will halt the progress of automation.
What Canada and the US needs to do is provide education for the displaced workers along with financial support so they can go to school. The days of well paid, low skilled jobs are past.
Tariffs, new trade deals, border taxes, none of these will halt the progress of automation.
What Canada and the US needs to do is provide education for the displaced workers along with financial support so they can go to school. The days of well paid, low skilled jobs are past.
HARD HEART EMPTY HEAD Trump's epic ignorance about most things presidential, beyond smearing his hideous signature across executive orders that are overruled in court, makes his attempt to patch up NAFTA a change of course. I would not accuse Trump of being mindful of anything ever. My impression is that he forms his reaction to anything set before him on his reaction to the title of the matter. So the acronym TPP did not suit his fancy, while NAFTA did. You know, it's the disrespect shown by the "PP" in the acronym TPP. Let's keep piddling matters out of serious Oral Office Orifice conversation. While Trumptee Dumptee's at it, he may as well try to patch up TPP, in the hopes that China will not have swallowed up the US part of the action pie because Trump did not like the acronym. Ah decisions, decisions. I bet there is a daily dartboard set across the of the Oral Office Orifice desk, with decision being made according to where the darts land. That would be a step up in the level of sophistication that's been used in empty-headed executive orders and decisions to date.
2
I like your new (or at least new to me) epithet, Hard Heart, Empty Head or HHEH for short. A good new meme.
Trump hasn't changed one bit. Full of bluster and hot air, he is a shallow narcissist who pulled a fast one on the gullible Americans who voted Republican...sad.
11
"eager to show his tough stance..."
What tough stance?
Trump's not concerned w/ bringing back jobs for his base. They're just stooges who got him elected. If he's still president, in 3 yrs he'll start a war for them & get them riled up against the enemy, appealing to "patriotism" & love of tough military action (like the ill-advised Yemen raid he okayed over dinner in which Chief Petty Officer William Owens - married father of 2 - was killed, possibly because Islamic forces had advance knowledge of the raid. Trump blamed Obama!)
We're moving closer to an authoritarian kleptocracy w/ Ivanka in a White House job from which she can promote her brand, Trump billionaire buddy Carl Icahn advising Trump to get rid of regulations which benefit his pharmaceutical investments & other sleazy Trumpworld transactions.
EPA Chief Scott Pruitt has signed an order forbidding EPA's own proposed ban of insecticide chlorpyrifos, an endocrine disrupter linked to reproductive, neurological & immune disorders, including inhibiting children's brain development. We might ask why...
Mike Flynn is shopping for immunity to testify before the intelligence committees, likely including his talk w/ the Russian ambassador about sanctions. Remember Flynn one said: "If you're looking for immunity, it means you committed a crime."
The Trump presidency is Mafia-like, w/ family & close friends enriching themselves, heedless of the harm they're doing to the surrounding "community" - the United States.
What tough stance?
Trump's not concerned w/ bringing back jobs for his base. They're just stooges who got him elected. If he's still president, in 3 yrs he'll start a war for them & get them riled up against the enemy, appealing to "patriotism" & love of tough military action (like the ill-advised Yemen raid he okayed over dinner in which Chief Petty Officer William Owens - married father of 2 - was killed, possibly because Islamic forces had advance knowledge of the raid. Trump blamed Obama!)
We're moving closer to an authoritarian kleptocracy w/ Ivanka in a White House job from which she can promote her brand, Trump billionaire buddy Carl Icahn advising Trump to get rid of regulations which benefit his pharmaceutical investments & other sleazy Trumpworld transactions.
EPA Chief Scott Pruitt has signed an order forbidding EPA's own proposed ban of insecticide chlorpyrifos, an endocrine disrupter linked to reproductive, neurological & immune disorders, including inhibiting children's brain development. We might ask why...
Mike Flynn is shopping for immunity to testify before the intelligence committees, likely including his talk w/ the Russian ambassador about sanctions. Remember Flynn one said: "If you're looking for immunity, it means you committed a crime."
The Trump presidency is Mafia-like, w/ family & close friends enriching themselves, heedless of the harm they're doing to the surrounding "community" - the United States.
8
Trump flip flops, again.
2
The Commerce Department and the GAO should study the amounts (if any) of corporate income taxes paid by foreign based multinationals operating within the US. Foreign based multinationals can shift 100% of their pre-tax US profits overseas that are NOT subject to repatriation. This gives them a 40% (federal 35% + 5% state) tax advantage over American corporations. US corporate income taxes - federal and state (separate or water's edge combined reporting method) tilt the playing field in FAVOR of foreign multinationals and AGAINST US businesses - big and small.
1
Trump is worried about his dumb campaign promises instead of policy that actually makes sense. I don't know why we feel the need to anger our neighbors and our global partners. International peace is based on economic security.
6
For everyone who voted for Trump. Tired of winning yet?
9
Wait, Trump wants to study something?
10
It seems that Trump's pattern will be to make sweeping proclamations about changing policies and then signing an executive order (with great fanfare) that either forms a commission to study a problem or eliminates a regulation.
Either way, the executive order amounts to very little in terms of impact to his base.
More so, if his proposed budget is to be believed, he will take away the very funding required to mitigate the problems facing his base.
Cutting jobs programs: these programs are needed to retool displaced workers
Cutting NIH: this is the main organization conducting research on cancer, litany of diseases (diabetes, heart and kidney diseases) and the drug addictions that are ravaging Trump's base
Cutting HUD: the main organization keeping people in their homes
Destroying Obamacare: the main program providing funds for treatment of mental illness, diabetes and drug abuse
These executive orders do not improve anyone's lives except for the billionaire class; and worst, are more designed to put window dressing on the status quo.
Face it, Trump voters have been duped
Either way, the executive order amounts to very little in terms of impact to his base.
