US trade chief Robert Lighthizer has expressed some frustration on Thursday, as reported by Reuters, as the US’ self-imposed deadline for a deal on NAFTA has slipped by without anybody seeming to care, and the NAFTA renegotiations continue to drag on.
Key quotes
“The NAFTA countries are nowhere near close to a deal. As I said last week, there are gaping differences on intellectual property, agricultural market access, de minimis levels, energy, labor, rules of origin, geographical indications, and much more,” Lighthizer said in a statement issued by his office.
Lighthizer said the United States will continue to engage in negotiations to secure a deal beneficial for U.S. workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses.”