USMCA signed, now goes to congresses

After agreeing on final changes, delegations from the US, Canada and Mexico signed the modifying protocol of the USMCA. The treaty must now be approved by congresses of the three countries for ratification before it comes into force.

Headed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador at Palacio Nacional, the signing was attended by Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland while the US delegation was led by Commercial Representative Robert Lighthizer, and by Jared Kushner, son-in-law and advisor to US President Donald Trump.

Minister of Foreign Relations Marcelo Ebrard acknowledged the work of the Mexican negotiating team, led by Jesús Seade, and said strong dialogue was essential in successfully reaching agreement.

Robert Lighthizer claimed the agreement to be the best trade agreement in history and congratulated the Mexican Government for their effort. “This is historical. President Trump told us to have understanding. Me and my team spent hours and hours, an even fought, and the results are the best, it's the best trade deal ever,” Lighthizer said.

Canadian minister Freeland said the new USCMCA is a progressive and positive treaty that will help economies, families and the working class. “We always kept the focus of promoting employment and helping the working class,” Freeland said.