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Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 11 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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<p>U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has released a detailed and comprehensive <a href="http://www.thompsonhine.com/uploads/1345/doc/USTR_-_NAFTA_Objectives.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">summary of the negotiating objectives for the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)</a>. In a brief statement upon the release, Lighthizer stated that the Trump administration will seek an agreement &ldquo;that reduces the U.S. trade deficit and is fair for all Americans by improving market access in Canada and Mexico for U.S. manufacturing, agriculture, and services.&rdquo; The summary notes that the &ldquo;new NAFTA must continue to break down barriers to American exports. This includes the elimination of unfair subsidies, market-distorting practices by state owned enterprises, and burdensome restrictions of intellectual property. The new NAFTA will be modernized to reflect 21st century standards and will reflect a fairer deal, addressing America&rsquo;s persistent trade imbalances in North America. It will ensure that the United States obtains more open, equitable, secure, and reciprocal market access, and that our trade agreement with our two largest export markets is effectively implemented and enforced.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The negotiating objectives include a new digital economy chapter and stronger labor and environmental obligations that are currently in NAFTA side agreements. These objectives reflect the negotiating standards established by Congress in the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015, which requires that the USTR release objectives at least 30 days before formal negotiations begin. Negotiations will now start no earlier than August 16, 2017.</p>

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USTR Releases Summary of Objectives for NAFTA Renegotiation