US President Donald Trump said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have a signing ceremony to sign the first phase of the US-China trade deal agreed to this month.

"We will be having a signing ceremony, yes," Trump told reporters. "We will ultimately, yes, when we get together. And we'll be having a quicker signing because we want to get it done. The deal is done, it's just being translated right now."

United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on December&nbsp;13 that representatives from both countries would sign the Phase 1 trade deal agreement in the first week of January.

Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said both countries were in close contact.

"Both sides' economic and trade teams are in close communication about detailed arrangements for the deal's signing and other follow-up work," Geng told a daily news briefing.

He did not elaborate.Beijing has not yet confirmed specific components of the deal that were released by US officials. A spokesman for China's Commerce Ministry said last week the details would be made public after the official signing.

US President Donald Trump said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have a signing ceremony to sign the first phase of the US-China trade deal agreed to this month.

US President Donald Trump said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have a signing ceremony to sign the first phase of the US-China trade deal agreed to this month. "We will be having a signing ceremony, yes," Trump told reporters. "We will ultimately, yes, when we get together. And we'll be having a quicker signing because we want to get it done. The deal is done, it's just being translated right now." United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on December 13 that representatives from both countries would sign the Phase 1 trade deal agreement in the first week of January. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said both countries were in close contact. "Both sides' economic and trade teams are in close communication about detailed arrangements for the deal's signing and other follow-up work," Geng told a daily news briefing. He did not elaborate.Beijing has not yet confirmed specific components of the deal that were released by US officials. A spokesman for China's Commerce Ministry said last week the details would be made public after the official signing.

We will be having a signing ceremony soon, says Trump on US-China trade deal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/well-deal-with-it-successfully-donald-trump-on-north-koreas-christmas-gift-threat-270065">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> said on Tuesday&nbsp;he and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have a signing ceremony to sign the first phase of the US-China trade deal agreed to this month.

"We will be having a signing ceremony, yes," Trump told reporters. "We will ultimately, yes, when we get together. And we'll be having a quicker signing because we want to get it done. The deal is done, it's just being translated right now."

Watch:&nbsp;US&nbsp;blacklists China &amp; Pak, both languish in the blacklist

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-blacklists-china-pak-both-languish-in-the-blacklist-269482/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on December&nbsp;13 that representatives from both countries would sign the Phase 1 trade deal agreement in the first week of January.

Beijing has not yet confirmed specific <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/phase-one-trade-deal-with-china-would-be-signed-very-shortly-donald-trump-269576">components of the deal</a> that were released by US&nbsp;officials. A spokesman for China's Commerce Ministry said last week the details would be made public after the official signing.

''When we get together, we will do. But we'll have a quicker signing because we want to get it done. The deal is done. It's just being translated right now. Okay? Thank you", Trump told reporters.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have a signing ceremony to sign the first phase of the US-China trade deal agreed to this month.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have a signing ceremony to sign the first phase of the US-China trade deal agreed to this month. "We will be having a signing ceremony, yes," Trump told reporters. "We will ultimately, yes, when we get together. And we'll be having a quicker signing because we want to get it done. The deal is done, it's just being translated right now." Watch: US blacklists China & Pak, both languish in the blacklist United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on December 13 that representatives from both countries would sign the Phase 1 trade deal agreement in the first week of January. Beijing has not yet confirmed specific components of the deal that were released by US officials. A spokesman for China's Commerce Ministry said last week the details would be made public after the official signing. ''When we get together, we will do. But we'll have a quicker signing because we want to get it done. The deal is done. It's just being translated right now. Okay? Thank you", Trump told reporters.

Deal is done, will have signing ceremony soon: Trump on China trade deal

A day after China announced reaching "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/phase-one-trade-deal-reached-with-us-china-268186">phase one" trade agreement with the United States</a>, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the deal will is good news for all.

Yi added that the agreement will "provide stability in global trade", news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

His comments came on the sidelines on his visit to Slovenia on Saturday.

Yi said that there were still many issues between China and the United States that needed to be addressed, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

"Phase one" trade deal with the United States has been reached, China announced on Friday.

Beijing added that Washington will be removing tariffs 'phase by phase,' AFP reported.&nbsp;

China's vice commerce minister Wang Shouwen said that part of the "phase one" trade deal with the US includes a progressive rollback of tariffs that have threatened to roil the global economy.

"The two countries have agreed on the text of a phase one trade and economic deal," Shouwen said at a news conference, adding that the two sides now have to sign the agreement.

On Wednesday, the Bloomberg had reported the US and China are moving closer to "agreeing on the amount of tariffs to be rolled back in a phase-one trade deal," Reuters reported.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A day after China announced reaching "phase one" trade agreement with the United States, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the deal will is good news for all.

A day after China announced reaching "phase one" trade agreement with the United States, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the deal will is good news for all. Yi added that the agreement will "provide stability in global trade", news agency Reuters reported. His comments came on the sidelines on his visit to Slovenia on Saturday. Yi said that there were still many issues between China and the United States that needed to be addressed, Reuters reported. "Phase one" trade deal with the United States has been reached, China announced on Friday. Beijing added that Washington will be removing tariffs 'phase by phase,' AFP reported. China's vice commerce minister Wang Shouwen said that part of the "phase one" trade deal with the US includes a progressive rollback of tariffs that have threatened to roil the global economy. "The two countries have agreed on the text of a phase one trade and economic deal," Shouwen said at a news conference, adding that the two sides now have to sign the agreement. On Wednesday, the Bloomberg had reported the US and China are moving closer to "agreeing on the amount of tariffs to be rolled back in a phase-one trade deal," Reuters reported. (With inputs from agencies)

China-US trade deal good news for all: Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi 

"Phase one" trade deal with the United States has been reached, China announced on Friday as reported by news agency AFP.

Beijing added that Washington will be removing tariffs 'phase by phase,' AFP reported.&nbsp;

China's vice commerce minister Wang Shouwen said that part of the "phase one" trade deal with the US includes a progressive rollback of tariffs that have threatened to roil the global economy.

"The two countries have agreed on the text of a phase one trade and economic deal," Shouwen said at a news conference, adding that the two sides now have to sign the agreement.

On Wednesday, the Bloomberg had reported the US and China are moving closer to "agreeing on the amount of tariffs to be rolled back in a phase-one trade deal," news agency Reuters reported.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

"Phase one" trade deal with the United States has been reached, China announced on Friday as reported by news agency AFP. Beijing added that Washington will be removing tariffs 'phase by phase,' AFP reported.

"Phase one" trade deal with the United States has been reached, China announced on Friday as reported by news agency AFP. Beijing added that Washington will be removing tariffs 'phase by phase,' AFP reported. China's vice commerce minister Wang Shouwen said that part of the "phase one" trade deal with the US includes a progressive rollback of tariffs that have threatened to roil the global economy. "The two countries have agreed on the text of a phase one trade and economic deal," Shouwen said at a news conference, adding that the two sides now have to sign the agreement. On Wednesday, the Bloomberg had reported the US and China are moving closer to "agreeing on the amount of tariffs to be rolled back in a phase-one trade deal," news agency Reuters reported. (With inputs from agencies)

'Phase one' trade deal reached with US: China 

The United States, Mexico and Canada are set to sign an "initial deal" today finalising the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).

"There is an initial deal between the governments," the Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told his daily news conference. Negotiators from the three countries are going to meet in Mexico City.

Obrador was due to chair a meeting of top officials from the three countries at the presidential palace at 1800 GMT.

"Today it will be signed by... the three countries' negotiators", he added

The agreement, which was initially&nbsp;signed in November 2018, is meant to replace the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which President Donald Trump complains has been "a disaster" for the US.

Mexico is the only country to ratify it so far.

Opposition Democrats in Washington are urging for greater oversight of Mexican labour reforms under the new deal. These include wage hikes and increased unionisation.

(With inputs from AFP)

The United States, Mexico and Canada are set to sign an "initial deal" today finalising the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). "There is an initial deal between the governments," the Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told his daily news conference.

The United States, Mexico and Canada are set to sign an "initial deal" today finalising the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). "There is an initial deal between the governments," the Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told his daily news conference. Negotiators from the three countries are going to meet in Mexico City. Obrador was due to chair a meeting of top officials from the three countries at the presidential palace at 1800 GMT. "Today it will be signed by... the three countries' negotiators", he added The agreement, which was initially signed in November 2018, is meant to replace the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which President Donald Trump complains has been "a disaster" for the US. Mexico is the only country to ratify it so far. Opposition Democrats in Washington are urging for greater oversight of Mexican labour reforms under the new deal. These include wage hikes and increased unionisation. (With inputs from AFP)

United States, Mexico, Canada to sign deal finalising new trade agreement

A day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-like-the-idea-of-waiting-until-after-election-for-china-trade-deal-trump-265970">US President Donald Trump </a>said he had "no deadline" on the trade deal, China's foreign ministry echoed his thoughts saying it had "not set any time limit on when the deal will or will not be reached".&nbsp;

"We will not set any time limit on when the deal will or will not be reached," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said, adding, "This agreement and these negotiations must be based on equality and mutual respect."

President Trump while speaking to reporters in London for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-leaders-including-trudeau-macron-caught-mocking-trump-on-camera-266158">NATO summit </a>said that he "liked"&nbsp;the idea of waiting until after the election for the China deal.

"I'm doing very well in a deal with China, if I want to make it," Trump said while asserting that "I don't think it's 'if they want to make it', it's 'if I want to make it'. And we'll see what happens."

The Chinese foreign ministry said that it would defend its "legitimate and lawful interests" in negotiations with the US.

"If we are faced with the pressure of unilateralism, protectionism, and trade bullying, we will have no choice and must take resolute and decisive measures to defend our legitimate and lawful interests," Hua added.

World stocks were hit on Tuesday after Trump warned there was no deadline for a trade deal with China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended at 27,502.81, down one per cent.

S&amp;P 500 shed 0.7 per cent, closing at 3,093.21, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index also dropped 0.6 per cent to 8,520.64.

Tokyo stocks closed lower on Tuesday as investors locked in profits following declines in American shares.

A day after US President Donald Trump said he had "no deadline" on the trade deal, China's foreign ministry echoed his thoughts saying it had "not set any time limit on when the deal will or will not be reached".

A day after US President Donald Trump said he had "no deadline" on the trade deal, China's foreign ministry echoed his thoughts saying it had "not set any time limit on when the deal will or will not be reached". "We will not set any time limit on when the deal will or will not be reached," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said, adding, "This agreement and these negotiations must be based on equality and mutual respect." President Trump while speaking to reporters in London for the NATO summit said that he "liked" the idea of waiting until after the election for the China deal. "I'm doing very well in a deal with China, if I want to make it," Trump said while asserting that "I don't think it's 'if they want to make it', it's 'if I want to make it'. And we'll see what happens." The Chinese foreign ministry said that it would defend its "legitimate and lawful interests" in negotiations with the US. "If we are faced with the pressure of unilateralism, protectionism, and trade bullying, we will have no choice and must take resolute and decisive measures to defend our legitimate and lawful interests," Hua added. World stocks were hit on Tuesday after Trump warned there was no deadline for a trade deal with China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended at 27,502.81, down one per cent. S&P 500 shed 0.7 per cent, closing at 3,093.21, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index also dropped 0.6 per cent to 8,520.64. Tokyo stocks closed lower on Tuesday as investors locked in profits following declines in American shares.

After Trump, China says 'no time limit' on trade deal with US

Completion of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-not-stepping-up-to-the-level-i-want-says-trump-on-trade-talks-263492">"phase one" US-China trade deal</a> could slide into next year, trade experts and people close to the White House said, as Beijing presses for more extensive tariff rollbacks, and the Trump administration counters with heightened demands of its own.

An initial trade deal could take as long as five weeks to sign, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.

Just over five weeks later, a deal is still elusive, and negotiations may be getting more complicated, trade experts and people briefed on the talks told Reuters this week.

Asked Wednesday about the status of the China deal, Trump told reporters in Texas "I don't think they're stepping up to the level that I want."

Trump and US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer recognize that rolling back tariffs for a deal that fails to address core intellectual property and technology transfer issues will not be seen as a good deal for the United States, a person briefed on the matter said.

In a dinner speech in Beijing on Wednesday, Vice Premier Liu He said he was "cautiously optimistic" on a phase one deal, Bloomberg News said, citing people who attended the event ahead of a forum organized by Bloomberg LP.

