Administration Submits Notice of NAFTA Renegotiation

On May 18, 2017, newly confirmed U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer formally notified Congress that President Trump intends to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The Trump Administration has indicated that it will request public input on the “direction, focus, and content” of these negotiations, and will publish notice in the Federal Register regarding such input. In a letter to House and Senate leaders regarding this renegotiation, Lighthizer indicated that he would also “consult closely with Congress” in developing U.S. negotiating positions. Negotiations with Canada and Mexico will begin no earlier than August 16, 2017. The Administration’s announcement of renegotiation offers stakeholders a significant opportunity to engage with USTR, Congress, and other government bodies to ensure that their priorities are included in the U.S. negotiating positions.