On Jan. 01 1994 the North American Free Trade Agreement was established. It's become fairly obvious that the only real beneficiaries of this treaty are big business and the elite. The failure to completely remove import/export tarifs within the NAFTA zone has resulted in a negligible commodity price control for the average consumer, excepting the dismanteling of monopolies in telecommunications etc.

After some 14 years, one could conclude that Mexico is the only country to have derived any real, lasting economic benefit.
The US civilian employment rate has grown by 15 000 000 between 1993 and 2001. In contrast, manufacturing jobs increased by only 476 000 during the same time period. Further, net manufacturing employment is reported to have declined by 3 654 000 from 1994 - 2007. And during this period several other trade agreements have been concluded or expanded.

Canada and the US have quarrelled for years over the US decision to impose a 27% softwood lumber duty on imports. Prime Minister Harper has compromised with the US and reached a settlement on July 01, 2006. The settlement was never ratified by either parties. On July 21, 2006 the US Court of International Trade found that imposition of the duties was contrary to US law.

I think we have a free trade agreement that prohibits free crossborder trade which could benefit consumer.

Is NAFTA worth the paper it's written on? Do you think it has affected you economically either postively or negatively? Should it be re-negotiated?