The U.S. and Mexico have agreed on a preliminary trade deal to partially change the North American Free Trade Agreement. They are now waiting for Canada to come to the table and be part of the pact,with talks resuming Wednesday. South Dakota Representative Kristi Noem serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade. She is optimistic about the progress being made so far.
The U.S.Trade Representative has notified Congress of the U.S. intent to sign an agreement with Mexico, if Canada is willing. Noem is hopeful the bi-lateral agreement will provide leverage to get Canada to make some trade concessions, but admits their dairy pricing scheme is still the sticking point.
She says lawmakers are very supportive of the U.S. Mexico deal and will also back a new NAFTA with Canada. Noem also hopes that will pave the way to resolving the trade war with other countries.
Noem says China talks have shown much less progress, which has been disappointing.
