5 Myths About NAFTA

Given that trade deals are in the news here in New Zealand, this Washington Post article on 5 Myths About NAFTA by Philippe Legrain is a useful read. Most of the issues raised are not just issues to do with NAFTA, they apply to trade deals more generally and are sure to be raised in the context of the New Zealand-China free trade agreement. The 5 myths being

• NAFTA has transformed the U.S. economy.
• NAFTA has put countless Americans out of work.
• "Fixing" NAFTA would be easy and cost-free.
• Making NAFTA's labor and environmental regulations stricter would benefit U.S. workers.
• Renegotiating NAFTA should be a priority for the new president.

Legrain was a one time special adviser to the director-general of the World Trade Organisation, Mike Moore.