NAFTA Regional Integration

Essay by smirnoffUniversity, Bachelor'sA+, August 2006

download word file, 6 pages 3.0

In March of 1994, NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) was signed by leaders of the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This agreement is about tariffs and cooperation of trade among the three countries in creating an open environment to trade without restraint. The three countries ultimately receive many benefits and advantages from NAFTA, however, there are also disadvantages of this agreement.

NAFTA continues to have a major impact on the people in all three countries. There are obviously short and long-term costs of adjustment, which will certainly hit some industries, regions, and workers harder than others. There are some definite winners in the agreement and definite losers in the agreement, along with ongoing disputes. Whether somebody is a labor worker, investor, consumer, or ordinary citizen in all three countries, they may or could be affected. The final verdict on the North American Free Trade Agreement may in fact not fully be realized for many years to come.

The major advantage for each country is free trade and more exportation.

Regional integration and free trade gives countries the advantages of competition and trade. U.S. consumers have enjoyed the benefits of lower cost blue jeans, fruits and vegetables as a result of integration between Mexican and U.S. markets. Free trade also means that common food production and marketing systems that ensure food safety and improve food security can be developed across countries.

However, regional integration does not come without costs. Farmers in states such as California, Florida, Oregon, Michigan, Texas and Washington have had to adjust to supplies of Mexican fruits and vegetables entering the U.S. market. Likewise, U.S. farmers have been able to export more feed grains and livestock products to Mexico. At the same time, Mexican hog and poultry producers have had to adjust to increased supplies of meat...