More so, if his proposed budget is to be believed, he will take away the very funding required to mitigate the problems facing his base.
Cutting jobs programs: these programs are needed to retool displaced workers
Cutting NIH: this is the main organization conducting research on cancer, litany of diseases (diabetes, heart and kidney diseases) and the drug addictions that are ravaging Trump's base
Cutting HUD: the main organization keeping people in their homes
Destroying Obamacare: the main program providing funds for treatment of mental illness, diabetes and drug abuse
These executive orders do not improve anyone's lives except for the billionaire class; and worst, are more designed to put window dressing on the status quo.
Face it, Trump voters have been duped
9
Trump voters may have been duped, but, the country as a whole will suffer bigly.
5
"Now hold it right there, folks. I never said that snake oil would actually cure you; I just said it tastes good."
4
If Trump is, in fact, a master negotiator than he would never just "pull out of a deal" without weighing the benefits of a renegotiation. For those of you who are still trying to convince yourselves that Trump isn't an amazing negotiator, I offer you the 2016 election as proof. NAFTA should have never been created in the first place. It hurt Americans and benefited Mexicans and Canadians. However, now that it is in place, it should be determined what, if any, pieces of the deal make sense for the USA.
2
There is no one, from my perspective, who would oppose any efforts to discover and reform trade practices that are disadvantageous to the USA economy. Of course, sometimes there are reasons to be favorable to some nations rather than others. That depends on diplomatic policies.
The only problem that I have with Trump doing all this, the man has no filters and no restraint and no rationality, which make it hard for me to believe that he can create a trade policy worthy of the name.
The only problem that I have with Trump doing all this, the man has no filters and no restraint and no rationality, which make it hard for me to believe that he can create a trade policy worthy of the name.
2
It is just a matter of time before we hear Trump state" who knew how complicated trade deals can be". As it turns out, bankrupting casinos and real estate businesses is just as easy as bankrupting a country. Some people would call that mismanagement, Trump thinks it is smart business,
who knew?
Stakeholders got it in the back in his business dealings, this time we will pay the price for his reckless disregard for the the trade deals he seeks to upend. Trump voters should learn to understand what a recession will do to all those job promises he made to them. But they will have those really great hats to wear while standing in the lines at the unemployment office.
who knew?
Stakeholders got it in the back in his business dealings, this time we will pay the price for his reckless disregard for the the trade deals he seeks to upend. Trump voters should learn to understand what a recession will do to all those job promises he made to them. But they will have those really great hats to wear while standing in the lines at the unemployment office.
5
Remember the day when flip-flopping was the scourge of politics?
That was because it was played up to be a take-off from a bold face lie...."Hey, you can't trust that guy! He is a flip-flopper."
In today's world its called a "Trumpism."
Sadly, those naive enough to vote for this pathetic little man are obviously too naive to even see that he has betrayed them with all his campaign pandering.
Pray for America.
That was because it was played up to be a take-off from a bold face lie...."Hey, you can't trust that guy! He is a flip-flopper."
In today's world its called a "Trumpism."
Sadly, those naive enough to vote for this pathetic little man are obviously too naive to even see that he has betrayed them with all his campaign pandering.
Pray for America.
5
I'm sure that improving the US economy at the expense of Mexican jobs and their economy will decrease the number of Mexicans that will find crossing the border an attractive alternative.
The problem with treating trade negotiations as you would a zero sum real estate deal is that they are not. A good trade deal can lift all boats.
The defensive attitude of Trump and the Republicans (border taxes, anyone?) gives red meat to his base while undermining the very principles he gives them for enacting xenophobic and protectionist policies.
As a previous commenter said, "Who new NAFTA could be so complicated?".
The problem with treating trade negotiations as you would a zero sum real estate deal is that they are not. A good trade deal can lift all boats.
The defensive attitude of Trump and the Republicans (border taxes, anyone?) gives red meat to his base while undermining the very principles he gives them for enacting xenophobic and protectionist policies.
As a previous commenter said, "Who new NAFTA could be so complicated?".
8
In the immortal words of Emily Litella ... "Never mind!"
10
"..a country by country, product by product accounting...". That should take long enough for trumps followers to forget NAFTA even exists. Next on the agenda....
8
On the one hand, we have the Republicans singing the hymn of "Free Market" trade, and on the other the hymn of "Protectionism." What are we to think? Are they for or against regulation? Apparently, they are only against the kind of regulation that might impede their quest for unabashed profit.
13
I'll take Free Market Protectionism to Block for $200 Alex.
"What is hypocrisy?"
I don't have the Heart to tell them they're practically Mutually Exclusive. I'd rather laugh at the conflicting demands.
"What is hypocrisy?"
I don't have the Heart to tell them they're practically Mutually Exclusive. I'd rather laugh at the conflicting demands.
2
Their is no confidence in our President. How much damage will he be allowed to do--how many service members will he get killed, before we do the inevitable and get rid of Trump--our worst failed science experiment...
1
One of those rules that's going to be like shooting your foot off, is that country of origin/percentage content: Most things are manufactured by cheap labor,, Hence GM having plants in Canada and Mexico.… Although it's just one company (that couldn't engineer it's way out of a wet paper bag), But how are you going to split up these differences and manufacturing costs except somewhere up where the busy bean counters reside, whiich I presume Gm probably has more than enough of (soto voice: accountants), GM will somehow calculate and WILL pass on the differentiated cost to consumers. That's a manufacturing example of the complexities that have already been complexicated with Napa already in place… Then, like pulling an article 50 in in the Brexit deal, will take a bit of time 2 b uncomplexicated.