Liu, China's chief negotiator at the Sino-US&nbsp;trade talks, separately told one of the attendees that he was "confused" about the US&nbsp;demands, but was confident the first phase of a deal could be completed nevertheless, Bloomberg added.

Officials from Beijing had suggested that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump might sign a deal in early December.

Some experts said the next date to watch was December&nbsp;15, when tariffs on about $156 billion in Chinese goods are set to take effect, including holiday gift items such as electronics and Christmas decorations.

"If talks are really going well, that hike will be suspended," said Christian Whiton, a senior fellow for strategy and trade at the Center for the National Interest, and a former Trump and George W. Bush administration adviser.

"If not, the US&nbsp;will implement them and that will throw the game into next year."

US&nbsp;stocks extended their fall Wednesday on the potential delay, with the S&amp;P&nbsp;last down 0.8 per cent, while Treasury yields&nbsp;dropped and the dollar pared gains.

"Negotiations are continuing and progress is being made on the text of the phase-one agreement," White House spokesman Judd Deere said in an email Wednesday afternoon.

The crackdown on protests in Hong Kong may also complicate the deal's completion.

The Hong Kong issue is definitely a negative factor in the trade talks, Zhang Yansheng, principal researcher at the state-affiliated think-tank China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said at the Bloomberg forum on Thursday.

A phase one deal is likely this year if there was "no disturbance", Zhang said, without elaborating.

Watch: China seeks sanctions on US in WTO

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wallet-china-seeks-sanctions-on-us-in-world-trade-organisation-257427/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US&nbsp;Senate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-house-passes-hong-kong-rights-bill-president-trump-expected-to-sign-263483">passed a bill on Tuesday</a> night condemning the crackdown and pledging support for Hong Kong, which was immediately criticized by Beijing.

"The violent crackdown against protesters in Hong Kong, which Beijing is directing, decreases the odds of a deal," Whiton said. "Is Xi really going to be invited for a grip-and-grin with the president as his cops are beating students in Hong Kong?"

Negotiations also are complicated by conflicts within the White House about the best approach to China, and by the fact that Trump could veto any agreed deal at the last minute.

The flare-up in tensions between Washington and Beijing helped knock global stock markets from 22-month highs reached in recent weeks when some sort of resolution on the trade war appeared likely.

Some China and trade experts briefed on the talks told Reuters they were still optimistic a deal might come together in the coming weeks, and Trump said on Wednesday his team continues to talk with China.

A Saturday call between Mnuchin, Lighthizer and China's Liu was described as "constructive" by state news agency Xinhua.

And the US&nbsp;government has begun issuing licenses for some companies to supply goods to Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, the world's largest telecoms equipment maker whose blacklisting by the administration has been another point of contention.

Nonetheless, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/donald-trump-says-us-is-still-talking-to-china-on-trade-263477">Chinese pundits now also say they are pessimistic about a deal</a>.

"Few Chinese believe that China and the US can reach a deal soon," Hu Xijin, the editor of the state-backed Chinese tabloid Global Times, said on Twitter on Wednesday.

The Global Times is not the official media outlet of the Chinese Communist Party - the People's Daily is,&nbsp;but Hu has described his role&nbsp;as giving voice to what Beijing officials wish they could say in public.

Hu concluded,&nbsp;"China wants a deal but is prepared for the worst-case scenario, a prolonged trade war."

Completion of a "phase one" US-China trade deal could slide into next year, trade experts and people close to the White House said, as Beijing presses for more extensive tariff rollbacks, and the Trump administration counters with heightened demands of its own.

Completion of a "phase one" US-China trade deal could slide into next year, trade experts and people close to the White House said, as Beijing presses for more extensive tariff rollbacks, and the Trump administration counters with heightened demands of its own. An initial trade deal could take as long as five weeks to sign, US President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. Just over five weeks later, a deal is still elusive, and negotiations may be getting more complicated, trade experts and people briefed on the talks told Reuters this week. Asked Wednesday about the status of the China deal, Trump told reporters in Texas "I don't think they're stepping up to the level that I want." Trump and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer recognize that rolling back tariffs for a deal that fails to address core intellectual property and technology transfer issues will not be seen as a good deal for the United States, a person briefed on the matter said. In a dinner speech in Beijing on Wednesday, Vice Premier Liu He said he was "cautiously optimistic" on a phase one deal, Bloomberg News said, citing people who attended the event ahead of a forum organized by Bloomberg LP. Liu, China's chief negotiator at the Sino-US trade talks, separately told one of the attendees that he was "confused" about the US demands, but was confident the first phase of a deal could be completed nevertheless, Bloomberg added. Officials from Beijing had suggested that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump might sign a deal in early December. Some experts said the next date to watch was December 15, when tariffs on about $156 billion in Chinese goods are set to take effect, including holiday gift items such as electronics and Christmas decorations. "If talks are really going well, that hike will be suspended," said Christian Whiton, a senior fellow for strategy and trade at the Center for the National Interest, and a former Trump and George W. Bush administration adviser. "If not, the US will implement them and that will throw the game into next year." US stocks extended their fall Wednesday on the potential delay, with the S&P last down 0.8 per cent, while Treasury yields dropped and the dollar pared gains. "Negotiations are continuing and progress is being made on the text of the phase-one agreement," White House spokesman Judd Deere said in an email Wednesday afternoon. The crackdown on protests in Hong Kong may also complicate the deal's completion. The Hong Kong issue is definitely a negative factor in the trade talks, Zhang Yansheng, principal researcher at the state-affiliated think-tank China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said at the Bloomberg forum on Thursday. A phase one deal is likely this year if there was "no disturbance", Zhang said, without elaborating. Watch: China seeks sanctions on US in WTO The US Senate passed a bill on Tuesday night condemning the crackdown and pledging support for Hong Kong, which was immediately criticized by Beijing. "The violent crackdown against protesters in Hong Kong, which Beijing is directing, decreases the odds of a deal," Whiton said. "Is Xi really going to be invited for a grip-and-grin with the president as his cops are beating students in Hong Kong?" Negotiations also are complicated by conflicts within the White House about the best approach to China, and by the fact that Trump could veto any agreed deal at the last minute. The flare-up in tensions between Washington and Beijing helped knock global stock markets from 22-month highs reached in recent weeks when some sort of resolution on the trade war appeared likely. Some China and trade experts briefed on the talks told Reuters they were still optimistic a deal might come together in the coming weeks, and Trump said on Wednesday his team continues to talk with China. A Saturday call between Mnuchin, Lighthizer and China's Liu was described as "constructive" by state news agency Xinhua. And the US government has begun issuing licenses for some companies to supply goods to Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, the world's largest telecoms equipment maker whose blacklisting by the administration has been another point of contention. Nonetheless, Chinese pundits now also say they are pessimistic about a deal. "Few Chinese believe that China and the US can reach a deal soon," Hu Xijin, the editor of the state-backed Chinese tabloid Global Times, said on Twitter on Wednesday. The Global Times is not the official media outlet of the Chinese Communist Party - the People's Daily is, but Hu has described his role as giving voice to what Beijing officials wish they could say in public. Hu concluded, "China wants a deal but is prepared for the worst-case scenario, a prolonged trade war."

United States-China trade deal may not be signed this year

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prime-minister-abes-approval-rating-sags-due-to-accusations-of-violating-laws-for-political-spending-262813">Japan's lower house</a> of parliament approved on Tuesday a limited trade deal Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed with the United States, clearing the way for tariff cuts next year on items including US&nbsp;farm goods and Japanese machine tools.

But there is uncertainty over how much progress Japan can make in negotiating the elimination of US&nbsp;tariffs on its cars and car parts, casting doubt on Abe's assurances the deal he signed with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump was "win-win".

Japan and the United States last month formally signed the limited trade deal to cut tariffs on US&nbsp;farm goods, Japanese machine tools and other products while staving off the threat of higher US&nbsp;car duties.

The government's proposal to ratify the trade deal will next be brought to the upper house for a vote but its passage in the powerful lower house increases the chances it will come into force in January.

The deal will give Trump a success he can trumpet to voters but Abe has said it will bring as much benefit to Japan as to the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asks-japan-to-hike-payments-for-us-troops-to-8-billion-foreign-policy-262592">Japan has estimated the initial deal</a> will boost its economy by about 0.8 per cent&nbsp;over the next 10-20 years when the benefits fully kick in. It also estimated 212.8 billion yen&nbsp;of overall tariffs on Japan's exports to the United States will be reduced.

But&nbsp;the figures were based on the assumption the United States would eliminate its tariffs on Japanese autos and auto parts,&nbsp;a major sticking point.

Without those tariff cuts, the reduction in overall US&nbsp;tariffs on Japanese goods would be a little over 10 per cent&nbsp;of the government's projection, according to an estimate by Japan's Asahi newspaper and Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting.

After the deal is ratified, Japan and the United States have four months to consult on further talks, and Trump has said he wants more trade talks with Japan after the initial deal.

But Japanese government sources familiar with the talks say the momentum to negotiate a deeper deal appears to have waned for now with Washington preoccupied with talks with Beijing.

"It's unclear whether Washington seriously wants to continue trade talks," one of the sources said.

"The question is how much time the United States can allocate for talks with Japan, even if we start negotiations. There's limited time to conclude talks before the presidential elections."

Watch: Trump wants Japan and South Korea to pay more for defence

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-report-trump-wants-japan-and-south-korea-to-pay-more-for-defense-263015/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Vague

Japan and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-respond-sceptically-to-trumps-willingness-to-testify-during-impeachment-hearings-263050">United States</a> already appear to have different interpretations of what was agreed on car tariffs.

Japan has said it has received US&nbsp;assurance that it would scrap tariffs on Japanese cars and car parts and that the only remaining issue was the timing.

But Washington has not confirmed that.

US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has said cars were not included in the agreement, and that it was only Japan's ambition to discuss car tariffs in the future.

A US&nbsp;document only said customs duties on autos and auto parts "will be subject to further negotiations with respect to the elimination of customs duties".

"The deal was left vague on the issue of tariff cuts on Japanese auto and auto parts. Otherwise, we couldn't have reached the agreement," another source said.

There is also uncertainty on whether Trump will drop threats to impose steep tariffs on Japanese car imports under "Section 232" that gives him authority to do so on national security grounds.

Abe said he had got an assurance from Trump that he would not do that, though analysts say the president could always change his mind, or at least keep Japan guessing.

Opposition parties have attacked Abe for a deal they say is unfair. Critics say Trump could drag his feet on further negotiations unless he is sure he can win more concessions.

"There's a chance Trump will put pressure on Japan on trade to appeal to his voters," said Junichi Sugawara, senior research officer at Mizuho Research Institute. "There's a possibility he could renew his threat over auto tariffs."

Japan's lower house of parliament approved on Tuesday a limited trade deal Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed with the United States, clearing the way for tariff cuts next year on items including US farm goods and Japanese machine tools.

Japan's lower house of parliament approved on Tuesday a limited trade deal Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed with the United States, clearing the way for tariff cuts next year on items including US farm goods and Japanese machine tools. But there is uncertainty over how much progress Japan can make in negotiating the elimination of US tariffs on its cars and car parts, casting doubt on Abe's assurances the deal he signed with US President Donald Trump was "win-win". Japan and the United States last month formally signed the limited trade deal to cut tariffs on US farm goods, Japanese machine tools and other products while staving off the threat of higher US car duties. The government's proposal to ratify the trade deal will next be brought to the upper house for a vote but its passage in the powerful lower house increases the chances it will come into force in January. The deal will give Trump a success he can trumpet to voters but Abe has said it will bring as much benefit to Japan as to the United States. Japan has estimated the initial deal will boost its economy by about 0.8 per cent over the next 10-20 years when the benefits fully kick in. It also estimated 212.8 billion yen of overall tariffs on Japan's exports to the United States will be reduced. But the figures were based on the assumption the United States would eliminate its tariffs on Japanese autos and auto parts, a major sticking point. Without those tariff cuts, the reduction in overall US tariffs on Japanese goods would be a little over 10 per cent of the government's projection, according to an estimate by Japan's Asahi newspaper and Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting. After the deal is ratified, Japan and the United States have four months to consult on further talks, and Trump has said he wants more trade talks with Japan after the initial deal. But Japanese government sources familiar with the talks say the momentum to negotiate a deeper deal appears to have waned for now with Washington preoccupied with talks with Beijing. "It's unclear whether Washington seriously wants to continue trade talks," one of the sources said. "The question is how much time the United States can allocate for talks with Japan, even if we start negotiations. There's limited time to conclude talks before the presidential elections." Watch: Trump wants Japan and South Korea to pay more for defence Vague Japan and the United States already appear to have different interpretations of what was agreed on car tariffs. Japan has said it has received US assurance that it would scrap tariffs on Japanese cars and car parts and that the only remaining issue was the timing. But Washington has not confirmed that. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has said cars were not included in the agreement, and that it was only Japan's ambition to discuss car tariffs in the future. A US document only said customs duties on autos and auto parts "will be subject to further negotiations with respect to the elimination of customs duties". "The deal was left vague on the issue of tariff cuts on Japanese auto and auto parts. Otherwise, we couldn't have reached the agreement," another source said. There is also uncertainty on whether Trump will drop threats to impose steep tariffs on Japanese car imports under "Section 232" that gives him authority to do so on national security grounds. Abe said he had got an assurance from Trump that he would not do that, though analysts say the president could always change his mind, or at least keep Japan guessing. Opposition parties have attacked Abe for a deal they say is unfair. Critics say Trump could drag his feet on further negotiations unless he is sure he can win more concessions. "There's a chance Trump will put pressure on Japan on trade to appeal to his voters," said Junichi Sugawara, senior research officer at Mizuho Research Institute. "There's a possibility he could renew his threat over auto tariffs."

