The United States, Mexico and Canada signed a deal Tuesday to finalise their new trade agreement, paving the way to ratification after more than two years of arduous negotiations.
However, the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in the US Senate would likely delay Congressional ratification of the trade pact until next year, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said.
US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said the new additions to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) -- which notably toughened the deal's labour enforcement provisions -- made it the "best trade agreement in history."
Pelosi said it could win Congressional approval, seeking to claim a victory over Trump by calling it "infinitely better than what was initially proposed by the administration."
Lopez Obrador thanked Trump for his "respectful treatment" during the process, while Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard declared: "Mission accomplished." F
Freeland said the deal was the product of a "long, arduous and at times fraught negotiation."