North American Free Trade: Issues and Recommendations

Negotiations toward a North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA) began in June 1991. This book assesses both the substances and the form of a prospective NAFTA. Part One examines the objectives of the United States, Mexico, and Canada in the NAFTA negotiations; the potential shape and contents of the agreement (including dispute-settlement and institutional issues); its possible extension to third countries; and its implications for multilateral trade negotiations and the GATT. Part Two examines the broad economic implications of a NAFTA for trade, investment, and employment; labor and environmental concerns that arise because of Mexico's lower level of economic development; and the cross-sectional issues of rules of origin and intellectual property. Part Three analyzes how the energy, auto, steel, textile, agricultural, and financial services sectors of the Mexican economy could be affected by a NAFTA, and the implications for U.S. and Canadian industries. Part Four summarizes the major conclusions and policy recommendations.