Formation and development of regional economic integration in North America (a case study of NAFTA)

The study focused on analysing the stages of development and formation of regional economic integration in North America. The methodology involved a comprehensive assessment of the evolution of integration processes and their impact on the participating states’ economies, political systems, and social aspects. The research examined the legal framework and economic changes resulting from integrating the USA, Canada, and Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement and its modern successor, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Attention was given to various forms of regional integration, ranging from free trade areas to political unions. A key aspect of the study was the legal regulation of integration processes, including the harmonisation of national legislation with international agreements and the role of supranational bodies in ensuring compliance and resolving disputes. The study examined the economic and political prerequisites for the agreement’s conclusion, as well as the legal mechanisms governing international trade, investment, intellectual property, and dispute resolution. The United States’ exports to Canada increased from USD 43.5 billion in 1994 to USD 91.9 billion in 2019, while exports to Mexico rose from USD 50.8 billion to USD 256.4 billion over the same period. Similarly, imports from Canada grew from USD 31 billion to USD 202.7 billion, and imports from Mexico followed the same trend, increasing from USD 31 billion to USD 202.7 billion. Notably, the USA’s exports to USMCA member states rose from USD 580 billion in 2020 to USD 860 billion in 2023, while Canada’s exports increased from USD 230 billion to USD 520 billion, and Mexico’s from USD 250 billion to USD 540 billion. The practical significance of the study lies in the potential application of its findings to enhance the legal mechanisms of regional integration, formulate economic and environmental policies, and support decision-making in international trade, investment, and labour standards by governments and international organisations