Trudeau, Trump: NAFTA talks may conclude soon

OTTAWA - Agence France-Presse

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed on May 14 ongoing negotiations to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement, with the White House highlighting the “importance” of reaching a quick conclusion.

While Trudeau’s office mentioned the “progress” made, and the “possibility of bringing the negotiations to a prompt conclusion,” the U.S. side was more direct.

“President Trump underscored the importance of quickly concluding an agreement,” the White House said in a statement.

The pair also discussed the upcoming Group of Seven (G-7) summit in Canada, Trudeau’s office said.

Canada, Mexico and the U.S. are renegotiating their 24-year-old free trade pact -- a process triggered last year by Trump, who called the deal a “disaster” that has destroyed U.S. jobs.     

The NAFTA revision is vital for another reason: The exemptions for Canada and Mexico from steep U.S. tariffs on steel imports expire June 1.