Lighthizer contructive
Says trade talks will continue with Canada on Wednesday
There's a lot of rhetoric about notifications and deals not getting done but no deadlines were broken here and the USTR gave notice to Congress about a deal. Trump's letter is going to say it's only US and Mexico but that's just posturing, Congress can't even consider it if it's just the US and Mexico so it's NAFTA 2.0 or nothing.
The bad news -- if you were looking for some kind of resolution one way or another -- is that this is going to go on next week and maybe beyond.
Lighthizer's full statement:
"Today the President notified the Congress of his intent to sign a trade agreement with Mexico - and Canada, if it is willing - 90 days from now. The agreement is the most advanced and high-standard trade agreement in the world. Over the next few weeks, Congress and cleared advisors from civil society and the private sector will be able to examine the agreement. They will find it has huge benefits for our workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses.
"We have also been negotiating with Canada throughout this year-long process. This week those meetings continued at all levels. The talks were constructive, and we made progress. Our officials are continuing to work toward agreement. The USTR team will meet with Minister Freeland and her colleagues Wednesday of next week."
