Trade relations between the U.S. and Canada took a downward turn last week, as President Trump announced he would go ahead with tariffs against Canadian steel and aluminium.
Canada said it would retaliate with tariffs against a number of U.S. products.
Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) President Brian Innes was asked if he thinks the recent developments would affect the NAFTA talks.
"There will absolutaly be an effect on Canada/U.S. relations and NAFTA talks are a big part of that," he said. "We see the NAFTA discussions, as not being directly linked to the steel and aluminum discussions. I think this questions about national security is one that cuts across a number of files in the U.S. Clearly the affront by actions of the U.S. against Mexico and Canada will spill over to the NAFTA discussions. We are hopefull that NAFTA discussions, as trade negotiations have done on many occasions, will rise above the current friction, but it will take some time."
Source : Steinbachonline