President Trump on Wednesday said efforts to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement could result in a two-country deal on trade if the U.S., Canada, and Mexico can’t agree on how to reshape it.
“Oh sure, absolutely,” Trump told reporters before a closed-door Oval Office meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “It’s possible we won’t be able to reach a deal with one or the other. And in the meantime, we’ll reach a deal with one.”
Trump added, however: “I think we have a chance to do something very creative that’s good for Canada, Mexico, and the United States.”
NAFTA’s effect on U.S. manufacturing jobs has repeatedly been criticized by Trump. Concessions reportedly pursued by U.S. negotiators include tighter rules for vehicle imports exempt from tariffs.
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced Wednesday that a fourth round of talks with Canada and Mexico would be extended two days, and will now run from Wednesday to Tuesday in Washington, D.C.