Japan's lower house passes United States trade deal, auto tariffs still linger

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-white-house-ukraine-expert-says-trump-request-for-biden-probe-was-improper-263232">Donald Trump</a> on Tuesday warned that failure to get a trade deal with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-china-trade-deal-hopes-restart-stocks-rally-260575">China will prompt more tariffs</a>.

"If we don’t make a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-prices-steady-as-us-china-trade-deal-doubts-linger-263135">deal with China</a>, I’ll just raise the tariffs even higher," he told reporters at the White House.

Trump's latest tough comment came as markets are watching intensely for signs of progress in the two economic superpowers' attempt to reach a so-called "phase one" partial deal taking the heat out of a growing trade war.

Predictions of a resolution have come and gone repeatedly as Trump veers from hints of imminent deals to declaring his satisfaction with the current standoff because the United States is pulling in billions of dollars in trade tariffs.

Sceptics say even a partial pact hinges on Trump rolling back existing tariffs, something his latest comment about increasing the duties would appear to put in doubt.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned that failure to get a trade deal with China will prompt more tariffs. "If we don’t make a deal with China, I’ll just raise the tariffs even higher," he told reporters at the White House.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned that failure to get a trade deal with China will prompt more tariffs. "If we don’t make a deal with China, I’ll just raise the tariffs even higher," he told reporters at the White House. Trump's latest tough comment came as markets are watching intensely for signs of progress in the two economic superpowers' attempt to reach a so-called "phase one" partial deal taking the heat out of a growing trade war. Predictions of a resolution have come and gone repeatedly as Trump veers from hints of imminent deals to declaring his satisfaction with the current standoff because the United States is pulling in billions of dollars in trade tariffs. Sceptics say even a partial pact hinges on Trump rolling back existing tariffs, something his latest comment about increasing the duties would appear to put in doubt.

Trump says China tariffs will go 'even higher' without deal

Wall Street's main stock indexes closed at record levels on Friday, fueled by fresh optimism over a potential calming of US-China trade tensions and by big gains in shares of healthcare companies.

The benchmark S&amp;P 500 tallied its sixth straight week of gains, its longest such weekly streak in about two years, while the Dow breached 28,000 for the first time.

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said late on Thursday that the United States and China are getting close to a trade agreement, citing what he called very constructive talks with Beijing.

“Today is definitely about optimism surrounding the trade tensions,” said Jason Pride, chief investment officer of private wealth at Glenmede in Philadelphia.

The stock market has climbed recently to record highs, driven by Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, third-quarter earnings topping low expectations and signs that economic growth may be bottoming, while uncertainty over US-China trade relations remains a wild card.

"It’s definitely been a big source of volatility over a fairly long period of time for the markets and stocks in general," Pride said. "To see some sort of resolution of it would probably be a lift to investors and to equity holders because it takes away a big piece of uncertainty in many investors’, and even corporate executives’, minds.”

The Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;rose 222.93 points, or 0.8 per cent, to 28,004.89, the S&amp;P 500&nbsp;gained 23.83 points, or 0.77 per cent, to 3,120.46 and the Nasdaq Composite&nbsp;added 61.81 points, or 0.73 per cent, to 8,540.83.

Ten of 11 S&amp;P 500 sectors ended positive. Healthcare&nbsp;led the way, gaining 2.2 per cent&nbsp;for its biggest one-day percentage rise since January, with UnitedHealth Group&nbsp;shares surging 5.3 per cent&nbsp;and Pfizer&nbsp;rising 2.0 per cent.

The gains came as President Donald Trump made an announcement on healthcare price transparency. Regulatory and election risks have contributed to the healthcare sector's underperformance in 2019, said Walter Todd, chief investment officer at Greenwood Capital in South Carolina, noting that perhaps Friday's gains were "a catch-up trade."

Shares of Applied Materials soared 9.0 per cent&nbsp;after the chip gear maker forecast first-quarter revenue and profit above Wall Street estimates.

The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index&nbsp;gained 0.9 per cent&nbsp;and hit a record high. Enthusiasm for the group was tempered by a 2.7 per cent decline in Nvidia shares following the chipmaker's report.

Data on Friday showed US&nbsp;retail sales rebounded in October, but consumers cut back on purchases of big-ticket household items and clothing, which could temper expectations for a strong holiday shopping season.

Advancing issues outnumbered declining ones on the NYSE by a 1.84-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 1.50-to-1 ratio favoured advancers.

The S&amp;P 500 posted 52 new 52-week highs and one new low; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 121 new highs and 108 new lows.

About 6.5 billion shares changed hands in US&nbsp;exchanges, below the 6.9 billion-share daily average over the last 20 sessions.

Wall Street's main stock indexes closed at record levels on Friday, fueled by fresh optimism over a potential calming of US-China trade tensions and by big gains in shares of healthcare companies.

Wall Street's main stock indexes closed at record levels on Friday, fueled by fresh optimism over a potential calming of US-China trade tensions and by big gains in shares of healthcare companies. The benchmark S&P 500 tallied its sixth straight week of gains, its longest such weekly streak in about two years, while the Dow breached 28,000 for the first time. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said late on Thursday that the United States and China are getting close to a trade agreement, citing what he called very constructive talks with Beijing. “Today is definitely about optimism surrounding the trade tensions,” said Jason Pride, chief investment officer of private wealth at Glenmede in Philadelphia. The stock market has climbed recently to record highs, driven by Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, third-quarter earnings topping low expectations and signs that economic growth may be bottoming, while uncertainty over US-China trade relations remains a wild card. "It’s definitely been a big source of volatility over a fairly long period of time for the markets and stocks in general," Pride said. "To see some sort of resolution of it would probably be a lift to investors and to equity holders because it takes away a big piece of uncertainty in many investors’, and even corporate executives’, minds.” The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 222.93 points, or 0.8 per cent, to 28,004.89, the S&P 500 gained 23.83 points, or 0.77 per cent, to 3,120.46 and the Nasdaq Composite added 61.81 points, or 0.73 per cent, to 8,540.83. Ten of 11 S&P 500 sectors ended positive. Healthcare led the way, gaining 2.2 per cent for its biggest one-day percentage rise since January, with UnitedHealth Group shares surging 5.3 per cent and Pfizer rising 2.0 per cent. The gains came as President Donald Trump made an announcement on healthcare price transparency. Regulatory and election risks have contributed to the healthcare sector's underperformance in 2019, said Walter Todd, chief investment officer at Greenwood Capital in South Carolina, noting that perhaps Friday's gains were "a catch-up trade." Shares of Applied Materials soared 9.0 per cent after the chip gear maker forecast first-quarter revenue and profit above Wall Street estimates. The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index gained 0.9 per cent and hit a record high. Enthusiasm for the group was tempered by a 2.7 per cent decline in Nvidia shares following the chipmaker's report. Data on Friday showed US retail sales rebounded in October, but consumers cut back on purchases of big-ticket household items and clothing, which could temper expectations for a strong holiday shopping season. Advancing issues outnumbered declining ones on the NYSE by a 1.84-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 1.50-to-1 ratio favoured advancers. The S&P 500 posted 52 new 52-week highs and one new low; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 121 new highs and 108 new lows. About 6.5 billion shares changed hands in US exchanges, below the 6.9 billion-share daily average over the last 20 sessions.

Trade deal hopes, surging health stocks power Wall Street to highs

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-holds-in-depth-talks-with-us-on-phase-one-of-trade-deal-262023">United States and China</a> are getting close to a trade agreement, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Thursday, citing what he called very constructive talks with Beijing about ending a 16-month trade war.

Kudlow said negotiators for the world's two largest economies were in close touch via telephone but he gave no further details on the timing of a possible deal.

"We're getting close," he told an event at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington. "The mood music is pretty good, and that has not always been so in these things."

The United States and China have been locked in successive waves of tit-for-tat tariffs that have roiled financial markets and threaten to drag growth in the global economy to its lowest rate since the 2007-2008 financial crisis.

Markets are anxiously awaiting an agreement to end the uncertainty that has slowed business investment around the globe. An agreement had appeared likely in May, but those prospects were dashed after US&nbsp;negotiators said China backed away from the text of a draft agreement.

Kudlow's comments could ease market concerns that flared again this week amid reports that the trade talks had hit a snag over how and when to reduce tariffs, and what level of agricultural purchases could be expected from China.

Markets also soured after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he could impose substantial new tariffs on China if no deal was reached.

Kudlow told the audience he had just come from a meeting of the top Trump administration trade officials and was more optimistic.

"It's not done yet, but there has been very good progress and the talks have been very constructive," he told the event.

He also opened the door to the possibility that Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping would not need to meet in person to clinch a deal.

Trump had hoped to sign the "phase one" agreement with China on the sidelines of the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Chile this month, but that possibility disappeared after Chile withdrew from hosting the event.

Kudlow said the White House had hoped to stick to that general timetable. He joked that his preference was for the deal to be signed in his office on the second floor of the White House.

"I don't like to travel," he quipped.

The United States and China are getting close to a trade agreement, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Thursday, citing what he called very constructive talks with Beijing about ending a 16-month trade war.

The United States and China are getting close to a trade agreement, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Thursday, citing what he called very constructive talks with Beijing about ending a 16-month trade war. Kudlow said negotiators for the world's two largest economies were in close touch via telephone but he gave no further details on the timing of a possible deal. "We're getting close," he told an event at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington. "The mood music is pretty good, and that has not always been so in these things." The United States and China have been locked in successive waves of tit-for-tat tariffs that have roiled financial markets and threaten to drag growth in the global economy to its lowest rate since the 2007-2008 financial crisis. Markets are anxiously awaiting an agreement to end the uncertainty that has slowed business investment around the globe. An agreement had appeared likely in May, but those prospects were dashed after US negotiators said China backed away from the text of a draft agreement. Kudlow's comments could ease market concerns that flared again this week amid reports that the trade talks had hit a snag over how and when to reduce tariffs, and what level of agricultural purchases could be expected from China. Markets also soured after US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he could impose substantial new tariffs on China if no deal was reached. Kudlow told the audience he had just come from a meeting of the top Trump administration trade officials and was more optimistic. "It's not done yet, but there has been very good progress and the talks have been very constructive," he told the event. He also opened the door to the possibility that Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping would not need to meet in person to clinch a deal. Trump had hoped to sign the "phase one" agreement with China on the sidelines of the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Chile this month, but that possibility disappeared after Chile withdrew from hosting the event. Kudlow said the White House had hoped to stick to that general timetable. He joked that his preference was for the deal to be signed in his office on the second floor of the White House. "I don't like to travel," he quipped.

United States and China 'getting close' to trade deal: White House economic adviser

President Donald Trump said Friday he has not agreed to roll back tariffs on Chinese imports, dampening recent optimism for a major de-escalation in the US-China trade war.

Trump's remarks appeared to push back against Beijing's claims this week that the two sides had agreed to remove tariffs in stages as part of a partial deal announced last month.

