NAFTA - 20 Years Later
This fall marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the historic NAFTA free trade agreement, which opened up trade between the United States, Mexico and Canada. This ongoing series will look at the winners and losers in the agreement and how it has impacted the Southwest and the nation.
NAFTA: Birth Of A Free Trade World
The North American Free Trade Agreement was signed by the leaders of Mexico, the U.S. and Canada 20 years ago, strengthening our business ties, disrupting labor and changing the nature of our supermarkets.
9/4/12Read more
Powdered Eggs And Illegal Border Crossings: NAFTA And Migration
In the early 1990s, President Bill Clinton promised that the North American Free Trade Agreement would create such great jobs in Mexico that Mexicans wouldn’t need to illegally immigrate here. But in the two decades since, the number of people living here illegally has nearly quadrupled.
9/10/12Read more
The Tomato Trade Wars
This brewing tomato trade war shows how much the agricultural trade has changed since NAFTA began.
9/17/12Read more
U.S., Mexico Address Basic Infrastructure Needs In The Border Region
Since its inception in 1994, NADBANK has invested $1.2 billion in 155 projects on both sides of the border.
9/24/12Read more
NAFTA Traffic, Security Creates Long Lines At Border Bridges
The World Trade Bridge is a testament to the post-NAFTA boom. The number of trucks crossing through Laredo has tripled since NAFTA. But traffic has already outgrown capacity.
10/1/12Read more
Arizona Manufacturer Sees Mexico As Key To Growth
Manufacturing in North America after NAFTA relies on supply chains that span borders. That’s why one small aerospace manufacturer in Arizona is now trying to expand into Mexico to stay competitive.
10/8/12Read more
San Antonio Marks Its Role In NAFTA Signing
The historic signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement was celebrated Monday in San Antonio.
10/8/12Read more
20 Years Later, Environmentalists Still Unhappy With NAFTA
NAFTA opened the border to rapid industrialization, but implemented only limited provisions for dealing with the environmental fallout.
10/15/12Read more
After Some Sluggish Years, NAFTA Creates Border Boomtowns
El Paso faced an identity crisis after NAFTA threatened the garment industry. Businesses changed course, and now the border town is booming.
10/22/12Read more
In Wake Of NAFTA, States Eye Global Supply Chain With Envy
Some states, lagging behind in the export business, see golden opportunity in Mexico's ports.
10/29/12Read more
NAFTA Timeline
Public Citizen Map of Workplaces Impacted by Trade
Other Resources
NAFTA Secretariat website
The NAFTA Secretariat, comprised of a Canadian Section, a Mexican Section and a United States Section, is responsible for the administration of the dispute settlement provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Public Citizen NAFTA website
Public Citizen, a nonprofit consumer rights advocacy group founded by Ralph Nader, has opposed NAFTA from the beginning.
Trade Adjustment Assistance Database
From Public Citizen, a database of jobs lost due to free trade. See what jobs have been lost in your area.
TradeStats Express
TradeStats Express from the U.S. Department of Commerce provides the latest annual and quarterly trade statistics.
Taking stock of U.S. exports to Mexico
From the Washington Post, an interactive map of what the U.S. exports and from which states.
Document
NAFTA at 15: Building On Free Trade
United States Department of Agriculture report from 2009.
