Mexico struck back by raising tariffs on almost 90 U.S. goods after Washington cancelled a cross-border trucking program. The trucking project was a step towards meeting obligations carved out under NAFTA. Can upcoming visits by U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton heal the rift?

As his country gains global influence, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva brought his warnings against protectionism to the White House. Trade, energy, and hemispheric relations were the topics that dominated the meeting with U.S. leader Barack Obama.

"The United States must recognize the truism that our nation’s own security and economic strength is intrinsically tied to a stable and prosperous Mexico," writes the former ambassador to Mexico. Fully funding the Merida Initiative is a critical priority.

In a statement submitted to the trade policy staff committee, the Council of the Americas expressed its support for the for the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade Agreement, arguing that the pact "could become the most promising driver of trade expansion in the hemisphere."

At an AS/COA program, Cuba experts and the author of Cuba Wars, a new book by Dan Erikson, discussed the current state of U.S. policy toward the island nation and changes that could be expected in the near future. This discussion comes at a pivotal time, as leadership transitions have occurred in both countries.

During his first official international visit in Ottawa, President Obama struck a cordial tone on trade and announced a new environmental initiative on clean energy with Canadian Prime Minister Stephan Harper. Both leaders underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation to face the economic crisis.

AS/COA hosted a pre-trip videoconference and panel discussion for media and the public in anticipation of President Obama´s first international trip. The February 19, 7-hour visit to Ottawa, Canada, included meetings with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other Canadian officials.