Trump could use Nafta withdrawal letter as negotiating leverage

Washington

A NAFTA termination letter from US President Donald Trump could become the ultimate sleight of hand from Washington as it seeks to gain negotiating leverage over Canada and Mexico in talks to update the 24-year-old trade pact.

While such a letter would start a six-month exit clock ticking, the United States would not be legally bound to quit the North American Free Trade Agreement once it expires.

Unlike the irreversible missile that Britain fired when it triggered a two-year countdown to its exit from the European Union last March, quitting Nafta would still be optional for Mr Trump. And an exit would almost certai…