Now, the eastern fruit thing that a previous writer mentioned, is a whole bag of worms; I don't know any gay people from back East either, if that is what this other writer was implying. But out here in California we do grow a lot of NUTS, fruits and vegetables, and although most of them are coming from the south, in the binge quantities, the California specialty vegetables are freshiest, like the arugula… ahhhrooooglia, Or however you spell it
Now, the eastern fruit thing that a previous writer mentioned, is a whole bag of worms; I don't know any gay people from back East either, if that is what this other writer was implying. But out here in California we do grow a lot of NUTS, fruits and vegetables, and although most of them are coming from the south, in the binge quantities, the California specialty vegetables are freshiest, like the arugula… ahhhrooooglia, Or however you spell it
Few of us really know the details of our international trade details.
However, I just learned that under the WTO regime, China is actually still designated as a developing country under the WTO with special rights and exemptions from the rules that apply to say the U.S.
Given the trajectory, China will probably still have the advantage of this favorable trade status well after it becomes the largest economy in the world.
Maybe Trump stumbled upon a valid issue here.
However, I just learned that under the WTO regime, China is actually still designated as a developing country under the WTO with special rights and exemptions from the rules that apply to say the U.S.
Given the trajectory, China will probably still have the advantage of this favorable trade status well after it becomes the largest economy in the world.
Maybe Trump stumbled upon a valid issue here.
2
If you're just learning things too, perhaps that makes you a prime candidate to work for, no lead a Trump Team?
The tough talking bully backs off once again. Some deal maker.
3
He never even read the NAFTA trade deal .. just like he never read the TPP .. Just like he knows nothing about health care, the fight against ISIS, the military in general, environmental regulations , immigration ... pretty much anything. He said things during the campaign he thought people wanted to hear. Like he's going to bring jobs ( coal mining ) back. The sad truth is that a large portion of the population bought into his garbage and believed it. And they still do.
Now that he's in office he probably has some semi sane people trying to explain to him .. well if you do this, this will happen. Because he still doesn't understand the concept of Cause and Effect. The fact that very intelligent people work on these deals for many many years. And there may be some bad aspects that go along with the good. They couldn't help but see that his insanely stupid travel ban brought upheaval all over the world, and is still causing chaos. Now it's a boon for lawyers suing everywhere. You (the media) keep acting like there some reason and logic in the White House. Face up to the fact that there's basically a madman, an imbecile, a moron in charge. He still thinks it's a reality TV show. Just like the editorial yesterday said, he's ignorant of his own ignorance. How can we survive it before he destroys everything, that's the question.
Orange, NJ
Now that he's in office he probably has some semi sane people trying to explain to him .. well if you do this, this will happen. Because he still doesn't understand the concept of Cause and Effect. The fact that very intelligent people work on these deals for many many years. And there may be some bad aspects that go along with the good. They couldn't help but see that his insanely stupid travel ban brought upheaval all over the world, and is still causing chaos. Now it's a boon for lawyers suing everywhere. You (the media) keep acting like there some reason and logic in the White House. Face up to the fact that there's basically a madman, an imbecile, a moron in charge. He still thinks it's a reality TV show. Just like the editorial yesterday said, he's ignorant of his own ignorance. How can we survive it before he destroys everything, that's the question.
Orange, NJ
6
Of course Trump will be walking back on NAFTA, agriculture commodities and oil and gas come from states that voted for him, enthusiastically. A huge chunk of all these types of exports go to and through Mexico and Canada. Bill Daley (of the Chicago Daley clan) was Clinton's arm twister to push through NAFTA. Ag commodities are kind of a big deal here in the Midwest. Now, how about that $1.2 billion for the CTA red line? And take back all those mean things said about Chicago, please.
US exports (raw data is fine calculations may need checking):
Crude oil: 442,000 barrels per day - at $50/bbl that's $8 billion/yr
Petroleum products (gasoline, diesel, etc): 5,018,000 barrels per day - for just diesel at 40% of total that's $61 billion per year + plus lots more for other products.
Natural gas: 2.3 trillion cubic feet (CF) per year (mostly goes to Canada and Mexico) - at $2.5/1000 CF that's $5.75 billion per year.
Ethanol (as transportation fuel): 24,000,000 barrels per year (2016)
Corn: about 1.85 billion bushels with 25 percent going to Mexico
Soybean: also about 1.8 billion bushels.
I hope the point is made by now. All the other export amounts and price of US ag commodities here:
https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/grain.pdf
Oil and gas export data from Energy Information Admin here:
www.eia.gov
US exports (raw data is fine calculations may need checking):
Crude oil: 442,000 barrels per day - at $50/bbl that's $8 billion/yr
Petroleum products (gasoline, diesel, etc): 5,018,000 barrels per day - for just diesel at 40% of total that's $61 billion per year + plus lots more for other products.
Natural gas: 2.3 trillion cubic feet (CF) per year (mostly goes to Canada and Mexico) - at $2.5/1000 CF that's $5.75 billion per year.
Ethanol (as transportation fuel): 24,000,000 barrels per year (2016)
Corn: about 1.85 billion bushels with 25 percent going to Mexico
Soybean: also about 1.8 billion bushels.
I hope the point is made by now. All the other export amounts and price of US ag commodities here:
https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/grain.pdf
Oil and gas export data from Energy Information Admin here:
www.eia.gov
So once again reality hits Mr. Trump in the face.
After telling his supporters he is going to impose a tariff on Mexican goods imported into the US, Mr. Trump backs down. Just like he backed down and continued to support the long standing USA position of accepting the One China Policy after he insulted Beijing by taking a call from the President of Taiwan first. Just like Mr. Trump failed to "Repeal & Replace Obamacare" as his first legislative action. Just like his two court suspended "Muslim Bans"
At some point, Mr. Trump's supporters should wonder if he can actually follow through with any of his campaign promises.
Question for Mr. Trump: Did you get the money from Mexico [per your continuous campaign promise] for that "beautiful" wall you want to build?
