This volume brings together leading academic experts from the U.S. and Canada to explore the crucial economic relationship between their two countries--each of whom is the other's largest trading partner. The essays, all specially written for this study, provide an integrated, balanced examination of the strengths and weaknesses inherent in the relationship and discuss reasons for the increasing difficulties experienced in the past few years. An indispensable supplement for courses in international business and regional economics, the study will also provide economists, political scientists, and environmentalists with important new insights into this most critical relationship. Following an overview of the economic structure of the two nations, the contributors focus upon three general areas of Canadian-American economic relations. The section on natural resources and related issues presents an up-to-date view of energy and environmental considerations and explores shared problems of agricultural competitiveness. Turning to a discussion of trade issues, the contributors analyze the effects of the October 1987 accord, address the impact of the U.S. balance of payments position on Canadian economics, and examine ways in which each country can expand its international trade. Finally, a group of essays on taxes, financial markets, and bilateral investment offers an in-depth treatment of issues such as U.S. direct investment in Canadian manufacturing, the development of an integrated North American venture capital market, and investment patters. Numerous tables and figures amplify the discussions.