Premium Essay

Impact of Nafta on Us, Mexico and Canada

In:

Submitted By varanjot
Words 1064
Pages 5
1.!Why did the US, Mexico, and Canada sign the North American Free Trade Agreement?
Which sectors would you expect to gain most from this agreement?
NAFTA allowed for the free flow of goods and services between the three parties, US,
Mexico and Canada by immediate or phased elimination of tariffs on numerous goods. This free trade would in turn lead to comparative advantage i.e. each country could specialize in producing goods/ services in which they are relatively more productive than their trading partners, increasing overall productivity and output. Hence, the parties to NAFTA signed the agreement so that companies can leverage aggregating and arbitration opportunities within the region leading to overall more trade, more jobs and higher GDP. On the side, the countries also hoped for some other interrelated non-economic benefits such as reduction in illegal immigrants from Mexico to US due to availability of more earning opportunities within
Mexico.
The sectors which were expected to gain most from this agreement were- automobiles (in
Canada), textile and apparel (in Mexico), agriculture (in all countries, particularly US), financial and banking services (in US) and energy (especially in US and Canada).
2.!Has NAFTA been beneficial for the countries that signed it?
There were numerous positive economic developments after the signing of NAFTA such as:
•! Increase in international trade: Mexico’s trade as a % of GDP almost doubled after the
NAFTA agreement, new trade was generated due to arbitrage opportunities in agriculture
(e.g. increase in US imports of fruits and vegetables from Mexico and increase Mexico’s imports of corn from US).
•! Increase in FDI: 3X increase in FDI in Mexico within 10 years.
•! Increase in labor productivity: Significant increase in labor productivity for all the parties- US (~1.7% CAGR), Canada (~1.7% CAGR) and

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Nafta Pros And Cons

...Throughout the coarse of time, NAFTA had resulted in a variety of both, benefits and costs to Canada, Mexico, and the United States. NAFTA, also known as the North American Free Trade Agreement, is an agreement among the United States, Canada and Mexico designed to remove tariff barriers between the three countries. This 1994 agreement had resulted in benefits to the countries such as: increased wages, reduction of tariffs, and more trade. Regardless of NAFTAs benefits, it also has several negative impacts such as: excessive pollution and little changes to limit trade. Both, these benefits and costs have impacted the everyones lives within Canada, Mexico, and the United States after 1994, when the agreement was established. After NAFTA was...

Words: 667 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Nafta

...Introduction The North American Free Trade Agreement, also referred to as NAFTA, was implemented on January 1, 1994. The free trade agreement, signed by Canada, Mexico and the United States, allows for trilateral trade (Export.gov). The agreement permits for the removal of trade barriers and tariffs, which paves the way for easier trading throughout the North American countries. The agreement calls “for the gradual elimination…of most remaining barriers to cross-border investment and to the movement of goods and services among [the United States, Canada and Mexico]” (CBP.gov). The implementation of NAFTA was preceded by CAFTA, which was a similar agreement solely between Canada and then United States (“Scott, Robert E.). Signed by President Bill Clinton, NAFTA had a goal to “[sweep] away export tariffs in several industries: agriculture [being] a main focus, [as well as] tariffs [being] reduced on items like textiles and automobiles” (Teslik, Lee Hudson). The primary goal of NAFTA is to ease restrictions on commerce between the three countries, in attempts to increase cross-border trade. The initial purposes are outlined specifically within the pages of agreement. Its original goals, along side with easing trade restrictions, include increasing investment opportunities for each country and their citizens. Each nation’s government desires to allow, for citizens of their own countries, the opportunity to invest and participate in the other North American economies. Another preliminary...

Words: 2744 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Free Trade Analysis

...In analyzing the free trade market there have been several agreements that have been put in place to ensure that there is fair trading among countries. This is necessary in order to ensure that there is a balance between the supply and demand in all markets. It would not be fair for the countries that are powerful on an economic and political level to dominate the market, which would impact the countries that poorer than others. There is constant talks and meetings about free trade agreements in several markets and free trade zone. Most countries are tying to facilitate free trade on a international level, which is never a easy task because there are so many facets of the agreements that have to be addressed. There are many theories that exist that make the thought process simple of implementing free trade agreements but when you think about the principles and how it will affect society, the environment and multiple societies around the world. By encouraging free trade this is the first step towards positive development for all countries. Since the FTA was put in placed there has been a balance, which has curved unethical and illegal practices. It is very important to foster the right relationship between countries, to ensure not only economic growth and national security among foreign countries and trading. Free trade areas (FTA) are agreements where two or more countries eliminate trade barriers and tariffs between goods traded amongst the countries. Started after the end...

