NAFTA
North American Free Trade Agreement
Conditions
This treaty set international trade rules for the Canada, Mexico and the United States. It improved trade and issued over three million jobs in multiple NAFTA countries. These trade goods have increased the competitiveness of American business.
Event Information
North American Free Trade Agreement Signing
The House of Representatives approved NAFTA 234 to 200 on November 17, 1993. Then the Senate voted 60 to 38 to accept the treaty three days later. President Clinton signed it into law on December 8, 1993. However, it did not take effect until 1994.
When?
Wednesday, Dec 8, 1993, 07:00 AM
Where?
Washington, DC, United States
NAFTA Signed
This photo depicts President Bill Clinton signing the North American Free Trade Agreement on December 8, 1993.
Benefits
Bill Clinton is seen advocating the benefits of NAFTA.
NAFTA Trade Chart
Shown in this chart is the increase of US trade NAFTA had.
Benefits
- Eliminated all taxes on trade as of January 2008
- Creates international rights for business investors
- Reduces trade costs which is beneficial to small businesses
- Creates a level playing field for all companies within the border of the country
- Between 1993-2012 trade between US, Mexico and Canada quadrupled
- Promotes economic growth, creates jobs and lowers prices for consumers
- Created the world's largest free trade area
NAFTA's effect on Mexico
The foreign investments put into Mexico after the treaty was signed greatly increased.
NAFTA's effect on Canada
The boost in Canadian profits from NAFTA is an excessive amount.
NAFTA's effect on US
NAFTA readily increased US trading exports, but the exports dipped as the economy entered a recession.
DIsadvantages
- Mexican farmers were put out of work
- Mexico's environment worsened
- US lost 80% of their manufacturing
- Some factories closed instead of moving to Mexico
- Manufacturers that remained in the US had to lower wages
Website about NAFTA
This is a web-link for a good website of 'quick facts' about NAFTA.