In this international trade brief, we discuss the following topics:
Why Canada should forge ahead with the TPP without the U.S.
Canada could find itself in an enviable position of being the hub for trade with Asia, EU and the NAFTA region if the U.S. continues to isolate itself under the banner of protectionism and America First. U.S. and foreign investors may focus on Canada for future investment and relocating their operations to access Canada's free trade deals.
U.S. retailers' wish list for NAFTA renegotiations
On June 12, the National Retail Federation (NRF), the world's largest retail trade association, submitted its comments to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer for the negotiation of a modernized North American Free Trade Agreement. Like many other businesses, the NRF cautioned the USTR to "do no harm" to the existing favourable provisions of NAFTA. What the NRF submission highlighted as its priorities.
High volume of public comments on NAFTA renegotiations filed with USTR
On May 23, 2017, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) invited the public to provide input to inform the development of U.S. negotiating objectives and positions with respect to NAFTA. By June 14, a total of 12,451 submissions were received. The great majority of the submissions we have reviewed support NAFTA for the increased prosperity, trade and jobs created within the NAFTA countries, and cautioned the USTR not to take retrograde steps that would harm the benefits of NAFTA.
NAFTA becomes battleground for trade-related IP obligations
Against the backdrop of the withdrawal of the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), NAFTA's three member nations (Canada, Mexico and the U.S.) will negotiate an updated NAFTA IP chapter. Here's why the TPP IP chapter will almost certainly be the starting point for NAFTA renegotiations.
Trade Case Alert: Canadian anti-dumping and countervailing investigation initiated for carbon and alloy steel line pipe from Korea
On June 8, 2017, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) initiated anti-dumping and countervailing investigations related to allegations of dumping of certain carbon and alloy steel line pipe originating in or exported from the Republic of Korea. This case follows similar cases brought by Evraz against line pipe from China and Japan. Canadian pipeline companies can expect to pay more for line pipe and restricted supply if Evraz succeeds in having duties imposed on Korean line pipe.
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