Trucking issue on tap at NAFTA.(North American Free Trade Agreement)

DESPITE the struggling economy, America's agriculture and manufacturing industries have had to pay a seemingly needless $2.4 billion penalty since March to even reach markets in Mexico.

The penalty is in the form of perfectly legal, increased tariffs Mexico slapped on 89 products to retaliate against the U.S. government's decision to terminate a pilot program that gave Mexican trucks limited access to the American market.

The issue is on the agenda when the leaders of the three North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) countries meet Aug. 9-10.

Mexican officials said President Felipe Calderon will raise the trucking problem when he hosts U.S. President Barack Obama …