Northern Light
Superstar
The US doesn't have to be 'nice' to us, they don't have to be 'fair' to us. That we are surprised when they ruthlessly pursue their own interest shows how sheltered we have become; safe & secure with US market access and protection, all the while lecturing them. There is ultimately a price to pay. I have told my sanctimonious friends this for many years.
The US is in the WTO, the WTO limits tariffs on most goods now to 2.5%. They can and will rule against the US current tariffs (Steel etc.) and any auto tariff.
The US could pull out of the WTO, but then it can kiss any international regime of trade good bye, along with intellectual property rights.
It would create a royal mess for everyone.
The US has a compelling interest to preserve a deal that's already favourable to them and to preserve a global trade regime that very much works in their favour.
That said, what theatrics we must endure along the road to preserving same is an open question.
I'll add that I don't think Trump has the votes in Congress to repeal NAFTA.
His fast-track authority on NAFTA also expires in short order.