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Trump administration lets committee know of intent to renegotiate NAFTA

Newly confirmed Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross told House Ways and Means Committee Democrats that the administration will soon notify Congress of its intention to renegotiate NAFTA.

The 23-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement among the U.S., Canada and Mexico is one that, during his campaign, President Trump promised to revisit.

Once the White House communicates its intent to the trade-related House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees, it has 90 days to consult with Congress on the objectives of the trade talks.  The administration then has to make public a detailed summary of the specific objectives 30 days before talks begin.

The National Pork Producers Council says that any redone NAFTA deal must not disrupt U.S. pork exports to Mexico and Canada, respectively the number two and number four export markets for U.S. pork producers.

A possible holdup is that President Trump’s pick for U.S. Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer, has yet to be confirmed.