However, other foreign producers of this technology have made both software and hardware available on world markets. However, efforts to lift the ban have been opposed by the military and intelligence communities. In general, business and the Clinton administration favor the continuance of MFN for China and its eventual membership in the World Trade Organization. The official U.S. policy is to continue to strengthen economic ties with China while at the same time urging democratic reforms, greater political freedoms and an end to human rights abuses. The trade deficit has risen despite efforts to close the gap with a number of market-opening trade agreements.
Critics contend that Chinese markets remain too closed to U.S. exports.
The Clinton administration blames the Mexico trade deficit on its severe economic crisis and currency devaluation, which made U.S. goods and services more costly.