gE Blog Series: Global Trade Agreements Part 4 – The Effects of NAFTA

Author: Evan Pennisi

Published:

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came into effect January 1, 1994, creating the foundation for economic growth and strengthening trade relations between Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Now in 2014, it has been over 20 years since NAFTA has been in place. To better understand the economic impacts of NAFTA, we have prepared a table showing trade statistics before and after NAFTA.

 

Before NAFTA (1993-1994)

After NAFTA (2011- 2012)

U.S. Exports to Canada and Mexico

$140 billion

$500 billion

U.S. Imports from Canada and Mexico

$150 billion

$600 billion

U.S. Exports to Mexico

$41.6 billion

$216.3 billion

U.S. Imports from Mexico

$39.9 billion

$277.7 billion

U.S. Exports to Canada

$100.2 billion

$291.8 billion

U.S. Imports from Canada

$110.9 billion

$324.2 billion

Percentage of Mexico’s Exports Sent to U.S.

83%

79%

Percentage of Mexico’s Imports from the U.S.

69%

50%

U.S. Investment in Mexico

$1.2 billion

$13.8 billion

U.S. Investment in Canada

$69.9 billion

$318.9 billion

Canadian Investment in Mexico

$530 million

$5,600 million

Source: Congressional Research Service