U.S. President Donald Trump's pick to represent the U.S. in trade negotiations told Congress Tuesday that the U.S. should have an "America first trade policy." What was notable about Tuesday’s event was that it was a rare public exchange between actors with a legal role in trade negotiations: American law says the U.S. trade representative must consult the Senate finance committee — before, during, and after trade talks. Senators from both parties pressed trade nominee Robert Lighthizer on softwood lumber, intellectual-property protection and, with respect to the NAFTA negotiations, for freer trade in dairy and poultry. WASHINGTON—In a possible preview of upcoming NAFTA negotiations, U.S. lawmakers Tuesday urged a get-tough approach with Canada in several areas, including the supply-management systems that limit imports of poultry and dairy. On NAFTA, Lighthizer was asked general questions; he offered general answers.

Source: thestar March 14, 2017 20:22 UTC