U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer sent a letter to Congress May 18 announcing President Donald Trump's intent to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement.

"The United States seeks to support higher-paying jobs in the United States and to grow the U.S. economy by improving U.S. opportunities under NAFTA," the letter said, adding that parts of NAFTA are outdated and do not reflect modern standards.

The goal is to modernize NAFTA so that it includes new provisions that address intellectual property rights, regulatory practices and state-owned enterprises, among other fields, Lighthizer said in the letter.

Talks with Mexico and Canada will begin "as soon as practicable," the letter said, but not earlier than 90 days from May 18.

"Today, President Trump fulfilled one of his key promises to the American people. For years, politicians have called for the renegotiation of this agreement, but President Trump is the first to follow through with that promise,"Lighthizer said in a news release.

Trump's administration will seek an agreement "that advances the interests of America's workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses," Lighthizer added.

The letter is one element of the renegotiation process. Pending changes to the trade deal, this promise continues to rate In the Works.