Just need a response for the 2 separate post below:

Post 1

The trade relationship between Canada and the United States remains robust, underpinned by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which came into effect in July 2020. The USMCA largely preserves the provisions of its predecessor, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and fosters free trade between the two nations. This partnership extends across various sectors, including automotive, agriculture, technology, and energy, and both countries benefit from their integrated supply chains. Canada and the U.S. share one of the most significant trading relationships in the world, with more than $3.4 billion worth of goods and services crossing the border each day in 2022.

The USMCA has notably diminished trade barriers, although some persist. Tariffs on items such as steel and aluminum have intermittently strained trade relations and elevated costs for cross-border trade. Non-tariff barriers include divergent regulatory standards and certification requirements, necessitating adaptations for businesses to export certain products smoothly. Trade disputes in sectors like softwood lumber and dairy have led to tariffs and trade limitations that affect the flow of goods. The technology and transportation industries remain free from significant hurdles in trade between the nations.

Canada exhibits a competitive edge through Porter's Diamond Model. Abundant natural resources, a skilled workforce, and robust infrastructure contribute to its conditions. The domestic market is substantial, and proximity to the U.S. market further enriches demand conditions. High consumer standards stimulate innovation and product quality. The presence of supporting solid industries like finance and technology bolsters competitiveness. Finally, Canada's competitive business environment, characterized by diverse industries and substantial domestic competition, fosters innovation and strategic rivalry.

Post 2

When I think about the US trade environment, the first thing that comes to mind is the US trade deficit, which currently sits at $65 billion, reflecting an increase from $63.5 billion just a month ago, according to the Department of Commerce (commerce.gov). Though the United States does a balancing act of securing trade deals with other nations, China has gone from 3rd place in 2006 to 1^st place in 2011 and has maintained first place since according to (Peng, 2023), which means that overall, China is exporting more goods than they are importing. The US has several tariff and non-tariff trade barriers with countries like North Korea, Russia, and some Middle Eastern countries as well. The entire reason for some form of fair trade is because of the absolute advantage companies have against each other, in other words, each country has either the minerals or the actual products that other countries need so the advance is equal according to Peng, (2023). Because our global economy now necessitates that countries work together, it is even more imperative that countries work to create trade agreements that work for all.

Speaking of which, this is why South Africa and other Sub-Saharan African countries have an agreement with the US meant, according to Kulu & Bentum (2023) to help countries develop their economies, but also to ease corruption, enhance the rights of the African people, and of course to help these countries move more towards being democratic in their dealings. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) was created to help ease trade relations. Additionally, Porters Diamond Model is used to help a company determine its strengths and weaknesses and is designed in the form of a triangle that includes strategy, structure, rivalry, related industries, demand conditions, and other factors.