After telling his supporters he is going to impose a tariff on Mexican goods imported into the US, Mr. Trump backs down. Just like he backed down and continued to support the long standing USA position of accepting the One China Policy after he insulted Beijing by taking a call from the President of Taiwan first. Just like Mr. Trump failed to "Repeal & Replace Obamacare" as his first legislative action. Just like his two court suspended "Muslim Bans"
At some point, Mr. Trump's supporters should wonder if he can actually follow through with any of his campaign promises.
Question for Mr. Trump: Did you get the money from Mexico [per your continuous campaign promise] for that "beautiful" wall you want to build?
2
Trump true to form lies about everything! If his lips are moving or his fingers are tweeting then it's all lies. Tweeting his lies are limited to just 140 characters. He cheated on his wives and was a lousy father. He cheated contractors, workers, banks, and partners for 40 years. Used discounted Chinese steel for construction and undocumented workers, that he also cheated them on of their hourly wages. He floated junk bonds for part of his casino 'empire', after giving testimony that the big banks of NY were begging for his business at near prime rate. Lost a billion of OPM and then used a '93 tax law to write off those loss's of OPM for 18 years.
He is a consummate liar and has gamed the system and actually used 10's of millions in daddy's money along the way and his business contacts. He also had a big inheritance from poppa Fred. The proverbial silver spoon.
Maybe we should give him a long rope to hang himself. OK repeal ACA, Repeal Nafta, build the wall and make Mexico pay for it, deny climate science and bring back dirty fossil fuels like coal, undo everything positive that Dem's
championed for decades. Maybe his lemmings will discover he's a huckster and that the Democratic party is responsible for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and has always believed that trickle down economics is a fallacy. Hopefully, within 4 years he gets caught up in his lies and deceit and faces impeachment. We can still have hope and he'll have time to read his 1st book.
He is a consummate liar and has gamed the system and actually used 10's of millions in daddy's money along the way and his business contacts. He also had a big inheritance from poppa Fred. The proverbial silver spoon.
Maybe we should give him a long rope to hang himself. OK repeal ACA, Repeal Nafta, build the wall and make Mexico pay for it, deny climate science and bring back dirty fossil fuels like coal, undo everything positive that Dem's
championed for decades. Maybe his lemmings will discover he's a huckster and that the Democratic party is responsible for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and has always believed that trickle down economics is a fallacy. Hopefully, within 4 years he gets caught up in his lies and deceit and faces impeachment. We can still have hope and he'll have time to read his 1st book.
2
Both Jim Rogers and Laurence Kotlikoff have warned of the very real threat of a stock market crash if Mr. Trump's practices cause a trade war to break out.
For historical reference, the Smoot-Harley Act is considered to be the root cause of the Great Depression. The US had trade surpluses then, along with many starving families.
For historical reference, the Smoot-Harley Act is considered to be the root cause of the Great Depression. The US had trade surpluses then, along with many starving families.
3
Just looking at auto manufacturing, hey like health care it is complex. Our orange leader does not read complexity. USA manufacturing jobs are not coming back en masse due to robotics principally. During the past years of GM establishing itself strongly in Mexico many of the new plants are heavy in robotics, which defeats some of the Mexican purpose of using these transnationals for employment growth.
But the repubs are pro-business and no way will GM give up the sweetheart deals they have in MX - they get free land, tax breaks, brand new plants, a young educated work force with plenty of promotable bilingual engineers all financed by various levels of the Mexican government. Its complicated - no way can young US engineers compete with their Mexican counterparts on salary because University is free in Mexico for the top 20% - these young career engineers have no debt. To reform the USA will take a much bigger brain than a pea - it has to do with advances in all levels of education and infrastructure to compete in a globalized world. Mr. T is not gonna do a thing for his constituents.
But the repubs are pro-business and no way will GM give up the sweetheart deals they have in MX - they get free land, tax breaks, brand new plants, a young educated work force with plenty of promotable bilingual engineers all financed by various levels of the Mexican government. Its complicated - no way can young US engineers compete with their Mexican counterparts on salary because University is free in Mexico for the top 20% - these young career engineers have no debt. To reform the USA will take a much bigger brain than a pea - it has to do with advances in all levels of education and infrastructure to compete in a globalized world. Mr. T is not gonna do a thing for his constituents.
2
'Worst deal ever' he said, and is just now ordering studies. He hadn't studied the details of the deal. Reminds me of 'Obamacare is a disaster ', followed by 'nobody knew it was so complex' when it came to a replacement. Hot air.
9
I notice all the criticism for our new president, but no one talks about WHY HE WAS VOTED IN--He was voted in,because the Democrat liberals sold out the USA,and its people--and took foreign money,He was voted in,because liberal politicians got rich,sending trade to other countries,selling out America.NAFTA is a good example;sending Indian word processors over here,to take our jobs,is why Trump got in."Benghazi" is why Trump got in.ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION is why Trump won.--and the liberals screwing over their own country, is why Trump got in.DITTO THE MEDIA!! You Liberals care nothing about working people, and that's why Trump got in.ACA is why Trump won.I can't even name all the reasons Trump got in--and to get rid of Liberal Fed.govt., is why Trump won. You got it, now?
1
NAFTA stands for the the North American Free Trade Agreement. Last I checked India wasn't part of North America but I guess we better not let even the most basic facts get in the way.
12
He caved on Health care, he's caving on NAFTA. But I do get your argument. Oh and the wall that he said Mexico would pay for, he lied, we the taxpayer get to do that instead.
In a display of contempt for the American People and Democracy itself Mr. Trump ran a campaign based on the simple notion that none of his voters will actually care or even remember what he says or promises so long as he says it loud and obnoxious enough.
