January 29, 2020 🟡 Significant

Signs USMCA trade deal, replacing NAFTA

Trump signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) into law, fulfilling a campaign promise to replace NAFTA, which he had called the 'worst trade deal ever made.' The new agreement included updates for digital trade and stricter labor enforcement but largely retained the structure of NAFTA. Trump hailed it as a 'colossal victory' for American workers, though economic analysis suggested its impact on GDP would be modest. The signing came just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which would disrupt global trade regardless of the deal.

“A colossal victory for our farmers, ranchers, energy workers, factory workers and for all 50 states.” — Signing ceremony remarks

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The USMCA was the one major trade policy achievement that adhered to traditional diplomatic negotiation, unlike the unilateral tariff wars.