Words: 756 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Nafta

...Faculty of Management Studies (MSU) Assignment on NAFTA (Subject : International Marketing) 1 Assignment on NAFTA Sub: International Marketing Submitted by: Submitted to: Rajesh Madnani Roll No. 9 5th Semester MBA – Evening (XVIIIth Batch) Mr. Seshan Iyer FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES THE M.S.UNIVERSITY OF BARODA Submitted by Rajesh Madnani (Roll No.9) Submitted to Mr. Seshan Iyer Faculty of Management Studies (MSU) Assignment on NAFTA (Subject : International Marketing) 2 What is NAFTA North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is an agreement made between the governments of Mexico, Canada and the United States for the purpose of eliminating trade barriers among them. Important Documents: - North American Free Trade Agreement (with preamble, 22 chapters, 7 annexes, and articles) -procedural forms NAFTA has two supplements: the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC) and the North American Agreement on Labor Cooperation (NAALC). Following diplomatic negotiations dating back to 1990 among the three nations, U.S. President George H. W. Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Mexican President Carlos Salinas, each responsible for spearheading and promoting the agreement, ceremonially signed the agreement in their respective capitals on December 17, 1992.[5] The signed agreement then needed to be ratified by each nation's legislative or parliamentary branch. The agreement was then given to each country’s legislative in order to make changes...

Words: 2870 - Pages: 12

Free Essay

Pestle Analysis

...leaders met in San Antonio, Texas, on December 17, 1992, to sign NAFTA. U.S. President George H. W. Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Mexican President Carlos Salinas, each responsible for spearheading and promoting the agreement, ceremonially signed it. The signed agreement then needed to be authorized by each nation's legislative or parliamentary branch. Before the negotiations were finalized, Bill Clinton came into office in the U.S. and Kim Campbell in Canada, and before the agreement became law, Jean Chrétien had taken office in Canada. The proposed Canada-U.S. trade agreement had been very controversial and divisive in Canada, and the 1988 Canadian election was fought almost exclusively on that issue. In that election, more Canadians voted for anti-free trade parties (the Liberals and the New Democrats) but the split caused more seats in parliament to be won by the pro-free trade Progressive Conservatives (PCs). Mulroney and the PCs had a parliamentary majority and were easily able to pass the 1987 Canada-US FTA and NAFTA bills. However, he was replaced as Conservative leader and prime minister by Kim Campbell. Campbell led the PC party into the 1993 election where they were decimated by the Liberal Party under Jean Chrétien, who had campaigned on a promise to renegotiate or abrogate NAFTA; however, Chrétien subsequently negotiated two supplemental agreements with the new US president. In the US, Bush, who had worked to "fast track" the signing prior to the...

Words: 958 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Ceol Article- Pawel Kowalik

...20 years of NAFTA – trends in trade and the economic effects «20 years of NAFTA – trends in trade and the economic effects»           by Paweł Kowalik   Source: Economics of the 21st Century (Ekonomia XXI Wieku), issue: 4 (4) / 2014, pages: 46­63, on www.ceeol.com.         The following ad supports maintaining our C.E.E.O.L. service      Access via CEEOL NL Germany EKONOMIA XXI WIEKU  ECONOMICS OF THE 21ST CENTURY 4(4) • 2014 ISSN 2353-8929 Paweł Kowalik Wrocław University of Economics e-mail: pawel.kowalik@ue.wroc.pl 20 YEARS OF NAFTA – TRENDS IN TRADE AND THE ECONOMIC EFFECTS Summary: This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the largest economic grouping in history, both in terms of surface area and the generated GDP – the North American Free Trade Agreement – NAFTA. The grouping was established on 1 January 1994, with the objective of gradually doing away with the existing tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Its objectives and effects have long been under careful examination and subject to many analyses. Prognoses varied, from potentially significant benefits to anticipated losses, particularly for US economy. The paper is an attempt at presenting the twenty years of NAFTA operation, predominantly from the viewpoint of its impact on the trilateral trade exchange, unemployment, inflation, and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of its member states. The analyses suggest that NAFTA has proved its effectiveness...

