5 Apr 2018
NAFTA headlines: completion of chapters in two week's likely?
A series of headlines on NAFTA have sent mixed messages to traders of late.
The Canadian's, while open to the U.S. ideas and on agreeing to a deal, are less optimistic than their counterparts to the idea that they can complete the remaining chapters in the next 2 weeks, according to a source familiar with Canada's negotiating position:
- Canadian NAFTA negotiators think it is possible to come up with 'a symbolic agreement in principle' showing consensus on some key issues - source.
- Big gaps still remain at NAFTA talks on issues such as government procurement and dispute settlement - source.
- The chief NAFTA negotiators will meet in Washington next week, there are no current plans for the eighth round of talks - source.
While, on the flip side, headlines crossing via Reuters earlier stated that there has been some good news coming from the US side, repeating that US NAFTA negotiators were showing 'some flexibility' on autos:
- NAFTA negotiators are reviewing alternatives on rules of origin for autos.
- US NAFTA negotiators showing 'some flexibility' on an issue of rules of origin for autos.
- Headlines crossing via Reuters.