Trump says he "would rather not have" his North American trade deal

Source: msn/Axios

12h


President Trump on Wednesday said that he would "rather not have" the North American trade agreement that was negotiated during his first term.

Why it matters: The free trade pact that binds North America is up for review next month. The risk of the deal collapsing now appears greater than before.

What they're saying: "I'm thinking about maybe we won't be able to make a deal. I would rather not have the USMCA," Trump told reporters in Paris, referring to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.

"I'd rather leave it unsigned, I'd rather have it terminated," the president said — though he added that he "may sign it."

"We do better as a country if we don't have an agreement."

Between the lines: An implosion of the deal could be disastrous for key industries that depend on the free flow of parts across the northern and southern borders.

Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/trump-says-he-would-rather-not-have-his-north-american-trade-deal/ar-AA25UxgZ