Words: 9683 - Pages: 39

Premium Essay

Regional Integration for and Against Articles

...Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is an agreement between the United States of America, Mexico and Canada. The agreement creates rules in the trade block and it was established in 1994. The goal of the agreement is remove or decrease the tariffs and non-tariffs barriers to stimulate trade. The NAFTA agreement included: * Removing all tariffs on 99 percent of the good by 2004. * Protection of intellectual property * Removal of most foreign direct investments with a few protections established for each country * Removal of barriers on the cross-border flow of service * Application of national environmental standard * Establishing two commissions with the power to impose fines and remove trade privileges if needed Regional integration is not only for economical reasons but it is also political. There is much opposition within each country and it takes many years to have an agreement that satisfies ever member country. Pros and Cons for NAFTA Advantages The main purpose for NAFTA is to create a larger and more efficient base for the entire North American region. The first advantage for the members of NAFTA was to reduce the tariffs that had been imposed in all their products. The cost of the products is also controlled in member nations of NAFTA since the import cost are not inflated by taxes. Lastly, the benefit is mutual for US and Canada to move production to Mexico. The cost of labor in Mexico is much lower than in either the US or Canada. Moving production...

Words: 503 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Nafta

...Slide 1: Title In January 1994 there was a new development; the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was instituted between the United States, Mexico, and Canada creating the largest free trade area and richest market in the world. This one of the most important and wide-reaching treaties in the world. A treaty between Canada, Mexico, and the United States that was designed to foster greater trade between the three countries. It was one of interesting prospect and looked upon as the start of globalization. The attempt was to help with financial situations involving the all countries in the North American continent, especially those of United States, Mexico, and Canada. One major problem encountered were the economic stabilities of each country, especially in Mexico. There were issues of foreign debt, balance of payment problems, and exchange rate fluctuations. The agreement does well to commit to standards on environmental protection and labor laws but still strives to enforce those laws. The agreement did have some goals to help foster the partnerships between the countries. First and foremost to reduce trade barriers. These barriers cause imports to be of a higher priced than local goods. The object of the agreement was to participate in free" or "open" when goods and services can move into markets without restrictions, and prices are determined by supply and demand. Nations sometimes erect barriers to this free movement of goods and services, such...

Words: 1449 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Nafta on Trade

...Abstract This paper examines the impact of NAFTA on trade as well as migration flows between Mexico, Canada, and the United States in the textile industry. Several questions are being investigated: Why did many textile jobs apparently migrate out of the United States in the years after the establishment of NAFTA? Who gained and lost from the process of readjustment in the textile industry after NAFTA? The act whether to protect or not to protect the textile industry when a free trade agreements? The findings show that the migration of many textile jobs out, mostly Mexico was mainly due to a cheaper and enhanced plants included with a flood of cheap labour compared to the United States. Certain quarters like the people of Mexico, people of the United States, apparel companies, and etc both benefits and lost at the same time. The impact on long-term trends were noticeable, while the short-run impact is more difficult to assess due to competing factors such as changes in business cycle patterns, immigration laws, economical climate, weather conditions, and exchange rate movements. Finally, there is the idea that protecting the textile industry from painful free trade agreement is not a perfect solution, bringing a solid and positive outcome to many with only a little much to sacrifice for the betterment of the countries’ wealth and dependency. Introduction The first major international trade agreement in the world was the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) formed in...

Words: 3117 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Fdi in North America

...William Cassidy Business Administration 418   Abstract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is an investment involving a long-term relationship and reflecting a lasting interest in and control by a resident entity in one economy of an enterprise resident in a different economy (UNCTAD). There are two types of FDI, inflows and outflows, which can be used to help determine the investment strategies and economies of countries engaged in FDI. North America has been the source of nearly one-half of all investment and almost three-quarters of the jobs created throughout the globe (Huggins, 442). North America is probably the most important continent when it comes to dealing with FDI. The three main countries of North America, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, all rank in the top 15 of world economies, proving them to be desirable partners in FDI transactions. The trends of FDI discussed in this report will be unparalleled to this information and can lead to some predictions on how future trends of the countries of North America will continue to be superior to that of the other continents of the world. Keywords: Foreign Direct Investment, FDI Inflow, FDI Outflow   Foreign Direct Investment is investment of a company located in a different country either by buying a company in the country or expanding its business into the country. FDI can be done for many purposes. Companies may have tax incentives abroad, cheaper labor, abundant resources, target-specific markets or other reasons to...

Words: 1779 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

The Pros And Cons Of NAFTA

...NAFTA is a short form of North America Free Trade Agreement. It’s an economic agreement between the United States, Canada and Mexico. NAFTA also beget one of the world’s biggest free trade areas by bringing together two of the world’s richest countries; United States and Canada and Mexico which is a less developed country. Its main aim was to lower the costs which are incurred during trading, also to make an increase of investments in the business and to assist the North America to be very competitive in market. NAFTA was also made to eliminate some of the barriers that are put in place to the manufacturing, to the agricultural and to the services (Buono, 2013). Also, was to remove various restrictions that are put in place in investment and...

