Armin Hohenadler

The parties agreed to establish important procedural safeguards for the recognition of new geographic indications (G.A.), including strong protection standards against the issuance of geographical indications that would prevent the use of common names by the United States, as well as the establishment of a mechanism for consultation between the parties on future geographical indications, in accordance with international agreements. The agreement also includes cooperation, information exchange and other trade rules between the three countries on agricultural biotechnology and gene processing. The United States, Mexico and Canada have accepted non-discrimination and transparency obligations in sales and distribution, as well as labelling and certification provisions, to avoid technical barriers to trade in distilled wine and spirits. They agreed to continue to recognize bourbon whiskey, tennessee whiskey, tequila, mezcal and Canadian whiskey as distinctive products. The United States, Mexico and Canada have agreed on several provisions to reduce the use of trade-distorting policies, including: for the first time, the agreement specifically addresses agricultural biotechnology to support 21st century agricultural innovation. The text covers all biotechnology, including new technologies such as gene processing, while the trans-Pacific Partnership text covered only traditional rDNA technology. In particular, the United States, Mexico and Canada have agreed on provisions to improve information exchange and cooperation on trade-related issues in agricultural biotechnology. The agreement is expected to increase U.S. exports by $2 billion and result in a $65 billion increase in gross domestic product. In order to facilitate the marketing of food and agricultural products, Mexico and the United States agreed that the classification of standards and services for all agricultural products would not be discriminatory and would engage in a dialogue to address issues related to classification and quality of trade. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), signed by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Mexican President Carlos Salinas and U.S. President George H.W.

Bush, came into force on January 1, 1994. NAFTA has created economic growth and a rising standard of living for the people of the three member countries. By strengthening trade and investment rules and procedures across the continent, Nafta has proven to be a solid foundation for building Canada`s prosperity. NAFTA replaced Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA). Negotiations on CUFTA began in 1986 and the agreement entered into force on 1 January 1989. The two nations agreed on a landmark agreement that put Canada and the United States at the forefront of trade liberalization. For more information, visit the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement information page.

U.S. dairy farmers will have new export opportunities to sell dairy products in Canada. Canada will provide new access to U.S. products, including liquid milk, cream, butter, skimmed milk powder, cheese and other dairy products. It will also eliminate its tariffs on whey and margarine. For poultry, Canada will provide new access to chickens and eggs in the United States and increase access for turkeys. Under a modernized agreement, all other tariffs on agricultural products traded between the United States and Mexico remain zero. In the chapter „Health and Plant Health Measures“ (SPS), the United States, Mexico and Canada agreed to strengthen disciplines for scientifically sound SPS measures, while ensuring that the parties respect their sovereign right to the protection of life, animals, animals and plants or health. The provisions provide for greater transparency in the development and implementation of SPS measures; Promoting scientific decision-making Improve certification, regionalization and equivalency processes conducting system-based audits