US (Washington Insider Magazine)—After two years in Ottawa, U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen expresses optimism about the evolving mood surrounding the North American trade agreement. In a recent interview with CBC News, Cohen noted that informal discussions are underway in preparation for future negotiations as mandated by the new North American trade deal, marking the approach of its six-year review milestone.
Reflecting on past NAFTA renegotiations, which were marked by tension and uncertainty, Cohen reassured stakeholders that the current climate is markedly different. He emphasized that the Biden administration is taking a more collaborative approach, avoiding phrases like “sunset clause” that had fueled apprehension during the Trump era. Instead, they prefer the term “joint review,” which promotes a sense of partnership among the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Cohen highlighted that discussions have just begun on the U.S. side about potential topics for dialogue with its North American partners. With the halfway point in the trade agreement’s timeline now reached, the focus is on constructive engagement rather than the existential drama that characterized the previous negotiations.
Ambassador Cohen’s insights signal a hopeful outlook for the future of trade relations between the U.S. and Canada, suggesting that this next chapter in NAFTA’s evolution could pave the way for positive developments in North American trade.