Hopes for progress in defusing trade tensions have driven global stocks higher this month.&nbsp;

"They would like to have a rollback. I haven't agreed to anything,"&nbsp;Trump told reporters at the White House.&nbsp;

"China would like to get somewhat of a rollback, not a complete rollback, because they know I won't do it."

Beijing, however, said such this week the two sides had already agreed to mutual tariff reductions.

Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng announced Thursday US and Chinese officials had "agreed to roll back the additional tariffs in stages, as progress is made towards a (final) agreement."

The United States and China have imposed steep tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade, and another round of US duties are set to hit on December 15 on $160 billion in Chinese goods.

Trump again said Beijing is eager for a deal because their economy is hurting, although economic data show the conflict has hit US businesses as well, and the uncertainty over the dispute between the economic powers is undermining global growth.

"They would like to make a deal much more than I do," Trump said, adding that the initial agreement will be signed "in our country," possibly in Iowa.

Investors worldwide have been cheered in recent days by reports quoting sources in Washington and Beijing saying duties already imposed could be removed in a proportional way.

But markets also have been buffeted by conflicting comments from White House officials, including China hardliner Peter Navarro who earlier Friday cast doubt on any plans to remove punitive duties.

"What is on the table is tariffs coming in December, December 15," Peter Navarro told NPR radio. "We would be willing I think,&nbsp;it's up to the president,&nbsp;to postpone those tariffs."

"But not roll back any existing tariffs. That's a fine distinction here."

White House economic aide Larry Kudlow was less categorical, telling Bloomberg on Thursday that if the sides reach a phase one trade deal, "there are going to be tariff agreements and concessions."

Trump administration officials, on the other hand, have been upbeat about the general prospects for a mini deal but without revealing any details.

White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham told Fox News Channel: "we are very, very optimistic that we will reach a deal soon."

President Donald Trump said Friday he has not agreed to roll back tariffs on Chinese imports, dampening recent optimism for a major de-escalation in the US-China trade war.

President Donald Trump said Friday he has not agreed to roll back tariffs on Chinese imports, dampening recent optimism for a major de-escalation in the US-China trade war. Trump's remarks appeared to push back against Beijing's claims this week that the two sides had agreed to remove tariffs in stages as part of a partial deal announced last month. Hopes for progress in defusing trade tensions have driven global stocks higher this month. "They would like to have a rollback. I haven't agreed to anything," Trump told reporters at the White House. "China would like to get somewhat of a rollback, not a complete rollback, because they know I won't do it." Beijing, however, said such this week the two sides had already agreed to mutual tariff reductions. Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng announced Thursday US and Chinese officials had "agreed to roll back the additional tariffs in stages, as progress is made towards a (final) agreement." The United States and China have imposed steep tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade, and another round of US duties are set to hit on December 15 on $160 billion in Chinese goods. Trump again said Beijing is eager for a deal because their economy is hurting, although economic data show the conflict has hit US businesses as well, and the uncertainty over the dispute between the economic powers is undermining global growth. "They would like to make a deal much more than I do," Trump said, adding that the initial agreement will be signed "in our country," possibly in Iowa. Investors worldwide have been cheered in recent days by reports quoting sources in Washington and Beijing saying duties already imposed could be removed in a proportional way. But markets also have been buffeted by conflicting comments from White House officials, including China hardliner Peter Navarro who earlier Friday cast doubt on any plans to remove punitive duties. "What is on the table is tariffs coming in December, December 15," Peter Navarro told NPR radio. "We would be willing I think, it's up to the president, to postpone those tariffs." "But not roll back any existing tariffs. That's a fine distinction here." White House economic aide Larry Kudlow was less categorical, telling Bloomberg on Thursday that if the sides reach a phase one trade deal, "there are going to be tariff agreements and concessions." Trump administration officials, on the other hand, have been upbeat about the general prospects for a mini deal but without revealing any details. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham told Fox News Channel: "we are very, very optimistic that we will reach a deal soon."

No agreement on China tariff rollback: Trump

A landmark trade deal between the EU and Singapore, a major hub for European businesses in Asia, will go into effect on November 21, a statement said on Friday.

Both sides have praised the deal as a strong rebuke to the rising protectionism that has been championed by US President Donald Trump in Washington.

Export powerhouse Singapore is by far the EU's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, with total bilateral trade in goods of over 53 billion euros&nbsp;and another 51 billion euros of trade in services.&nbsp;

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker hailed the deal as "a building block towards a closer relationship between Europe and one of the most dynamic regions in the world," a statement said.

S&nbsp;Iswaran, Singapore's trade minister, said the deal's entry into force "is a strong signal by two like-minded partners on the need to continue upholding open and rules-based trade," Bloomberg reported.

The parties have also agreed an investment protection agreement, but this is more controversial as it sets up a special court to decide business conflicts.

After a successful battle spearheaded by environmentalists in Europe, this aspect of the deal will need the national ratification by the EU's 28 member states before entering into effect. That process that could years.

The deal with Singapore came after the EU suspended efforts to strike a bloc deal with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2009 amid widespread disagreements, including European concerns over Myanmar's human rights record.

The EU has instead pursued deals with individual ASEAN countries and has concluded a pact with Vietnam.

A landmark trade deal between the EU and Singapore, a major hub for European businesses in Asia, will go into effect on November 21, a statement said on Friday. Both sides have praised the deal as a strong rebuke to the rising protectionism that has been championed by US President Donald Trump in Washington.

A landmark trade deal between the EU and Singapore, a major hub for European businesses in Asia, will go into effect on November 21, a statement said on Friday. Both sides have praised the deal as a strong rebuke to the rising protectionism that has been championed by US President Donald Trump in Washington. Export powerhouse Singapore is by far the EU's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, with total bilateral trade in goods of over 53 billion euros and another 51 billion euros of trade in services. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker hailed the deal as "a building block towards a closer relationship between Europe and one of the most dynamic regions in the world," a statement said. S Iswaran, Singapore's trade minister, said the deal's entry into force "is a strong signal by two like-minded partners on the need to continue upholding open and rules-based trade," Bloomberg reported. The parties have also agreed an investment protection agreement, but this is more controversial as it sets up a special court to decide business conflicts. After a successful battle spearheaded by environmentalists in Europe, this aspect of the deal will need the national ratification by the EU's 28 member states before entering into effect. That process that could years. The deal with Singapore came after the EU suspended efforts to strike a bloc deal with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2009 amid widespread disagreements, including European concerns over Myanmar's human rights record. The EU has instead pursued deals with individual ASEAN countries and has concluded a pact with Vietnam.

European Union-Singapore trade deal takes effect on November 21

Pakistani Ambassador arrives at Russia to sign a new trade deal under the agreement that it will repay Russia's debt of $93.5 million within 90 days. Watch this video to know more.

Pak signs agreement for trade deal with Russia, 'will repay $93.5 mn within 90 days'

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday cited "positive momentum" in the US&nbsp;process to ratify a new North American trade deal, which has been in limbo for months amid concerns over labor standards.

The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was signed almost a year ago by the three countries, ending a period of difficult negotiations after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump demanded the North American Free Trade Agreement be renegotiated or scrapped.

But the Democratic-led US&nbsp;House of Representatives has yet to hold a formal vote to ratify it. Democrats want better mechanisms to enforce labor and environmental protections and to ensure the deal does not lead to higher drug prices.

US&nbsp;House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said last week she would not rule out a vote on the deal slipping into next year, but hoped it could happen sooner.

"It is a pleasure to see the positive momentum that seems to be happening on this renewal of this very important trade deal," Trudeau said at the start of talks in Ottawa with the Democratic chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Richard Neal.

Mexico has already ratified the new deal, but Canada is holding back on the grounds it wants to move in tandem with the United States on the trade agreement that will replace NAFTA.

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland has made it clear that Ottawa has no intention of reopening the pact.

Freeland said in a statement that the two sides had discussed "the shared commitment ... to support the implementation of important labor reforms in Mexico."

Neal, who also met with Canadian Labour Minister Patty Hajdu, said the trip was productive. "I particularly stressed the importance of meaningful enforcement mechanisms that ensure the protection of workers in all three nations and of our shared environment," Neal said.

Neal's committee said a US&nbsp;House Democratic working group had made "substantial progress" in negotiations with US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, and was working to resolve remaining critical questions on "worker protections and labor-specific enforcement mechanisms."

US&nbsp;Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley told reporters on Wednesday he felt more "positive" about getting the agreement ratified this year after his discussions with Pelosi and Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee.

A Canadian government source, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation, said: "Our interlocutors are not the Democrats but the White House."

Freeland said she discussed the ratification process this week with Lighthizer, who led the Trump administration's efforts to negotiate the trade pact.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday cited "positive momentum" in the US process to ratify a new North American trade deal, which has been in limbo for months amid concerns over labor standards.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday cited "positive momentum" in the US process to ratify a new North American trade deal, which has been in limbo for months amid concerns over labor standards. The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was signed almost a year ago by the three countries, ending a period of difficult negotiations after US President Donald Trump demanded the North American Free Trade Agreement be renegotiated or scrapped. But the Democratic-led US House of Representatives has yet to hold a formal vote to ratify it. Democrats want better mechanisms to enforce labor and environmental protections and to ensure the deal does not lead to higher drug prices. US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said last week she would not rule out a vote on the deal slipping into next year, but hoped it could happen sooner. "It is a pleasure to see the positive momentum that seems to be happening on this renewal of this very important trade deal," Trudeau said at the start of talks in Ottawa with the Democratic chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Richard Neal. Mexico has already ratified the new deal, but Canada is holding back on the grounds it wants to move in tandem with the United States on the trade agreement that will replace NAFTA. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland has made it clear that Ottawa has no intention of reopening the pact. Freeland said in a statement that the two sides had discussed "the shared commitment ... to support the implementation of important labor reforms in Mexico." Neal, who also met with Canadian Labour Minister Patty Hajdu, said the trip was productive. "I particularly stressed the importance of meaningful enforcement mechanisms that ensure the protection of workers in all three nations and of our shared environment," Neal said. Neal's committee said a US House Democratic working group had made "substantial progress" in negotiations with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, and was working to resolve remaining critical questions on "worker protections and labor-specific enforcement mechanisms." US Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley told reporters on Wednesday he felt more "positive" about getting the agreement ratified this year after his discussions with Pelosi and Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee. A Canadian government source, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation, said: "Our interlocutors are not the Democrats but the White House." Freeland said she discussed the ratification process this week with Lighthizer, who led the Trump administration's efforts to negotiate the trade pact.

Canada's Trudeau cites 'positive momentum' on trade deal as US official visits

The signing of the world's largest trade pact will likely be kicked back to 2020, according to a draft statement by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-ready-to-work-with-asean-for-south-china-sea-peace-259624">Southeast Asian leaders</a>, delaying a deal craved by China to offset a painful tariff war with the US.

The 16-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) spans from India to New Zealand and includes 30 per cent of global GDP and half of the world's people.

Objections by India have dashed hopes of finalising the pact at this weekend's Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Bangkok, where members of the 10-nation bloc have been joined by the premiers of India and China.

"Most market access negotiations have been completed and the few outstanding bilateral issues will be resolved by Feb 2020," said a draft agreement obtained by AFP.&nbsp;

Negotiations have sputtered for several years, but the statement said the text of all 20 chapters&nbsp;was now complete "pending the resolution of one" member, believed to be India. &nbsp;

But it said all members were "committed to sign the RCEP" next year in Vietnam, which will take over the ASEAN chair. &nbsp;

New Delhi is worried its small businesses will be hard hit by any flood of cheap Chinese goods creating "unsustainable trade deficits" -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an interview published by the Bangkok Post.

Beijing sees RCEP as a central pillar of its trade strategy for its Asian neighbourhood, and it is backed by the leaders of ASEAN and who represent a 650 million-strong market.

Concluding the deal has been made more pressing by the brutal tit-for-tat trade war with the US, which has chipped back at the growth in China, the world's second-largest economy.

RCEP,&nbsp;which includes the 10-nation <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asean-leaders-hanker-for-trade-deal-as-economy-sags-due-to-united-states-china-spat-259534">ASEAN bloc</a> along with China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand,&nbsp;accounts for 40 per cent of global commerce.

The tit-for-tat tariffs lobbed by the US and China on billions of dollars worth of goods could drag growth to the lowest rate in over a decade, according to the IMF.

