June 27, 2005
No. 119
International Trade Minister Jim Peterson today announced that the Government of
Canada is seeking public comment on further proposed changes to the North American
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) rules of origin.
“These proposed amendments would promote the freer flow of goods under NAFTA,”
said Minister Peterson. “The changes will make it easier for exporters to meet the
NAFTA rules of origin and qualify for zero tariffs on a wide range of goods, making
them more cost competitive.”
The proposed changes would liberalize the rules of origin applicable to cocoa
preparations, cranberry juice, ores, slag and ash, leather, cork, certain textile products,
feathers, glass and glassware, copper and other metals, televisions, and certain
information technology products and controls. Trilateral trade in these goods is
estimated at about US$20 billion annually.
These amendments were developed and agreed to by the three NAFTA parties in
keeping with industry needs. While the NAFTA parties have agreed to a target date of
January 1, 2006, for implementation, all three countries must complete their domestic
procedures for implementation of these changes before they can take effect.
“We need to continue to respond to changing industry needs and reduce transaction
costs for goods traded among NAFTA partners to enhance our competitiveness in
global markets,” added Minister Peterson.
The Minister also noted that this initiative is a good example of how NAFTA parties are
working trilaterally to increase North American competitiveness as part of the Security
and Prosperity Partnership.
A Canada Gazette notice invites Canadians to submit their views on the proposed
changes by August 31, 2005.
Instructions on how to make submissions on this issue are also available on the
Department of Finance Canada’s public consultations Web site:
http://www.fin.gc.ca/activty/consult/NAFTA_e.html.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Jacqueline LaRocque
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade
(613) 992-7332
Media Relations Office
International Trade Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
