What does NAFTA stand for, and what was its primary purpose?

NAFTA stands for the North American Free Trade Agreement, and its primary purpose was to eliminate trade barriers between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This agreement, implemented in 1994, aimed to encourage trade among the three nations by removing tariffs on goods and services, which facilitated easier and more cost-effective trade flows. NAFTA played a significant role in integrating the economies of the countries involved, leading to increased cross-border trade and investment. The focus was specifically on creating a more competitive market and enhancing economic cooperation, rather than addressing military cooperation, labor standards, or currency stabilization.