US President Donald Trump said he hopes to sign a deal with China's Xi Jinping in order to roll back some of the tariffs, telling reporters over the weekend an agreement could be signed in the US state of Iowa.&nbsp;

Chinese premier Li Keqiang said earlier in the day his country remained "firmly committed to supporting ASEAN centrality" as part of its regional ties.

The signing of the world's largest trade pact will likely be kicked back to 2020, according to a draft statement by Southeast Asian leaders, delaying a deal craved by China to offset a painful tariff war with the US.

The signing of the world's largest trade pact will likely be kicked back to 2020, according to a draft statement by Southeast Asian leaders, delaying a deal craved by China to offset a painful tariff war with the US. The 16-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) spans from India to New Zealand and includes 30 per cent of global GDP and half of the world's people. Objections by India have dashed hopes of finalising the pact at this weekend's Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Bangkok, where members of the 10-nation bloc have been joined by the premiers of India and China. "Most market access negotiations have been completed and the few outstanding bilateral issues will be resolved by Feb 2020," said a draft agreement obtained by AFP. Negotiations have sputtered for several years, but the statement said the text of all 20 chapters was now complete "pending the resolution of one" member, believed to be India. But it said all members were "committed to sign the RCEP" next year in Vietnam, which will take over the ASEAN chair. New Delhi is worried its small businesses will be hard hit by any flood of cheap Chinese goods creating "unsustainable trade deficits" -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an interview published by the Bangkok Post. Beijing sees RCEP as a central pillar of its trade strategy for its Asian neighbourhood, and it is backed by the leaders of ASEAN and who represent a 650 million-strong market. Concluding the deal has been made more pressing by the brutal tit-for-tat trade war with the US, which has chipped back at the growth in China, the world's second-largest economy. RCEP, which includes the 10-nation ASEAN bloc along with China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, accounts for 40 per cent of global commerce. The tit-for-tat tariffs lobbed by the US and China on billions of dollars worth of goods could drag growth to the lowest rate in over a decade, according to the IMF. US President Donald Trump said he hopes to sign a deal with China's Xi Jinping in order to roll back some of the tariffs, telling reporters over the weekend an agreement could be signed in the US state of Iowa. Chinese premier Li Keqiang said earlier in the day his country remained "firmly committed to supporting ASEAN centrality" as part of its regional ties.

World's biggest trade deal to be delayed to 2020: Draft ASEAN statement

President Donald Trump said Thursday that an alternative location for his signing of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-officials-say-they-have-doubts-if-trade-deal-possible-with-trump-report-259031">United States-China trade deal</a> with President Xi Jinping will be "announced soon," following cancellation of an APEC summit in Chile.

The partial trade deal, known as phase one, had been due for signing on the sidelines of the regional APEC summit which Chile cancelled on Wednesday due to violent unrest in the capital Santiago.

"China and the USA are working on selecting a new site for signing," Trump tweeted. "The new location will be announced soon. President Xi and President Trump will do signing!"

Beijing also remains positive about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-top-trade-negotiators-to-talk-again-on-friday-258968">phase one deal</a>, which would signal a big de-escalation in the two economic giants' so far 18-month trade war.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
China and the USA are working on selecting a new site for signing of Phase One of Trade Agreement, about 60% of total deal, after APEC in Chile was canceled do to unrelated circumstances. The new location will be announced soon. President Xi and President Trump will do signing!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1189895935721197570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Negotiating teams on the Chinese and US sides have continued to maintain close communication, and negotiations are currently making smooth progress," the Chinese commerce ministry said in a statement Thursday.

"The two sides will continue to push forward negotiations and other work according to the original plan," the ministry said, adding that leaders from both sides will hold another call Friday, a week after senior officials last spoke over the phone.

President Donald Trump said Thursday that an alternative location for his signing of a United States-China trade deal with President Xi Jinping will be "announced soon," following cancellation of an APEC summit in Chile.

President Donald Trump said Thursday that an alternative location for his signing of a United States-China trade deal with President Xi Jinping will be "announced soon," following cancellation of an APEC summit in Chile. The partial trade deal, known as phase one, had been due for signing on the sidelines of the regional APEC summit which Chile cancelled on Wednesday due to violent unrest in the capital Santiago. "China and the USA are working on selecting a new site for signing," Trump tweeted. "The new location will be announced soon. President Xi and President Trump will do signing!" Beijing also remains positive about phase one deal, which would signal a big de-escalation in the two economic giants' so far 18-month trade war. China and the USA are working on selecting a new site for signing of Phase One of Trade Agreement, about 60% of total deal, after APEC in Chile was canceled do to unrelated circumstances. The new location will be announced soon. President Xi and President Trump will do signing! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2019 × "Negotiating teams on the Chinese and US sides have continued to maintain close communication, and negotiations are currently making smooth progress," the Chinese commerce ministry said in a statement Thursday. "The two sides will continue to push forward negotiations and other work according to the original plan," the ministry said, adding that leaders from both sides will hold another call Friday, a week after senior officials last spoke over the phone.

Trump: New location for United States-China trade deal signing to be 'announced soon'

The United States&nbsp;and Chinese officials are "close to finalising" some parts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-united-states-made-progress-in-trade-talks-chinese-vice-foreign-minister-257388">a trade agreement</a> after high-level telephone discussions on Friday, the US&nbsp;Trade Representative's office said, adding that deputy-level talks would proceed "continuously."

The USTR provided no details on the areas of progress.

"They made headway on specific issues and the two sides are close to finalizing some sections of the agreement. Discussions will go on continuously at the deputy level, and the principals will have another call in the near future," a statement said.

Washington and Beijing are working to agree on the text for a "Phase 1" trade agreement announced by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on October&nbsp;11. Trump has said he hopes to sign the deal with China's President Xi Jinping next month at a summit in Chile.

Agricultural products are a major area of discussion.

Beijing wants the United States to cancel some existing US&nbsp;tariffs on Chinese imports, people briefed on the Friday call told Reuters, in return for pledging to step up its purchases of US&nbsp;commodities like soybeans.

The United States wants Beijing to commit to buying these products at a specific time and price, while Chinese buyers would like the discretion to buy based on market conditions.

The world's two largest economies are trying to calm a nearly 16-month trade war that is roiling financial markets, disrupting supply chains and slowing global economic growth.

"They want to make a deal very badly," Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday. "They're going to be buying much more farm products than anybody thought possible."

Trump agreed earlier this month to cancel an October 15 increase in tariffs on $250 billion&nbsp;in Chinese goods as part of a tentative agreement on agricultural purchases, increased access to China's financial services markets, improved protections for intellectual property rights and a currency pact.

White House advisers are hoping to cement a binding, enforceable agreement with Beijing, including a pledge not to force US&nbsp;companies to transfer technology to Chinese companies to do business there. 
 
Tariffs take the lead

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-hopes-china-will-ease-restrictions-on-diplomats-257221">Beijing</a> was expected to ask Washington during Friday's call to drop its plan to impose tariffs on $156 billion worth of Chinese goods, including cell phones, laptop computers and toys, on December&nbsp;15, two US-based sources told Reuters.

Beijing is also seeking the removal of 15 per cent&nbsp;tariffs imposed on September&nbsp;1 on about $125 billion of Chinese goods, one of the sources said. Trump imposed the tariffs in August after a failed round of talks. "The Chinese want to get back to tariffs on just the original $250 billion in goods," the source said.

US farmers have been struggling since the trade war started.

In the decade before Trump took office, China’s purchases of US&nbsp;agriculture and related products tripled, reaching $25.2 billion in 2016. But they dropped to $13.2 billion in 2018, after the US&nbsp;put tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods.&nbsp;

Derek Scissors, a resident scholar and China expert at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, said the original goal of the early October talks was to finalize a text on intellectual property, agriculture and market access to pave the way for a postponement of the December&nbsp;15 tariffs.

Phase One will not cover US&nbsp;allegations of Chinese hacking into US&nbsp;companies and government agencies, state subsidies, Beijing's alleged dumping of lower-priced products on global markets or China’s involvement in the fentanyl market, one person briefed on the negotiations said.

An intellectual property rights chapter in the agreement largely deals with copyright and trademark issues and pledges to curb technology transfers that Beijing has already put into a new investment law, people familiar with the discussions said.

 
Watch: China seeks sanctions on US in World Trade Organisation

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wallet-china-seeks-sanctions-on-us-in-world-trade-organisation-257427/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A scaled-down deal

&nbsp;

If an agreement on China buying US&nbsp;agricultural products can be sealed, Beijing in return would exempt some US&nbsp;agricultural products from tariffs, including soybeans, wheat and corn, a China-based source told Reuters.

But the ultimate amounts of China's purchases are uncertain. Trump has touted purchases of $40 billion to $50 billion annually, far above China's 2017 purchases of $19.5 billion as measured by the American Farm Bureau.

One of the sources briefed on the talks said China's offer would start at around $20 billion in annual purchases, largely restoring the pre-trade-war status quo, but this could rise over time. Purchases also would depend on market conditions and pricing.

USTR head Robert Lighthizer has emphasized China's agreement to remove some restrictions on US&nbsp;genetically modified crops and other food safety barriers, which US&nbsp;sources say could pave the way for much higher US&nbsp;farm exports to China.

Friday's high-level call came a day after US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence railed against China's trade practices and what he termed construction of a "surveillance state" in a major policy speech. But Pence left the door open to a trade deal with China, saying Trump wanted a "constructive" relationship with Beijing.

While the US&nbsp;tariffs on Chinese goods have brought Beijing to the negotiating table to address US&nbsp;grievances over trade and intellectual property practices, they have not sparked significant change in China's state-led economic model.

Some China trade experts said that completion of a Phase 1 deal could leave little incentive for China to negotiate further, especially with a US&nbsp;election in 2020.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-closer-military-coordination-with-united-states-despite-disagreements-defence-minister-257203">US-China talks</a> change very quickly from hot to cold but, the longer it takes to nail down the easy Phase 1, the harder it is to imagine a Phase 2 breakthrough," said Scissors.

The United States and Chinese officials are "close to finalising" some parts of a trade agreement after high-level telephone discussions on Friday, the US Trade Representative's office said, adding that deputy-level talks would proceed "continuously.

The United States and Chinese officials are "close to finalising" some parts of a trade agreement after high-level telephone discussions on Friday, the US Trade Representative's office said, adding that deputy-level talks would proceed "continuously." The USTR provided no details on the areas of progress. "They made headway on specific issues and the two sides are close to finalizing some sections of the agreement. Discussions will go on continuously at the deputy level, and the principals will have another call in the near future," a statement said. Washington and Beijing are working to agree on the text for a "Phase 1" trade agreement announced by US President Donald Trump on October 11. Trump has said he hopes to sign the deal with China's President Xi Jinping next month at a summit in Chile. Agricultural products are a major area of discussion. Beijing wants the United States to cancel some existing US tariffs on Chinese imports, people briefed on the Friday call told Reuters, in return for pledging to step up its purchases of US commodities like soybeans. The United States wants Beijing to commit to buying these products at a specific time and price, while Chinese buyers would like the discretion to buy based on market conditions. The world's two largest economies are trying to calm a nearly 16-month trade war that is roiling financial markets, disrupting supply chains and slowing global economic growth. "They want to make a deal very badly," Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday. "They're going to be buying much more farm products than anybody thought possible." Trump agreed earlier this month to cancel an October 15 increase in tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese goods as part of a tentative agreement on agricultural purchases, increased access to China's financial services markets, improved protections for intellectual property rights and a currency pact. White House advisers are hoping to cement a binding, enforceable agreement with Beijing, including a pledge not to force US companies to transfer technology to Chinese companies to do business there. Tariffs take the lead Beijing was expected to ask Washington during Friday's call to drop its plan to impose tariffs on $156 billion worth of Chinese goods, including cell phones, laptop computers and toys, on December 15, two US-based sources told Reuters. Beijing is also seeking the removal of 15 per cent tariffs imposed on September 1 on about $125 billion of Chinese goods, one of the sources said. Trump imposed the tariffs in August after a failed round of talks. "The Chinese want to get back to tariffs on just the original $250 billion in goods," the source said. US farmers have been struggling since the trade war started. In the decade before Trump took office, China’s purchases of US agriculture and related products tripled, reaching $25.2 billion in 2016. But they dropped to $13.2 billion in 2018, after the US put tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods. Derek Scissors, a resident scholar and China expert at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, said the original goal of the early October talks was to finalize a text on intellectual property, agriculture and market access to pave the way for a postponement of the December 15 tariffs. Phase One will not cover US allegations of Chinese hacking into US companies and government agencies, state subsidies, Beijing's alleged dumping of lower-priced products on global markets or China’s involvement in the fentanyl market, one person briefed on the negotiations said. An intellectual property rights chapter in the agreement largely deals with copyright and trademark issues and pledges to curb technology transfers that Beijing has already put into a new investment law, people familiar with the discussions said. Watch: China seeks sanctions on US in World Trade Organisation A scaled-down deal If an agreement on China buying US agricultural products can be sealed, Beijing in return would exempt some US agricultural products from tariffs, including soybeans, wheat and corn, a China-based source told Reuters. But the ultimate amounts of China's purchases are uncertain. Trump has touted purchases of $40 billion to $50 billion annually, far above China's 2017 purchases of $19.5 billion as measured by the American Farm Bureau. One of the sources briefed on the talks said China's offer would start at around $20 billion in annual purchases, largely restoring the pre-trade-war status quo, but this could rise over time. Purchases also would depend on market conditions and pricing. USTR head Robert Lighthizer has emphasized China's agreement to remove some restrictions on US genetically modified crops and other food safety barriers, which US sources say could pave the way for much higher US farm exports to China. Friday's high-level call came a day after US Vice President Mike Pence railed against China's trade practices and what he termed construction of a "surveillance state" in a major policy speech. But Pence left the door open to a trade deal with China, saying Trump wanted a "constructive" relationship with Beijing. While the US tariffs on Chinese goods have brought Beijing to the negotiating table to address US grievances over trade and intellectual property practices, they have not sparked significant change in China's state-led economic model. Some China trade experts said that completion of a Phase 1 deal could leave little incentive for China to negotiate further, especially with a US election in 2020. "US-China talks change very quickly from hot to cold but, the longer it takes to nail down the easy Phase 1, the harder it is to imagine a Phase 2 breakthrough," said Scissors.

