Senior U.S. legislator: don’t fold to Canada on dairy in new NAFTA.
WASHINGTON — A senior senator is demanding changes that would open Canada’s dairy market as part of any new NAFTA and is urging American trade negotiators to hold the line in the final stages of bargaining.
Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer has sent a letter on the issue to U.S. trade czar Robert Lighthizer amid some fears that his negotiating team may be softening.
His request illustrates the ongoing differences between the countries, despite predictions about a deal being close, including from U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence, who over the weekend said an agreement could be achieved within weeks.
Schumer is urging the U.S. team to seize a rare opportunity to lower what he calls Canada’s “dairy wall” — and says opening up the market must be a top priority.