Words: 1872 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Drug Trafficking in Mexico and Us

...and Immigration in Mexico and United States Immigration and drug trafficking are a menace in the entire world. In dealing with issues concerning immigration and abuse of drugs, it is vital to note that these two phenomena go hand in hand. Drug trafficking refers to a worldwide unlawful trade that involves the crop growing, manufacturing, circulation and selling of substances that have issues with drug prevention regulations. On the other hand, immigration refers to the settling in a foreign nation state permanently. Drug traffickers deal with drugs such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and opiates. The illegal immigrants find it hard to survive in a new environment due to financial constraints. Hence, these immigrants engage in illegal activities for example abuse of drugs and substances. Similarly, they engage in entering into other countries illegal that is a crime activity too (Bankston). Due to poverty and poor governance in Mexico, it has led to the rapidly settling of individuals in the United States and Canada. This process of settling is normally illegal since it does not follow the right channels of attaining documents from the required authorities that allow a foreigner to live in their country. The illegal immigration in the Central America to the Northern continent has led to the development of a mechanism known as North American Free Trade Agreement. With it is acronym as NAFTA, enacted in 1994 by United States, Mexico, and Canada. The aim of NAFTA is to eradicate...

Words: 1280 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Economic Integration

...efficiency within firms. (Curley, 2014) With some Trade blocs free trade is allowed within each country’s markets thereby encouraging each country to specialize in certain markets. (Economic Online, Unknown) In addition, jobs may be created because of the increased trade between members. (Economic Online, Unknown) And a final benefit is that firms inside the bloc are protected from cheaper imports from outside the blocs, such as the European Union show industry is protected from cheaper imports from China and Vietnam. (Economic Online, Unknown) On January 1, 1994, United States (US), Canada and Mexico entered into the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). (USTR, Unknown) One of the primary benefits is a decrease in tariffs. All three companies experienced wage increases and increased trade amongst the countries. (Fontinelle, 2012) Trade of goods and services between the U.S., Canada and...

Words: 478 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

A Comparative Study of Walmart

...A Comparative Study of Walmart Operations in Canada & Mexico Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary…………………………...………………………………...…...2 2. Introduction………………………………………………………………………….3 3. Walmart and the Canadian Marketplace……………………………..…………3 A. Country Competitiveness B. Cultural Environment C. Political and Legal Environment D. Entry Strategies 4. Walmart and the Mexican Marketplace……………………………..………….10 A. Country Competitiveness B. Cultural Environment C. Political and Legal Environment D. Entry Strategies 5. Summary Comparison of Canadian and Mexican Markets…………………….18 6. Recommendation…………………………………………………………………….19 7. References…………………………………………………………………………...21 1. Executive Summary This report closely examines the operations of the world's largest retailer, Walmart, in Canada and Mexico. Assessments of market conditions in both countries have been conducted in terms of country competitiveness, cultural, political and legal environments and the strategies used by Walmart upon entry. Tying into these international business factors, specific aspects of international economic integration, monetary systems, social responsibility and corruption have also been reviewed. While being part of one continent and a common trade bloc (NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement), considerable differences between Canada and Mexico are apparent. These differences are individually analyzed on the following pages. Inevitably, they...

Words: 6771 - Pages: 28

Premium Essay

Free Trade

...MASTER IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT SUBJECT: MANAGING IN THE ECONOMY SUBJECT CODE: MGT6233 NAME : GIRISH S/O GOPAL 810602 -01 – 6275 I/C : STUDENT ID : 01130024 LECTURER : MS.SANDRAKALA 2 Executive summary Free trade refers to trade between countries without tariff and non-tariff barriers on exports and imports. In another word, free trade refers to trade without government interference. Classical economists such as Adam Smith and David Ricardo have advocated that free trade improves the economic well being of a country by increasing the production of a country and allowing efficient allocation of resources, thus increasing global production and promoting peaceful and prosperous global environment. In the global basis, World Trade Organization formed after GATT in 1995 promotes trade liberalization through multilateral negotiation. On the other hand, in the regional basis, countries are forming regional economic integration to promote free trade stage by stage. The initial stage is known as Free trade areas (FTAs) under which they agree to remove tariffs and non-tariff limitations on trade in products between themselves. Despite all these initiates, governments around the world are still imposing various restriction on trade between countries to protect its own industries such as agriculture which is considered as the backbone of a country. Therefore, this report will discuss the concept of free trade, trade theories...

Words: 4391 - Pages: 18