Making Integrative Trade Real: Creating a Value Chain Trade Policy for North America

An ascending model for international business—integrative trade, and more specifically the development of global or regional supply chains—is examined to see how Canadian trade policy needs to be adapted to be consistent with this new trade paradigm in a North American context.

Making Integrative Trade Real: Creating a Value Chain Trade Policy for North America looks at the concept of value chains—as a core element of international trade policy. The briefing argues that North American trade and economic integration has been stuck in neutral since 2000. Canada–U.S. trade policy needs a kick start, based on the concept of value chains, if it is to contribute to greater competitiveness and rising incomes in the region. The briefing identifies seven areas for early action to reduce various trade barriers, to facilitate deeper North American economic integration, and thus strengthen efficiency and competitiveness for firms in Canada.