It is a strategy that has been proven successful to him through his years of lies, contradictions, absurdities, and outrageousness, but what has been successful for Mr. Trump is proving disastrous for most everyone else, just as was often the case in many of his past business dealings.
It is a strategy that has been proven successful to him through his years of lies, contradictions, absurdities, and outrageousness, but what has been successful for Mr. Trump is proving disastrous for most everyone else, just as was often the case in many of his past business dealings.
2
The photo in this article a Chevy planet shows how ahead of the curve GM is: it still has a human operated spot welding rig, not for high value truck chassis but for high quantity SUV chassis production… Brilliant! This is all part of GM's long term manufacturing elements, and a combination of union pressure to keep manufacturing jobs as modern as the old ford assembly line.
2
If Trump's lips are moving, he's most probably lying.
Promises: greatest health plan! Better care, wider coverage, cheaper premiums: wrong on all three;
Mexico will pay for the wall! Nope, it's in his budget. He wants us to pay for it;
NAFTA is the worst trade deal of all time! Now, not so bad;
Russia link allegations: fake news! Everyday gives this lie more depth, breadth, and width.
Obama ordered his home communications to be hacked! Not according to the FBI.
At this point, if he were Pinocchio, the length of his nose would exceed the height of his Tower.
Promises: greatest health plan! Better care, wider coverage, cheaper premiums: wrong on all three;
Mexico will pay for the wall! Nope, it's in his budget. He wants us to pay for it;
NAFTA is the worst trade deal of all time! Now, not so bad;
Russia link allegations: fake news! Everyday gives this lie more depth, breadth, and width.
Obama ordered his home communications to be hacked! Not according to the FBI.
At this point, if he were Pinocchio, the length of his nose would exceed the height of his Tower.
11
Reality check untill our government is accountable spending will continue on imports using our taxs for the government needs. Its unimaginal how much government owes in debt but refuses to stop spening on imports like computors. Add up last 20 years spending alone on computors made in japan an china trillions for the us government. How many good jobs paid taxs where lost in computor industry in usa?
Rejoice! Even maybe Trump's administration is quietly realizing that the American people, including yes the American auto industry for example, are better off working together with our Nafta partners than descending into a trade war.
It is sad that Trump got elected by pandering with protectionist promises, but we all must rejoice if the protectionism is getting brought back down to earth. I knew all along that both the Republicans and yes the Democrats in Congress do not want us to hurt ourselves by starting trade wars. Assertive negotiations, fine, but let's excel with our abilities in international collaboration, not with you know whose bullying skills.
It is sad that Trump got elected by pandering with protectionist promises, but we all must rejoice if the protectionism is getting brought back down to earth. I knew all along that both the Republicans and yes the Democrats in Congress do not want us to hurt ourselves by starting trade wars. Assertive negotiations, fine, but let's excel with our abilities in international collaboration, not with you know whose bullying skills.
3
Well there appears to be a few practical individuals in the Administration that realize the importance of NAFTA and just tossing it out the window would be impractical and foolish.
Slowly but surely the wind is coming out of Trump's sails. Soon that grand ship he sailed into the Whitehouse on will be in the doldrums. And all that bluster of his during the campaign is now facing the "Real Reality" and it ain't pretty.
Slowly but surely the wind is coming out of Trump's sails. Soon that grand ship he sailed into the Whitehouse on will be in the doldrums. And all that bluster of his during the campaign is now facing the "Real Reality" and it ain't pretty.
9
Typical Inside the Beltway jibber-jabber: Let's study the problem. Hey, how about a presidential Commission.
Let me make a wild guess at the results:
Some tweaks that need to be made just because the Agreement is 20 years old. Some tweaks that benefit companies that were heavy donors to Trump. No addressing one of the major reasons for companies going outside the US, cheaper labor costs. ((Instead cheaper labor costs will be used as an excuse to lower benefits and protections for US workers, which already is happening).
Trump campaigned as if NAFTA were a lopsided agreement where US companies were severely disadvantaged to the benefit of Canadian and Mexican companies. And that leaving or renegotiating NAFTA would result in more US jobs. But NAfTA, like other trade agreements always contain provisions which benefit some and disadvantage others. No one country gets everything they want and no country gets totally shafted.
The only ones shafted are the Trump voters who fell for the empty, vague promises of a superb salesman.
Let me make a wild guess at the results:
Some tweaks that need to be made just because the Agreement is 20 years old. Some tweaks that benefit companies that were heavy donors to Trump. No addressing one of the major reasons for companies going outside the US, cheaper labor costs. ((Instead cheaper labor costs will be used as an excuse to lower benefits and protections for US workers, which already is happening).
Trump campaigned as if NAFTA were a lopsided agreement where US companies were severely disadvantaged to the benefit of Canadian and Mexican companies. And that leaving or renegotiating NAFTA would result in more US jobs. But NAfTA, like other trade agreements always contain provisions which benefit some and disadvantage others. No one country gets everything they want and no country gets totally shafted.
The only ones shafted are the Trump voters who fell for the empty, vague promises of a superb salesman.
20
"Appears to soften stance"....how droll. You mean yet again Trump found himself face to face with empirical reality and realized his lies and exaggerations wouldn't cut it?
64
I think Trump knew all along that he was full of it - it was just a line that his campaign managers cooked up after talking to focus groups. Let's face it - campaigns have become one long airing of a QVC program and the candidates are the products.
2
Well then we as a group should switch channels promptly and turn all politicians off.
This is another case where the clueless Trump finds that it is more complicated than he had imagined. That people believed in what he said is the source of ever growing amazement.
108
"The Commerce Department and the United States trade representative will do a country-by-country, product-by-product accounting of the reasons for the imbalance. A second directive is aimed at increasing the collection of duties from countries whose companies American officials believe are selling products in the United States below their cost of production."
I would have assumed we were already doing that. If not, it is long past time.
