Trumps NAFTA renegotiation objectives indicate possible stealth attack on public health, food, agriculture

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer released the Trump Administration’s objectives for renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Trade promotion authority legislation requires the President to provide “a detailed summary” of the objectives of trade negotiations 30 days before negotiations begin.

Friends of the Earth Senior Trade Analyst Bill Waren issued the following response:

Donald Trump demonized NAFTA and the TPP during his presidential campaign and made assurances he would rework trade deals to protect the American people. Now, it appears that Trump has modified his message. Since taking office, Trump has shown repeatedly that he plans to “re-do” NAFTA to benefit corporations.

Trump’s statement indicates he plans to step up his war on public health and the planet by modeling NAFTA’s provisions related to environmental regulation on the TPP. These objectives appear to set the stage for a stealth attack on strong regulation of food, agriculture, chemicals, and biotechnology.

Friends of the Earth’s detailed analysis of the Trump Administration’s objectives for NAFTA renegotiation can be found here.

Expert contact: Bill Waren, (202) 222-0747, [email protected]
Communications contact: Erin Jensen, (202) 222-0722, [email protected]