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NAFTA nations will likely miss May 17 deadline  

Leaders from the US, Canada, and Mexico were unable to reach a deal in DC last week and it doesn’t look like the suggested deadline by House Speaker Paul Ryan will be met.

Ryan said that Congress needs notice of intent to sign by May 17 to be able to vote this year. But, Ashlee Strong with the Speaker’s office told Brownfield that May 17 is not a statutory deadline, it’s a calendar deadline.

Leaders from each country have expressed optimism about reaching a deal soon, but there are still unresolved issues including Canada’s dairy supply management system and auto manufacturing in Mexico.

It is reported that a vote can still be made this year if a deal is announced by June.

The three countries will continue talks over the phone this week.