It is important for companies and organizations to
have a strategic plan in which they analyze their environment, define goals and
objectives, and develop strategies and plans. In the next five years, NAFTA’s Technical
Working Group has a goal to, “align the North American registration systems for
pesticides and products treated with pesticides and make work- sharing a way of
doing business.” To do this it must identify trade barriers and ways to promote
the introduction of pest management tools. Its next objective is to encourage
cooperation on reviews of pesticide use. Another objective they have to meet
their goal is to, “work cooperatively on priority science and regulatory issues
and practices including data requirements, science approaches and policies for
data interpretation, and risk assessment and communications of regulatory
decisions.” NAFTA realizes that it must
evolve its goals and strategic objectives as the regulatory nature of pesticides
advance. Read the full strategic plan
here: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-01/documents/nafta-5yr-strategic-plan.pdf
-Lorreen McCabe
Free Trade Agreements - Australia and Germany
This week in class, we were asked if Germany or Australia would be a better fit for our hypothetical expanding business. Depending on the industry your business represents, either country could be a good fit. However, one factor that should be considered is trade agreements and how these agreements may affect your business. While the United States doesn't have any agreements specifically with Germany, there is currently a free trade agreement with the EU in negotiations (T-TIP). Australia already has a free trade agreement set in place (AUFTA). Below I have included links outlining both agreements.
AUFTA https://ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/australian-fta
T-TIP https://ustr.gov/ttip
- Nicole
A few weeks ago, we posted to inform you about
President Trump’s views on NAFTA and how he believes it should be changed. Today, I’d like to right about the pros and
cons of NAFTA so viewers can form their own opinions. With NAFTA, trade between
the three countries more than quadrupled, leading to lower prices on groceries
and oil in the U.S. The U.S. also increased exports, especially in the form of
services, benefitting the economy. NAFTA hurt the U.S. when manufacturers moved
jobs to Mexico for lower labor costs. Although NAFTA did increase exports, it
also increased U.S. trade deficit. Learn more about the advantages and
disadvantages and how NAFTA compares to other trade agreements here: https://www.thebalance.com/facts-about-nafta-statistics-and-accomplishments-3306280
Lorreen McCabe
Trade law
Admittedly, this post is not going to discuss NAFTA or TPP directly. I've chosen this week to write a quick post about international trade law because it is an important aspect of NAFTA, TPP, or any trade agreement. The laws that surround trade are complex and ever changing. This ensures that the nations involved within the agreement will hopefully always receive fair representation. The laws are written and put in place by the government and each country has it's own set of laws/regulations. Below are links where you can find some of the rules and regulations for the U.S.
United States Court of International Trade
https://www.cit.uscourts.gov/AboutTheCourt.html
Subcommittee on Trade
https://waysandmeans.house.gov/subcommittee/trade/
International Consumer Protection
https://www.ftc.gov/policy/international/international-consumer-protection
- Nicole
