The deal capped a frantic weekend of negotiations and includes several provisions to “rebalance” the North American trading relationship, a Trump administration official said in a conference call shortly before midnight. “USMCA will give our workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses a high-standard trade agreement that will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region,” they said. The Trump administration officials would not specify exactly how much extra access the Americans had obtained. But the person said Canada would still be allowed to charge sales tax – though not duties – on some of that amount. “They’re in the final strokes,” said the person, based on information from U.S. administration officials.

Source: National Post October 01, 2018 03:25 UTC