21 February 2013

NAFTA at 20: Overview and Trade Effects

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been in effect since January 1, 1994. Signed by President George HW Bush on December 17, 1992, and approved by Congress on November 20, 1993, the NAFTA Implementation Act was signed into law by President William J Clinton on December 8, 1993. NAFTA continues to be of interest to Congress because of the importance of Canada and Mexico as US trading partners, and also because of the implications NAFTA has for US trade policy. This report provides an overview of North American trade liberalization before NAFTA, an overview of NAFTA provisions, the economic effects of NAFTA, and policy considerations.

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