United States, China 'close to finalising' part of Phase One trade deal: Report

India's Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday that the broad outline of a trade deal with the United States has been worked out and suggested there could be an announcement soon.

India's Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday that the broad outline of a trade deal with the United States has been worked out and suggested there could be an announcement soon. The two countries have been locked in trade disputes for months, slapping higher tariffs on each other's products and the US withdrawing a key concession to India. The collateral damage of the United States' trade wars is being felt around the world as President Donald Trump renegotiates relationships with many of Washington’s top trading partners. Washington has been concerned about Indian policies that mandate foreign firms to store more data locally and restrict the way US e-commerce giants such as Walmart-owned Flipkart and Amazon.com operate. Goyal told a business conference that he was hoping to meet United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer soon. "We have almost resolved the broad contours of what we are going to announce. I don't see any great difficulty in closing the gap on the first announcement," Goyal said at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF). The deal under discussion includes lowering tariffs on U.S. farm produce while giving Indian pharmaceuticals faster approval to enter the US market. India dominates the world’s generic drugs market and the United States is among its top importers. "With regards to the trade talks between India and the US, Commerce and Industry Minister said that things are on the right track and India is looking to the U.S. for technology, innovation, skills and quality education," a government statement quoted Goyal as saying. According to USISPF estimates, India-US bilateral trade is projected to grow to $238 billon by 2025 from $142.1 billion in 2018. US trade and investments are expected to grow in sectors such as defence, commercial aircrafts, oil and LNG, coal, machinery and electronics. India is aiming to promote automotive, pharmaceuticals, seafood, IT and travel services to the US market. Goyal said India and the US must look at a larger trade agreement, the government statement said. It did not elaborate.

Trade pact differences with US broadly resolved: Piyush Goyal

Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday said that a trade deal between her country and India should be finalised soon.

"There is so much more we can do for our economies. My advice to the trade negotiators is — get a deal soon," Rice said during a conversation with USISPF (US-India Strategic Partnership Forum) board member Purna Saggurti at the second Annual India Leadership Summit here.

"Around the world, geopolitical perspective and shifting global order are driven by technology, oil and emerging markets," she added.

Tensions on the trade front between both countries had emerged in June after US President Donald Trump revoked preferential trade privileges, in response to which India imposed tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds and apples.

India had been the biggest beneficiary of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), a programme designed to help developing countries sell to US consumers.

The two countries were expected to announce a limited deal during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's New York visit last month. But no agreement was sealed as negotiators were reportedly trying to tie loose ends related to some farm products and generic drugs.

Recalling the India-US civil nuclear deal signed in 2008, Rice underlined that the agreement opened up the possibility of further boosting bilateral ties in key sectors.

"I was the Secretary of State when the two countries signed the civil nuclear deal that opened up the possibility of a much more sophisticated US-India relationship, whether in hi-tech, defence or humanitarian grounds," she said.

Rice served as 66th US Secretary of State under the then George W Bush administration from 2005 to 2009.

Touching upon the current scenario of the world order, Rice highlighted the difference of governance styles in democratic and authoritarian regimes.

"One of the great advantages of democracies is that change in the governance and policy can be brought about peacefully through the voice of the people. Authoritarian regimes can make policy quickly but they can also make bad policy without oversight," she said.

The former top American diplomat said that people in Europe would hope that they will not see a 'hard' Brexit, meaning the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

"I hope that the Europeans do not get to see a hard Brexit. This Brexit has already come at a great cost," Rice said.

The Republican leader said that the US was "very close" in resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict, but lamented that Washington is now "further away".

"We were very close. But we are now farther away. Palestine has not had an election for a very long time. Time could be running out," she warned.

Underlining that protection of religious minorities is a worldwide problem, Rice called for a separation of state policies from religion.

"Separation of state from religion is preferable. There are societies in which issues are contested every day. There is nothing more emotional and dangerous when people go after each other for religion. The protection of religious minorities is a problem worldwide. We will all suffer badly if we go down this road," she said.

Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday said that a trade deal between her country and India should be finalised soon. "There is so much more we can do for our economies.

Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday said that a trade deal between her country and India should be finalised soon. "There is so much more we can do for our economies. My advice to the trade negotiators is — get a deal soon," Rice said during a conversation with USISPF (US-India Strategic Partnership Forum) board member Purna Saggurti at the second Annual India Leadership Summit here. "Around the world, geopolitical perspective and shifting global order are driven by technology, oil and emerging markets," she added. Tensions on the trade front between both countries had emerged in June after US President Donald Trump revoked preferential trade privileges, in response to which India imposed tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds and apples. India had been the biggest beneficiary of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), a programme designed to help developing countries sell to US consumers. The two countries were expected to announce a limited deal during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's New York visit last month. But no agreement was sealed as negotiators were reportedly trying to tie loose ends related to some farm products and generic drugs. Recalling the India-US civil nuclear deal signed in 2008, Rice underlined that the agreement opened up the possibility of further boosting bilateral ties in key sectors. "I was the Secretary of State when the two countries signed the civil nuclear deal that opened up the possibility of a much more sophisticated US-India relationship, whether in hi-tech, defence or humanitarian grounds," she said. Rice served as 66th US Secretary of State under the then George W Bush administration from 2005 to 2009. Touching upon the current scenario of the world order, Rice highlighted the difference of governance styles in democratic and authoritarian regimes. "One of the great advantages of democracies is that change in the governance and policy can be brought about peacefully through the voice of the people. Authoritarian regimes can make policy quickly but they can also make bad policy without oversight," she said. The former top American diplomat said that people in Europe would hope that they will not see a 'hard' Brexit, meaning the UK leaving the EU without a deal. "I hope that the Europeans do not get to see a hard Brexit. This Brexit has already come at a great cost," Rice said. The Republican leader said that the US was "very close" in resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict, but lamented that Washington is now "further away". "We were very close. But we are now farther away. Palestine has not had an election for a very long time. Time could be running out," she warned. Underlining that protection of religious minorities is a worldwide problem, Rice called for a separation of state policies from religion. "Separation of state from religion is preferable. There are societies in which issues are contested every day. There is nothing more emotional and dangerous when people go after each other for religion. The protection of religious minorities is a problem worldwide. We will all suffer badly if we go down this road," she said.

'There is so much more we can do': Condoleezza Rice pitches for US-India trade deal

Beijing and Washington have made "substantial progress" towards a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hopes-us-china-trade-deal-will-be-signed-by-middle-of-november-256808">partial trade deal</a>, China's top trade negotiator said Saturday, in his first comments since talks with US President Donald Trump last week.

Trump announced a partial deal after meetings in Washington with the Chinese trade delegation led by Liu He, which ended on October 11.

It included promises to increase purchases of US farm products and protections for intellectual property&nbsp;but lacked specific details.

"China and the US have made substantial progress in many aspects, and laid an important foundation for a phase one agreement," the Vice Premier said at a virtual reality conference in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, on Saturday.

In his first public comments about the Washington talks, Liu said an important foundation for the signing of a phased deal had been worked out.

China is "willing to work together with the US to address each other's core concerns on the basis of equality and mutual respect," Liu said, according to a report on Taoran notes, a social media account run by the official&nbsp;Economic Daily.

The deal announced by Trump offered a temporary reprieve from tariffs planned for mid-October.&nbsp;

It did not, however, roll back any of the stinging import duties already imposed up to now on hundreds of billions of dollars in trade between the economic powers. Neither did it address another round of import taxes planned for December.

"Stopping the escalation of the trade war benefits China, the US and the whole world. It's what producers and consumers alike are hoping for," Liu said.

Beijing and Washington have made "substantial progress" towards a partial trade deal, China's top trade negotiator said Saturday, in his first comments since talks with US President Donald Trump last week.

Beijing and Washington have made "substantial progress" towards a partial trade deal, China's top trade negotiator said Saturday, in his first comments since talks with US President Donald Trump last week. Trump announced a partial deal after meetings in Washington with the Chinese trade delegation led by Liu He, which ended on October 11. It included promises to increase purchases of US farm products and protections for intellectual property but lacked specific details. "China and the US have made substantial progress in many aspects, and laid an important foundation for a phase one agreement," the Vice Premier said at a virtual reality conference in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, on Saturday. In his first public comments about the Washington talks, Liu said an important foundation for the signing of a phased deal had been worked out. China is "willing to work together with the US to address each other's core concerns on the basis of equality and mutual respect," Liu said, according to a report on Taoran notes, a social media account run by the official Economic Daily. The deal announced by Trump offered a temporary reprieve from tariffs planned for mid-October. It did not, however, roll back any of the stinging import duties already imposed up to now on hundreds of billions of dollars in trade between the economic powers. Neither did it address another round of import taxes planned for December. "Stopping the escalation of the trade war benefits China, the US and the whole world. It's what producers and consumers alike are hoping for," Liu said.

China, US make 'substantial' trade deal progress: Top official

The partial trade bargain struck last week with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sees-no-difference-with-us-on-trade-deal-256089">China is now being formally put down in writing</a>, United States President Donald Trump said Wednesday.

"It hasn't been papered yet but it is being papered," Trump told reporters at the White House.

He reiterated that China committed to greater purchases of US farm exports, and made concessions because of economic pressure by Washington.

"They want to make a deal. They have to make a deal. Their economy has been hurt very badly by what we've done and the tariffs," Trump said.

Markets rallied Friday as the deal was struck, in relief after the steady escalation in the trade conflict with China.

Last week, Trump hailed a breakthrough on a "phase one" deal that he said was substantial and included a surge in purchases of American farm products and also&nbsp;covers intellectual property, financial services and currencies.

However, comments from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-falls-more-than-2-on-us-china-trade-deal-doubts-stronger-dollar-256002">officials in Beijing</a> raised skepticism about the significance of the agreement.

While the deal meant tariffs increases planned for this week would not go forward, it did not roll back any of the stinging import duties imposed up to now on hundreds of billions of dollars in trade between the economic powers, nor did it address another round of import taxes planned for December.

Scant specifics are available but Trump says he hopes to sign the agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Chile next month.

The partial trade bargain struck last week with China is now being formally put down in writing, United States President Donald Trump said Wednesday. "It hasn't been papered yet but it is being papered," Trump told reporters at the White House.

