THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT : Deals Before the Vote

Among the late deals struck by the White House to help NAFTA passage: Mexico agreed to safeguards that will limit sugar exports to this country if NAFTA wreaks havoc in the U.S. market. The White House made specific pledges to take corrective action if American farmers are hard hit by cheaper Mexican vegetables and citrus, or unfair competition from Canadian wheat and peanut butter.

Next Stop: The Senate

The Senate is expected to approve NAFTA within days. Unlike a true treaty, which requires a two-thirds vote, NAFTA needs a simple majority. Canada’s parliament has approved it, and Mexico is expected to ratify it, enabling it to take effect Jan. 1.

The Ripple Effects

The NAFTA showdown is expected to affect the outcome of other negotiations. President Clinton travels to Seattle today to participate in conferences with Asian leaders, and officials say he might be able to use a NAFTA victory to wrangle concessions from Japan. Other Latin American nations, such as Chile, are said to be interested in striking their own trade pacts with Washington.