I would have assumed we were already doing that. If not, it is long past time.
17
It has probably been done but the newbies don't know how to access the information. Or turn on the lights.
32
These are continuously done throughout the year.
3
Right wingers "assume" anything, invent anything to create straw men. A 7th grade civics would laugh in their faces. Puerile nonsense.
1
For all the Midwestern auto union members who thought Trump would protect them with protectionism, well, you voted this guy in and you're stuck with a lemon. He's not going to do one thing more to protect your job than any other President would have, and now you have a big business lover in the White House who will by his appointments and executive actions do everything in his power to dismantle unions and strangle labor protections.
I'm a retired union member and saw this coming. And fellow union members, you should have darned well have known better than to trust a businessman or a Republican
I'm a retired union member and saw this coming. And fellow union members, you should have darned well have known better than to trust a businessman or a Republican
212
at least he is not the extreme crook in democrats,we would have been stuck with."Benghazi"!
Should we have trusted the Democrat who owed her family's wealth to Wall Street, the candidate who was in favor of NAFTA and TPP?
Should we have trusted the wife of the president who brought us NAFTA?
Should we trust the political class who live inside and not-too-far outside the Washington Beltway, who live in two of the three wealthiest zip codes in the US live?
Should we have trusted the wife of the president who brought us NAFTA?
Should we trust the political class who live inside and not-too-far outside the Washington Beltway, who live in two of the three wealthiest zip codes in the US live?
1
Is Benghazi going to keep you working? Keep those union benefits? Did Michigan go right-to-work? That's all Republican bluster. And you're a fool to believe it. These are side issues when it comes to your livelihood, which you voted against because you voted for Trump and Republicans.
1
Trump belabored the point "Worst deal ever!" but now has to launch studies to understand the deals? What if he discovers the deals were actually really good for the US? I'm sure he'd admit that.
57
Maybe it's time for Mr Trump to learn that Nafta is not just about Mexico. Electricity in the North East? Brought to you from your Nafta partner up north.
54
What baffles me is that this is a man who has done business internationally for years and yet has no clue about these deals - NATO and NAFTA. How can he be oblivious to the obvious?
3
Health care is easy compared to international trade. With health care, you can take care of the uninsured by throwing more money at the problem, to help the uninsured to buy insurance or get Medicaid.
International trade is not so easy. It's not so easy to throw money at trade problems. More trade hurts some people, and less trade hurts other people. And picking which products to trade more or to trade less leaves some people unhappy. And how to decide which countries to increase trade with and which to decrease trade. Do we trade more coffee with Colombia and less with Brazil, or trade less with all, and produce more coffee in Hawaii? It's not unlikely that Trump's future trade deal will come to be known by his supporters as the "Worst Trade Deal".
International trade is not so easy. It's not so easy to throw money at trade problems. More trade hurts some people, and less trade hurts other people. And picking which products to trade more or to trade less leaves some people unhappy. And how to decide which countries to increase trade with and which to decrease trade. Do we trade more coffee with Colombia and less with Brazil, or trade less with all, and produce more coffee in Hawaii? It's not unlikely that Trump's future trade deal will come to be known by his supporters as the "Worst Trade Deal".
16
You can throw money at trade problems. It's socialism. In order to have free trade and ease the sting of job losses in the richer partner, and keep spending up, the government just needs to tax the owners of profit making enterprises and redistribute to spenders, including those who are old, young, sick or out of work. The US is great at free trade and terrible at supporting its own citizens to keep the economy robust.
2
Maybe. But do you determine what jobs are affected from the point of no international trade (and how do you figure that out) or from current job situation? And do you try to compensate those who don't lose jobs, and yet have lower wages due to trade? I'm not sure statistics come easily to solve those problems.
It's easier just to have some redistribution without tying it to trade.
It's easier just to have some redistribution without tying it to trade.
GLOBALIZATION turned out to be good for huge corporations, and rotten for workers and wages--and--something else!! I cannot buy a small or big appliance, of any kind, espec, kitchen, because all the new appliances are ALL JUNK!! YES, EVERY SERIOUS APPLIANCE OUT OF CHINA IS JUNK!! I have to acquire very old appliances,just to cook!Cuisinart blenders that no longer work!!--cause China is making everything BAD!! HAVE YOU talked to women,or men,who cook and bake?My fridge,Frigidaire,$700. on sale, and its so bad,small,it acts like cardboard iced over!!the crispers and other parts all fall apart!!--you wash the parts n warm water, they shatter right in your face!!!And Frigidaire does not care!! Next time, i buy an old used fridge, not a new one!!I also am NOT BUYING ANY NEW COMPUTERS. THIS WINDOWS is bad enough. GLOBALIZATION has resulted in all products,appliances,big & small, even clothing, ALL JUNK!! I went back to sewing,I am sick of the junk clothing!!
any one have a comment on this??go ahead, tell me globalization has im,proved my life!!
any one have a comment on this??go ahead, tell me globalization has im,proved my life!!
Economic globalization has a lot of problems associated with it, not the least being that it undermines democracy in many countries where it is implemented. However, the US is, in general, not one of those countries. More than any other country in the world, the US has benefited, in terms of the creation of vast wealth, through globalization. Maybe only China has done better, and that is debatable. Most of the jobs lost in the US over the past few decades have not been due to FTAs, such as NAFTA - they have been due to automation and other structural changes. Where the US has fallen down has been in how it has managed globalization. The vast wealth created by US access to the economies of the rest of the world has gone, for the most part, to a tiny number of Americans. Rather than implementing social and economic policies that spread those benefits around, the US has generally failed to make it easier for people to find their feet in the globalizing economy. More than any other country, the US has the resources to make the transition to a global economy relatively easy. Instead, for ideological reasons, the US has decided it is better to leave its citizens without an adequate safety net. It has proven easier for the American public to blame FTAs and foreigners for their woes than to confront the domestic factors at work.