The partial trade bargain struck last week with China is now being formally put down in writing, United States President Donald Trump said Wednesday. "It hasn't been papered yet but it is being papered," Trump told reporters at the White House. He reiterated that China committed to greater purchases of US farm exports, and made concessions because of economic pressure by Washington. "They want to make a deal. They have to make a deal. Their economy has been hurt very badly by what we've done and the tariffs," Trump said. Markets rallied Friday as the deal was struck, in relief after the steady escalation in the trade conflict with China. Last week, Trump hailed a breakthrough on a "phase one" deal that he said was substantial and included a surge in purchases of American farm products and also covers intellectual property, financial services and currencies. However, comments from officials in Beijing raised skepticism about the significance of the agreement. While the deal meant tariffs increases planned for this week would not go forward, it did not roll back any of the stinging import duties imposed up to now on hundreds of billions of dollars in trade between the economic powers, nor did it address another round of import taxes planned for December. Scant specifics are available but Trump says he hopes to sign the agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Chile next month.

United States-China trade mini-deal being 'papered': Trump

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-a-victory-in-china-trade-war-but-us-farmers-want-details-256006&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiEq6-qlZ7lAhW57XMBHSGDCXsQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Ginnq1mb3aG1GMOt1rMua">China said Tuesday there was "no difference" with the United States</a> on reaching a trade agreement, amid scepticism over what United States&nbsp;President Donald Trump has called a "substantial phase one" deal.

On Friday, Trump said after talks in Washington with Vice Premier Liu He that the two sides had reached an initial agreement, but while Beijing said progress was made it never stated that a deal was struck at the meeting.

Asked at a regular press conference on Tuesday if Washington and Beijing had the same approach on a deal, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said: "What the US has said is the actual situation -- it is consistent with our understanding of the situation."

Geng added: "Both sides are in consensus about the issue of reaching an economic and trade agreement, there is no difference."

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Monday that US and Chinese officials will continue to hold talks by phone this week to finalise the deal.

Trump said the agreement included a pledge by China to rapidly ramp up purchases of American farm products to $40-50 billion -- more than double the prior level of less than $20 billion in 2017.

Geng said China "will also accelerate its purchases of US agricultural products".

Chinese businesses have bought this year 20 million tonnes of soybeans, 700,000 tonnes of pork, 700,000 tonnes of sorghum, 230,000 tonnes of wheat, and 320,000 tonnes of cotton, he added.

But few specifics are available on the deal announced by Trump, which would not roll back the tariffs already imposed on hundreds of billions of dollars in trade between the world's two dominant economic powers.

For his part, Liu said that "substantial progress" had been made in areas including agriculture, intellectual property rights protection and the transfer of technology, the official Xinhua news agency reported after the talks.

The Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily warned in an editorial Saturday the trade war would only be resolved by "abolishing all tariffs".

China's cautious response to Trump's announcement has prompted&nbsp;scepticism over the progress of the deal.

In turn, official media has hit back at reports doubting China's enthusiasm about the deal, with the state-run Global Times saying in an editorial that "the US and some Western media are looking for 'temperature differences' between Chinese and US announcements".

China said Tuesday there was "no difference" with the United States on reaching a trade agreement, amid scepticism over what United States President Donald Trump has called a "substantial phase one" deal.

China said Tuesday there was "no difference" with the United States on reaching a trade agreement, amid scepticism over what United States President Donald Trump has called a "substantial phase one" deal. On Friday, Trump said after talks in Washington with Vice Premier Liu He that the two sides had reached an initial agreement, but while Beijing said progress was made it never stated that a deal was struck at the meeting. Asked at a regular press conference on Tuesday if Washington and Beijing had the same approach on a deal, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said: "What the US has said is the actual situation -- it is consistent with our understanding of the situation." Geng added: "Both sides are in consensus about the issue of reaching an economic and trade agreement, there is no difference." US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Monday that US and Chinese officials will continue to hold talks by phone this week to finalise the deal. Trump said the agreement included a pledge by China to rapidly ramp up purchases of American farm products to $40-50 billion -- more than double the prior level of less than $20 billion in 2017. Geng said China "will also accelerate its purchases of US agricultural products". Chinese businesses have bought this year 20 million tonnes of soybeans, 700,000 tonnes of pork, 700,000 tonnes of sorghum, 230,000 tonnes of wheat, and 320,000 tonnes of cotton, he added. But few specifics are available on the deal announced by Trump, which would not roll back the tariffs already imposed on hundreds of billions of dollars in trade between the world's two dominant economic powers. For his part, Liu said that "substantial progress" had been made in areas including agriculture, intellectual property rights protection and the transfer of technology, the official Xinhua news agency reported after the talks. The Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily warned in an editorial Saturday the trade war would only be resolved by "abolishing all tariffs". China's cautious response to Trump's announcement has prompted scepticism over the progress of the deal. In turn, official media has hit back at reports doubting China's enthusiasm about the deal, with the state-run Global Times saying in an editorial that "the US and some Western media are looking for 'temperature differences' between Chinese and US announcements".

China sees 'no difference' with US on trade deal

<a href="wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-warmer-feelings-in-us-china-trade-talks-255346">US President Donald Trump</a> on Friday announced a partial trade deal with China after talks in Washington with Vice Premier Liu He.

The pact, characterized by US officials as the first phase in negotiations, capped a rollercoaster week for stocks, with the market retreating early in the week on doubts about the talks, but reversing course midweek as the signs from both sides became more conciliatory.

"There was a lot of friction between the United States and China, now it’s a lovefest," Trump said. "It's beyond a trade deal."

Beijing and Washington have been at loggerheads for more than a year, with US President Donald Trump emphasizing trade relations with China as a central tenet of his "America First" agenda.

Gravitas: India-china Ties: Is Trade The Biggest Sticking Point?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-china-ties-is-trade-the-biggest-sticking-point-255350/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Wall Street stocks finished higher on Friday as US-China trade negotiations yielded a partial deal that included a halt to tariffs scheduled for next week.

US President Donald Trump on Friday announced a partial trade deal with China after talks in Washington with Vice Premier Liu He. The pact, characterized by US officials as the first phase in negotiations, capped a rollercoaster week for stocks, with the market retreating early in the week on doubts about the talks, but reversing course midweek as the signs from both sides became more conciliatory.

US President Donald Trump on Friday announced a partial trade deal with China after talks in Washington with Vice Premier Liu He. The pact, characterized by US officials as the first phase in negotiations, capped a rollercoaster week for stocks, with the market retreating early in the week on doubts about the talks, but reversing course midweek as the signs from both sides became more conciliatory. "There was a lot of friction between the United States and China, now it’s a lovefest," Trump said. "It's beyond a trade deal." Beijing and Washington have been at loggerheads for more than a year, with US President Donald Trump emphasizing trade relations with China as a central tenet of his "America First" agenda. Gravitas: India-china Ties: Is Trade The Biggest Sticking Point? Wall Street stocks finished higher on Friday as US-China trade negotiations yielded a partial deal that included a halt to tariffs scheduled for next week.

US President Donald Trump announces partial trade deal with China

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-announces-partial-trade-deal-with-china-255358">partial US-China deal</a> may only offer a temporary tariff reprieve because it lacks specifics and leaves the thorny issues for later, analysts said, allowing both economic powers to claim success.

Friday's initial agreement -- which included increasing US farm product purchases, and also&nbsp;covers intellectual property, financial services and currencies -- finally breaks an 18-month trade spat.

Engulfed in an impeachment inquiry, US President Donald Trump heralded the deal as a major&nbsp;breakthrough.&nbsp;

But it will take weeks to finalise and the details are not clear -- nor will it roll back tariffs already in place on hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade.

"The lack of specificity and even the fact this baby stepped agreement could take weeks to iron out, quickly cooled trader optimism," said Axi Trader analyst&nbsp;Stephen Innes.

After earlier attempts at a truce between Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping did not pan out businesses remained cautious, Innes said.

There is "fear this could be more of the same old lather rinse and repeat trade detente followed by trade escalation," he said.

For now, Washington will hold off on a massive tariff increase planned for next week and -- as negotiations progress -- new December tariffs could also be cancelled, US officials said.

Trump said China had pledged to rapidly increase purchases of American farm products to $40-50 billion -- a stunning feat, and more than double 2017 levels.

But China is yet to confirm these details.

"Substantial progress had been made in such areas as agriculture, intellectual property rights protection, exchange rate, financial services, expansion of trade cooperation, technology transfer and dispute settlement," state-run Xinhua news agency reported citing Liu He, the country's top negotiator.

"The two sides also discussed arrangements for future consultations," Liu said when he met Trump Friday, according to Xinhua.

Previously, Trump has blamed China for backtracking on its promises.

'Major deal unlikely'&nbsp;

On Friday, the US president played up the "substantial phase one" deal as a result of his hard-line stance with China.

"It's not much and it doesn't get us very far in the big issues, so whether it will lead to anything important is still very unclear," said&nbsp;Barry Naughton, an expert on China's economy at the University of California, San Diego.

The Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily warned in an editorial Saturday the trade war would only be resolved by "abolishing all tariffs."

But to get there, the two sides need to address issues such as scaling back Chinese government subsidies that have skewed competition, and opening up sectors dominated by state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

In a step in towards that, China recently announced a timetable to remove foreign ownership limits in finance companies beginning next year.

Beijing also passed a foreign investment law in March, promising a level playing field for overseas investors, addressing a major US complaint.

But "a significant improvement is... not very likely," said Song Houze, a research fellow at The Paulson Institute.

"The existence of thorny issues like SOE and tech make a major deal unlikely, which means the existing tariff will most likely stay."

The latest truce, however, was essential for both sides as both face cooling domestic growth, he said.

'Off the table'

US restrictions on Chinese investments in its high-tech sectors -- blocking Huawei from government contracts -- and sanctions on a series of China's tech giants have also cast a shadow on trade negotiations.

The US commerce department said last week it will blacklist 28 Chinese entities it says are implicated in rights violations and abuses in China's Xinjiang region.

"Even if the US and China reach a comprehensive trade deal, the US will likely tighten restrictions on China's access to technology in the coming years," said Wang Tao, head of Asia economics at UBS Investment Bank.

"The US has elevated this issue to national security and it may be hard to reverse, no matter what kind of agreement they reach (or not) on Huawei," said Wang Tao, head of Asia economics at UBS Investment Bank.

A partial US-China deal may only offer a temporary tariff reprieve because it lacks specifics and leaves the thorny issues for later, analysts said, allowing both economic powers to claim success.

A partial US-China deal may only offer a temporary tariff reprieve because it lacks specifics and leaves the thorny issues for later, analysts said, allowing both economic powers to claim success. Friday's initial agreement -- which included increasing US farm product purchases, and also covers intellectual property, financial services and currencies -- finally breaks an 18-month trade spat. Engulfed in an impeachment inquiry, US President Donald Trump heralded the deal as a major breakthrough. But it will take weeks to finalise and the details are not clear -- nor will it roll back tariffs already in place on hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade. "The lack of specificity and even the fact this baby stepped agreement could take weeks to iron out, quickly cooled trader optimism," said Axi Trader analyst Stephen Innes. After earlier attempts at a truce between Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping did not pan out businesses remained cautious, Innes said. There is "fear this could be more of the same old lather rinse and repeat trade detente followed by trade escalation," he said. For now, Washington will hold off on a massive tariff increase planned for next week and -- as negotiations progress -- new December tariffs could also be cancelled, US officials said. Trump said China had pledged to rapidly increase purchases of American farm products to $40-50 billion -- a stunning feat, and more than double 2017 levels. But China is yet to confirm these details. "Substantial progress had been made in such areas as agriculture, intellectual property rights protection, exchange rate, financial services, expansion of trade cooperation, technology transfer and dispute settlement," state-run Xinhua news agency reported citing Liu He, the country's top negotiator. "The two sides also discussed arrangements for future consultations," Liu said when he met Trump Friday, according to Xinhua. Previously, Trump has blamed China for backtracking on its promises. 'Major deal unlikely' On Friday, the US president played up the "substantial phase one" deal as a result of his hard-line stance with China. "It's not much and it doesn't get us very far in the big issues, so whether it will lead to anything important is still very unclear," said Barry Naughton, an expert on China's economy at the University of California, San Diego. The Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily warned in an editorial Saturday the trade war would only be resolved by "abolishing all tariffs." But to get there, the two sides need to address issues such as scaling back Chinese government subsidies that have skewed competition, and opening up sectors dominated by state-owned enterprises (SOEs). In a step in towards that, China recently announced a timetable to remove foreign ownership limits in finance companies beginning next year. Beijing also passed a foreign investment law in March, promising a level playing field for overseas investors, addressing a major US complaint. But "a significant improvement is... not very likely," said Song Houze, a research fellow at The Paulson Institute. "The existence of thorny issues like SOE and tech make a major deal unlikely, which means the existing tariff will most likely stay." The latest truce, however, was essential for both sides as both face cooling domestic growth, he said. 'Off the table' US restrictions on Chinese investments in its high-tech sectors -- blocking Huawei from government contracts -- and sanctions on a series of China's tech giants have also cast a shadow on trade negotiations. The US commerce department said last week it will blacklist 28 Chinese entities it says are implicated in rights violations and abuses in China's Xinjiang region. "Even if the US and China reach a comprehensive trade deal, the US will likely tighten restrictions on China's access to technology in the coming years," said Wang Tao, head of Asia economics at UBS Investment Bank. "The US has elevated this issue to national security and it may be hard to reverse, no matter what kind of agreement they reach (or not) on Huawei," said Wang Tao, head of Asia economics at UBS Investment Bank.

