Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 11/30/17

Let's start with a perspective from north of the border (delivered in D.C.). Canada's ambassador to the U.S., David MacNaughton, a close political ally of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, responded on Wednesday to an accusation that Canadian negotiators are merely sniping at U.S. proposals without offering serious alternatives. Those comments, which Pro Trade reported last week, were made by a source familiar with the U.S. position in the NAFTA talks.

"We're trying to be flexible and find solutions, but we can't do it within an impractical framework, or a framework that would have severe damage to the Canadian economy," MacNaughton told our Pro Trade colleagues Doug Palmer and Megan Cassella during an interview at the Canadian Embassy. "I think we've made it very clear to [U.S. Trade Representative Robert] Lighthizer and everybody else, we will never agree to something that's going to have the effect of damaging the Canadian economy."

Clear the field: Next comes a perspective from south of the border (also delivered in D.C.). Mexican Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo gave a press conference in Washington on Wednesday after meeting with several administration officials and lawmakers, including Lighthizer and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. He signaled Mexico is ready to consider compromise on some of the tough U.S. proposals.

"At some point in the negotiation we have to start clearing up the field of many obstacles that have been placed during the process and to show clearly how possible balance can be defined. We are just starting the process of looking at what's next," Guajardo said, noting that his meetings on the Hill largely reflected congressional support for the embattled pact.

Ryan weighs in: Last but not least was House Speaker Paul Ryan. He's largely been mum on NAFTA in recent months, but a chat with Guajardo changed that. In a statement on Wednesday, Ryan said they had a "very productive" meeting. He also offered a veiled warning to President Donald Trump and his administration to work with Congress to preserve the two countries' bilateral trading relationship. 

"Right now, Congress is working to enhance trade relations with our southernmost neighbor to advance our shared priorities," Ryan said in a statement following the meeting. "I expect the administration will continue to work with us to modernize NAFTA and bolster our robust relationship with such an important ally."