179
great point on automation... I can see 100 years down the road, our country having to initiate some form of affirmative action to ensure that american citizens aren't losing too many jobs to automation and various forms of artificial intelligence
1
Perfect analysis, Shaun Narine. Now add to the mix the Citizens United decision, and you've basically removed the democratic means to address these issues, since most politicians are now 'elected' by large corporations. When people see that their politicans no longer work for them, they become vulnerable to hucksters, demagogues and flat-out swindlers like 45.
Excellent analysis and well said. Why the fat cat Republicans who have financially benefited from globalization are not willing to take better care of their fellow citizens is a puzzle. It can only be due to general ignorance of the sources of their wealth or greed. With Trump it may actually be ignorance, but for most it is greed. Have they not heard the story of Marie Antoinette?
1
It's looks Trump has realized he will need Mexican labor and materials to build his wall.
12
And clean his house and maintain the grounds at Mar-a-Lago. Oh and don't forget the cheap labor that makes all his and Ivanka's products over seas too
4
Ths article misses one of the most important points. The only reason Canada was willing to sign NAFTA was Chapter 19, the dispute resolution mechanism. It allows the imposition of duties to be appealed to an independent panel of experts in trade law; the panel's members coming from the countries involved in the dispute. This meant that Canada and Mexico were less susceptible to bullying by . Unfortunately, Trump's plan calls for the elimination of Chapter 19. The Canadian negotiators walked away from the bargaining table until the US agreed to Chapter 19 during the original NAFTA negotiations, and I hope they do so again.
74
I'm sure the Canadians will fight for Chapter 19.
One might have thought that Canadians are too polite and meek, ha! Not in trade negotiations...
One might have thought that Canadians are too polite and meek, ha! Not in trade negotiations...
But bullying is what the US does best. People in America could care less about Canada, if in fact, they even know where it is.
Trump is walking a fine line here. While many US companies have moved to Mexico seeking cheaper labor, many have also invested in Mexican plants that deliver parts to their parent company in the US. Some of Trump's Tweets/proposals such as the border tax would end up taxing US owned companies operating in Mexico. Something he wants to avoid.
He will also discover that globalism has created a manufacturing system that uses components from several different countries that get partially assembled in Mexico but then shipped to the US for final assembly.
At the end of the day all these companies moved seeking cheaper labor and various tax breaks. Trump might be able to promise them additional tax breaks, but it will be difficult to match the labor savings. Mexico is probably willing to give a little on NAFTA. They do after all have a 50 billion dollar trade surplus with us. But a lot of that 50 billion actually belongs to US companies who are simply located in Mexico.
Renegotiating all this to achieve some net positive cash flow to the US will be complicated at best and in the end simply may not work.
He will also discover that globalism has created a manufacturing system that uses components from several different countries that get partially assembled in Mexico but then shipped to the US for final assembly.
At the end of the day all these companies moved seeking cheaper labor and various tax breaks. Trump might be able to promise them additional tax breaks, but it will be difficult to match the labor savings. Mexico is probably willing to give a little on NAFTA. They do after all have a 50 billion dollar trade surplus with us. But a lot of that 50 billion actually belongs to US companies who are simply located in Mexico.
Renegotiating all this to achieve some net positive cash flow to the US will be complicated at best and in the end simply may not work.
93
Trump and the rest of the Republicans have been doing all they can to "match the labor savings." The only thing Republicans love more than low taxes for the rich is even lower wages for the rest of us.
6
It will be interesting the rhetoric he will share at rallies and public venues. He loves to say he has everything under control when word has it the house is a mess. Bannon must be having fun these days. Handing Jared 12 full time jobs was telling. How is one person supposed to effectively and affectively fulfill the terms of 12 jobs?
4
Like any true autocrat, Mr. Trump appears only capable of signing his name to documents that do not require legislative initiative, thorough legal crafting, mastery of details in complex subject material, compromise, or leadership. In ancient China, these were called "imperial edicts"; in modern America, we call them "executive orders".
This is hardly surprising, since his management of the real estate business no doubt operated on the same principle of issuing non-negotiated edicts. The "Wizard of Oz" moment is gradually dawning on at least some of his followers: behind the curtains, there's just a sad little man pushing buttons and pulling on levers that result in nothing more than some smoke and lots of noise.
This is hardly surprising, since his management of the real estate business no doubt operated on the same principle of issuing non-negotiated edicts. The "Wizard of Oz" moment is gradually dawning on at least some of his followers: behind the curtains, there's just a sad little man pushing buttons and pulling on levers that result in nothing more than some smoke and lots of noise.
87
Right. Maybe he'll sign a few more, with practiced flourishes, and then announce he has accomplished everything he promised during the campaign. Then he'll quit and return to Trump Inc .
4
Getting stymied, backing down and flat out losing, over and over. It can't be fun. Given his MO so far, Trump may be the first President in history to plot a coup against himself.
105
"Nobody knew trade was so complicated!"
65
Amen, Eric!
1
And this is the nut of the problem. Trump spent his campaign proposing bumper-sticker solutions to complex problems, and apparently some voters believed him. He sees NOW, too late, that gee, the world is a complex place and every action will have an undesired consequence (who knew?)
4
Another day, another flip flop.
42
Another day, another victory for the Goldman Sachs wing of the Cabinet.
2
It is not going to be Business as usual was the platform President Trump was elected on / NAFTA was a terrible deal for the U.S. and just as Obama care is also terrible you just can not throw the baby out with the bath water , so let them renegotiate cut out the abuse and graft ....make a old deal into a new piece of Art!
3
Let NAFTA be! All he wants is a little cut ...
5
Trump is an example of buying a president on QVC without a refund.
