Why was NAFTA not extended, even after fulfilling several stated objectives? Investigating a number of roadblocks and utilizing James Rosenau's state-multi-centric models, the book's conclusions shed light not just on why North American integration is not working, but on broader regional experiments.

Examines (1) the overall economic effects of the NAFTA on the economies of the U.S., Mexico, and Canada; (2) the key NAFTA provisions and related legal changes that may affect individual sectors; and (3) the short- and long-term impact of NAFTA on important industrial, energy, agricultural, and service sectors of the U.S. economy. Also summarizes recent economic developments in Mexico. Tables and figures.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) entered into force on January 1, 1994. The overall economic impact of NAFTA is difficult to measure since trade and investment trends are influenced by numerous other economic variables, such as economic growth, inflation, and currency fluctuations. The agreement may have accelerated the trade liberalization that was already taking place, but many of these changes may have taken place with or without an agreement. Nevertheless, NAFTA is significant because it was the most comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) negotiated at the time and contained several groundbreaking provisions. This book provides an overview of North American trade liberalization before NAFTA, an overview of NAFTA provisions, the economic effects of NAFTA, and policy considerations. This book also examines the integration of North America's agricultural and food markets as a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement.