Freeland on changes to the NAFTA agreement: We will work at full steam

Canadian Foreign Minister Christia Freeland said she had a "very good, constructive conversation" with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer about possible ways to change the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

After last night's meeting in Washington, Freeland told reporters that she and her team plan to work "full steam ahead" on the issue this week and added that the US and Canada will start discussing specific topics today.

The Canadian minister interrupted her visit to Europe yesterday and came to Washington, a day after the administration of US President Donald Trump reached a preliminary agreement with Mexico on a new trade agreement instead of NAFTA, without the third partner from the existing agreement - Canada.

Freeland said that both sides are ready for an "important and constructive Sunday", but warned that Ottawa is "ready for any scenario".

She doesn't have much time to realize her goals, as Lighthizer plans to formally notify the US Congress of the deal with Mexico on Friday.

According to Lighthizer's office, Mexico has agreed that 75 percent, instead of the current 62,5 percent, of automotive content produced within the trade bloc will be duty-free, and that 40 to 45 percent will be produced by workers earning at least $16 an hour. Those changes should encourage more auto production in the US.