Canada

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on Tuesday said he was open to working with lawmakers on outstanding U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement concerns, offering to address multiple senators’ requests during a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee.

Members of the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday questioned U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on the administration's use of Section 301 in enforcing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, among other concerns with the deal.

Citing timelines for the ratification of trade deals with Colombia, South Korea and Panama, U.S. Chamber of Commerce executives say a vote on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is likely to be held before a congressional recess in August.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) this week assigned Democratic leaders to address key areas of concern with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, including drug prices and labor, environment and enforcement provisions.

Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) hopes a U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement implementing bill is sent to Congress by the end of the month, he said on Thursday, but Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) said he was not optimistic about the deal's near-term chances.

In the first day of Canada’s trade policy review at the World Trade Organization, the U.S. touted the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and lauded a positive bilateral relationship, but criticized Ottawa for its supply management system, a longstanding U.S. concern.

The Canadian Press quotes a senior official saying the government wants to move “in tandem” with the U.S.

“I can assure you that in a week, or next week, the deal will be ratified.”

“Canada requests review of the Panel's erroneous findings and conclusions with respect to zeroing.”