He never read NAFTA. But to a public with no intelligence past a commercial, neither did it...or even a clue how it works.
Next time it will be something or someone else who's taking something away that they can blame for their pathetic ignorance.
He never read NAFTA. But to a public with no intelligence past a commercial, neither did it...or even a clue how it works.
Next time it will be something or someone else who's taking something away that they can blame for their pathetic ignorance.
62
Yes, we've been Ginsuied, Pocket Fishermaned, Slim Whitmaned, Pet Rocked,...
Well, not WE, the folks that believed him.
Well, not WE, the folks that believed him.
3
It seems that some senators from a couple of farm states that sell to Mexico are worried.
All taxing those vehicles will do is make them more expensive to U.S. buyers, resulting is less being sold, and no job increases. Canada and Mexico are our best customers. People want cheap products, that is why Walmart sell lawn mowers cheaper than Snapper.
Mexico is getting a middle class thanks to this trade, in the long run, it will benefit us.They will not need to cross the border for work. However, many farms are already short of immigrant workers. Nut Farming is automated, so the rest of you can live on them.There will be a shortage of vegetables from California this year. It grows 70%-90% of the country's veggies, and the workers are running scared.
The Trump supporters are economically ignorant, so they believe he will get the jobs. Fruit farmers on the east coast have already sold off land, and are growing in South America. This is a sop to his followers, but they will not profit, they will still be stuck in low wage. low skilled jobs.
Just like the Brexit voters, they vote on opinion and emotion, not reason and knowledge, a sure path to the poor house. Like Trump, they are emotionally incontinent. "America First" appeals to their fragile "masculine" ego. The we will show them attitude, and it will fail, making them even more angry. Other countries have the same situation, no one wins these conflicts. What a miserable way to live.
All taxing those vehicles will do is make them more expensive to U.S. buyers, resulting is less being sold, and no job increases. Canada and Mexico are our best customers. People want cheap products, that is why Walmart sell lawn mowers cheaper than Snapper.
Mexico is getting a middle class thanks to this trade, in the long run, it will benefit us.They will not need to cross the border for work. However, many farms are already short of immigrant workers. Nut Farming is automated, so the rest of you can live on them.There will be a shortage of vegetables from California this year. It grows 70%-90% of the country's veggies, and the workers are running scared.
The Trump supporters are economically ignorant, so they believe he will get the jobs. Fruit farmers on the east coast have already sold off land, and are growing in South America. This is a sop to his followers, but they will not profit, they will still be stuck in low wage. low skilled jobs.
Just like the Brexit voters, they vote on opinion and emotion, not reason and knowledge, a sure path to the poor house. Like Trump, they are emotionally incontinent. "America First" appeals to their fragile "masculine" ego. The we will show them attitude, and it will fail, making them even more angry. Other countries have the same situation, no one wins these conflicts. What a miserable way to live.
143
the suit has even more room that i thought possible. truly empty.
35
Soon those that voted for Trump will realize that he was just making up stuff off the cuff that he thought people wanted to hear. They did but now they might realize that much of what he said was not the truth. He and his administration are now unraveling with the Russian fiasco and other scandalous allocations. Thus far he has not done anything that benefits most people in this country. Fortunately many Republican Congress members seem to realize how dangerous he is and are following their moral compass rather than following him and are willing to risk his threats.
24
"Soon those that voted for Trump will realize that he was just making up stuff off the cuff that he thought people wanted to hear"
No they won't. they don't read, write, or watch anything but Fox News and Duck Dynasty.
No they won't. they don't read, write, or watch anything but Fox News and Duck Dynasty.
5
If he backs off this campaign pledge he's going to watch his support go into free fall.
73
From your lips to God's ears.
It's already in free fall. He had to hire Ivanka to help him read the details and learn what NATO and NAFTA are and do for America.
1
Curtis,
If Trump eliminates NAFTA he will be eliminating thousands of jobs in the United States that depend on low price merchandise that comes in from Mexico,China & elsewhere..American Import Distributors, are the recipients of these products. If the truth be known, it was American Importers that were part of the reason that American manufacturers out sourced their products. The United States.Importers don't have to contend with Unions, OSHA, or the EPA.Distributors, are the conduit to whats left of our manufacturing & to Retail outlets.Getting rid of NAFTA or hurting Importing will sink the country.
If Trump eliminates NAFTA he will be eliminating thousands of jobs in the United States that depend on low price merchandise that comes in from Mexico,China & elsewhere..American Import Distributors, are the recipients of these products. If the truth be known, it was American Importers that were part of the reason that American manufacturers out sourced their products. The United States.Importers don't have to contend with Unions, OSHA, or the EPA.Distributors, are the conduit to whats left of our manufacturing & to Retail outlets.Getting rid of NAFTA or hurting Importing will sink the country.
1
Free trade is good for consumers and economies. The differences ini wages and goods are always at play even between wealthy countries like Japan and ourselves. We are very unlikely to succeed in a trade war with China but it is easy to bully Mexico and Canada, our natural trading partners and who have developed economies that are highly coordinated with our own. We are inviting more complex problems that are harder to resolve as we distort markets and build protectionist barriers. What the hell are we supposed to be afraid of? Separating ourselves from the rest of the world is not just arrogance but stupidity.
54
NAFTA and other alleged trade agreements were never about trade. They are all about cementing the corporate hegemony, nothing more!
16
Absolutely! NAFTA and other 'trade' agreements were about power and wealth. The majority of the power and wealth went to Wall Street, with sufficient crumbs to make two of the bedroom communities for Washington D. C. the second and third wealthiest zip codes in the USA
Another lie by trump
39
No one knew NAFTA could be so complicated!
191
yes, all the unknown and possible blowback from dismantling something that's been in place for a little while… Kind of like pulling an article 50 in Brexit
6