Speaking to reporters in Washington after meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Bob Lighthizer, Freeland said that ratification of the new NAFTA and the tariffs were discussed in the meeting. Last June, the U.S. Department of Commerce slapped tariffs of 25 per cent on imports of steel and 10 per cent on aluminum, citing national security interests. Canada, Mexico and a number of other countries were affected. - Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland on the revamped NAFTAU.S. officials have suggested that Canada and Mexico accept quotas on their steel and aluminum exports to resolve the impasse. By setting the tariff-free threshold high enough, an agreed-upon level of NAFTA trade would no longer face extra costs, while U.S. producers would continue to be protected from any unexpected surges in North American supply.

Source: CBC News May 15, 2019 21:56 UTC