WASHINGTON—In a possible preview of upcoming NAFTA negotiations, U.S. lawmakers are urging a get-tough approach with Canada in several areas, including the supply-management systems that limit imports of poultry and dairy.
Lawmakers who will be involved in the negotiating process made clear at a confirmation hearing for President Donald Trump’s trade czar on March 14 that they envision more substantive changes than the minor “tweaking” the president recently spoke of regarding Canada.
Senators from both parties pressed trade nominee Robert Lighthizer on softwood lumber, intellectual-property protection and, with respect to the NAFTA negotiations, for freer trade in dairy and poultry.
What was notable about the event was that it was a rare public exchange between actors with a legal role in trade negotiations.
One complained that the president should have been tougher when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Washington. Sen. Ron Wyden, the committee’s top Democrat who hails from the lumber-producing state of Oregon, wanted stronger language on softwood.
“I thought it was unfortunate that the president missed an opportunity when Prime Minister Trudeau was here, when he said, ‘Gee, all we need with Canada is a tweak,’” said Wyden. “How are you gonna get tough with Canada with respect to softwood lumber?”
Lighthizer replied that there are several trade issues involving Canada.
“I’ve had a variety of issues with respect to Canada that have been raised by senators. … Certainly [softwood] is at the top of the list,” he said.
While Mexico is usually the most frequent target of trade complaints in the United States, another lawmaker said that, when it comes to a key industry in his state, he actually has bigger problems with the northern neighbour.
