North American free trade. (North American Free Trade Agreement) (Market Analysis) (Column)

Opportunities and profits await both manufacturers and retailers

The impending economic consolidation in Europe has been the focus of much discussion. However, there is another unification that is occurring much closer to home.

In North America, competitive pressures are pushing the U.S., Canadian and Mexican economies toward a closer cooperation. The U.S. and Canada have already implemented a free trade agreement, and currently the U.S. and Mexico are in the process of crafting one. When this agreement is ratified, the three North American economies will be effectively joined.

With a population of more than 365 million and a combined GNP in excess of $6 trillion, North America will be the largest economic community in the world. While many Americans oppose the …