Partial US-China trade deal only 'baby step' as thorny issues remain

The United States and India are racing to negotiate a limited trade deal that US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-howdy-modi-diaspora-event-meet-with-trump-multilateral-engagements-to-unga-address-pm-modis-jam-packed-us-schedule-251007">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> can sign at the United Nations General Assembly in New York at the end of September, people familiar with the talks said.

A deal between the world's most populous democracies would be a welcome victory for Trump, whose administration has made little headway negotiating an end to its prolonged trade war with China. Trump is also expected to sign a deal with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe next week that lowers Japanese farm tariffs.

The deal under discussion with India would lower some tariffs on US&nbsp;produce and restore preferential treatment for some Indian exports to the United States, the sources said.

Trump and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/excitement-builds-up-as-indian-diaspora-gears-up-for-electrifying-howdy-modi-event-251008">Modi</a> will meet this Sunday in Houston at an Indian-American rally dubbed "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-present-india-as-global-leader-says-pm-modi-ahead-of-us-visit-250880">Howdy Modi</a>!" in a 50,000-seat stadium -- a sign of their warming relations, which are contributing to expectations for a "mini-deal."

"There's a push to get something done with India, with an eye for UNGA," said a Washington-based source familiar with the discussions.

Trump has demanded better terms of trade from most of the top commercial partners of the United States and blames previous deals for the loss of millions of US&nbsp;manufacturing jobs.

US-India trade relations have been fraught. Trump has repeatedly complained about India's high tariff rates, including a 50 per cent tariff on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

The United States has also taken issue with India's new investment rules on e-commerce that limit how companies like Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-backed Flipkart can do business in a rapidly growing online market set to touch $200 billion by 2027.

"We’ve been talking to the Americans, we have engaged them for many months now," Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said at a news conference this week. "My expectation is that some of the sharper edges, they would be addressed in some forms in the not too distant future."

A US&nbsp;trade representative spokesman did not respond to a request for comment on the US-India talks.

Modi, like Trump, has used tariffs to try to boost investment in manufacturing, a key part of his "Make-In-India" campaign to attract foreign cash and create factory jobs for millions of youth entering the workforce.

Apple Inc supplier Foxconn recently expanded production of iPhones in India to avoid a 20% import tariff and diversify its supply chain from China.

Bilateral US&nbsp;trade with India, at $142 billion last year, is just a fraction of the $737 billion in US-China trade.

Tariffs&nbsp;

The United States in June ended duty-free access for about $5.7 billion worth of Indian exports under its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, including chemicals, plastics, leather and rubber goods, and auto parts. India was the largest beneficiary of the GSP, which was designed to help developing countries that dates from the 1970s. India responded with higher retaliatory tariffs on 28 US&nbsp;products, including almonds, apples and walnuts.

India is the largest buyer of US&nbsp;almonds, paying $543 million for more than half of US&nbsp;almond exports in 2018, according to the US&nbsp;Department of Agriculture. It is the second-largest buyer of US&nbsp;apples.

Pork, dairy, nuts&nbsp;

The talks are focused on US&nbsp;demands that India reduce agricultural tariffs, including those for almonds, pork, dairy products, cherries, apples and other commodities, people familiar with the talks in both Washington and New Delhi said.

India is likely to allow some US&nbsp;dairy imports, the official said. Another Indian official said the United States was pushing India to remove high pricing barriers on imported US&nbsp;medical devices including cardiac stents.

In return, India wants the GSP restored for a few more years, as Modi struggles to boost exports dampened by sluggish global demand made worse by the US-China trade war. New Delhi also wants market access for some of its farm products such as grapes to export to the United States.

The United States is also seeking lower tariffs on high-end electronics products, one of the Indian officials said.

Both sides are discussing revising India's domestic content rules on ethanol to allow more imports of the US&nbsp;fuel additive, two US&nbsp;sources familiar with the discussions said.

A narrow deal would be a positive first step and leave thorny issues aside such as the new e-commerce rules, said Roger Murry, deputy director of the Alliance for Fair Trade with India, a group of US&nbsp;trade associations.

"We're hopeful that the Houston events can be bolstered by some real progress on the trade front that shows the US&nbsp;and India can negotiate some reasonable solutions," Murry said.

The United States and India are racing to negotiate a limited trade deal that US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi can sign at the United Nations General Assembly in New York at the end of September, people familiar with the talks said.

The United States and India are racing to negotiate a limited trade deal that US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi can sign at the United Nations General Assembly in New York at the end of September, people familiar with the talks said. A deal between the world's most populous democracies would be a welcome victory for Trump, whose administration has made little headway negotiating an end to its prolonged trade war with China. Trump is also expected to sign a deal with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe next week that lowers Japanese farm tariffs. The deal under discussion with India would lower some tariffs on US produce and restore preferential treatment for some Indian exports to the United States, the sources said. Trump and Modi will meet this Sunday in Houston at an Indian-American rally dubbed "Howdy Modi!" in a 50,000-seat stadium -- a sign of their warming relations, which are contributing to expectations for a "mini-deal." "There's a push to get something done with India, with an eye for UNGA," said a Washington-based source familiar with the discussions. Trump has demanded better terms of trade from most of the top commercial partners of the United States and blames previous deals for the loss of millions of US manufacturing jobs. US-India trade relations have been fraught. Trump has repeatedly complained about India's high tariff rates, including a 50 per cent tariff on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The United States has also taken issue with India's new investment rules on e-commerce that limit how companies like Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-backed Flipkart can do business in a rapidly growing online market set to touch $200 billion by 2027. "We’ve been talking to the Americans, we have engaged them for many months now," Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said at a news conference this week. "My expectation is that some of the sharper edges, they would be addressed in some forms in the not too distant future." A US trade representative spokesman did not respond to a request for comment on the US-India talks. Modi, like Trump, has used tariffs to try to boost investment in manufacturing, a key part of his "Make-In-India" campaign to attract foreign cash and create factory jobs for millions of youth entering the workforce. Apple Inc supplier Foxconn recently expanded production of iPhones in India to avoid a 20% import tariff and diversify its supply chain from China. Bilateral US trade with India, at $142 billion last year, is just a fraction of the $737 billion in US-China trade. Tariffs The United States in June ended duty-free access for about $5.7 billion worth of Indian exports under its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, including chemicals, plastics, leather and rubber goods, and auto parts. India was the largest beneficiary of the GSP, which was designed to help developing countries that dates from the 1970s. India responded with higher retaliatory tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds, apples and walnuts. India is the largest buyer of US almonds, paying $543 million for more than half of US almond exports in 2018, according to the US Department of Agriculture. It is the second-largest buyer of US apples. Pork, dairy, nuts The talks are focused on US demands that India reduce agricultural tariffs, including those for almonds, pork, dairy products, cherries, apples and other commodities, people familiar with the talks in both Washington and New Delhi said. India is likely to allow some US dairy imports, the official said. Another Indian official said the United States was pushing India to remove high pricing barriers on imported US medical devices including cardiac stents. In return, India wants the GSP restored for a few more years, as Modi struggles to boost exports dampened by sluggish global demand made worse by the US-China trade war. New Delhi also wants market access for some of its farm products such as grapes to export to the United States. The United States is also seeking lower tariffs on high-end electronics products, one of the Indian officials said. Both sides are discussing revising India's domestic content rules on ethanol to allow more imports of the US fuel additive, two US sources familiar with the discussions said. A narrow deal would be a positive first step and leave thorny issues aside such as the new e-commerce rules, said Roger Murry, deputy director of the Alliance for Fair Trade with India, a group of US trade associations. "We're hopeful that the Houston events can be bolstered by some real progress on the trade front that shows the US and India can negotiate some reasonable solutions," Murry said.

After 'Howdy Modi,' Trump and PM Modi could sign trade deal

US authorities for the first time filed a complaint against South Korea under environmental rules of the free trade pact between Seoul and Washington, over illegal fishing, the government announced Thursday.

The US Trade Representative's office said it "intends to seek environment consultations" with Seoul under the terms of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the first step in a formal trade complaint.

The trade representative's office cited a government report that named South Korea, saying the country failed to stop its vessels from "engaging in fishing activities that violate conservation and management measures."

In a periodic report also released Thursday, the US National Marine Fisheries Service said that in late 2017 two South Korean-flagged vessels used long-line gear within 24 hours of the notified closure of a fishery in violation of international rules.

Korean authorities ordered the vessels back to port and temporarily suspended their licenses but imposed no fines and did not confiscate their catch, according to the report.

Prosecutors declined to bring charges, finding insufficient evidence that the violations were intentional, and under South Korean law, no other remedies existed to prevent the vessels' operators from enjoying the benefits of the alleged illegal fishing.

In discussions with US officials, South Korean officials have recognized the need to amend their laws and have said they are in the process of doing so.

The KORUS free trade pact entered into force in 2012 but was modified under President Donald Trump, allowing for increased US auto exports, an extended tariff on South Korean-made pickups and a cap on imports of South Korean steel, among other provisions.

In March, US authorities also launched a dispute with Seoul under the agreement, claiming South Korea's competition regulator did not treat American firms fairly.

US authorities for the first time filed a complaint against South Korea under environmental rules of the free trade pact between Seoul and Washington, over illegal fishing, the government announced Thursday.

US authorities for the first time filed a complaint against South Korea under environmental rules of the free trade pact between Seoul and Washington, over illegal fishing, the government announced Thursday. The US Trade Representative's office said it "intends to seek environment consultations" with Seoul under the terms of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the first step in a formal trade complaint. The trade representative's office cited a government report that named South Korea, saying the country failed to stop its vessels from "engaging in fishing activities that violate conservation and management measures." In a periodic report also released Thursday, the US National Marine Fisheries Service said that in late 2017 two South Korean-flagged vessels used long-line gear within 24 hours of the notified closure of a fishery in violation of international rules. Korean authorities ordered the vessels back to port and temporarily suspended their licenses but imposed no fines and did not confiscate their catch, according to the report. Prosecutors declined to bring charges, finding insufficient evidence that the violations were intentional, and under South Korean law, no other remedies existed to prevent the vessels' operators from enjoying the benefits of the alleged illegal fishing. In discussions with US officials, South Korean officials have recognized the need to amend their laws and have said they are in the process of doing so. The KORUS free trade pact entered into force in 2012 but was modified under President Donald Trump, allowing for increased US auto exports, an extended tariff on South Korean-made pickups and a cap on imports of South Korean steel, among other provisions. In March, US authorities also launched a dispute with Seoul under the agreement, claiming South Korea's competition regulator did not treat American firms fairly.

US files illegal fishing complaint against South Korea under free trade pact

Britain's Trade Minister Liz Truss&nbsp;said on Wednesday she expects to complete a wide-ranging trade deal with Australia within months of exiting the European Union.

In efforts to reduce the economic impact of Brexit, Britain is looking to line-up a series of trade deals with smaller, non-EU countries.

Truss, who is in the middle of a three-nation tour that includes Australia, New Zealand and Japan, said she expects a quick conclusion to trade talks that will begin when Britain leaves the EU.

"The reason that I have chosen to make Australia one of the first countries I have visited as trade secretary is because it is an absolute priority to get on with this trade deal," Truss told reporters in Canberra.

"I would say months rather than years for it to be completed."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/underfire-pm-calls-up-hulk-claims-huge-brexit-progress-249824">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> has said he will take the country out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cautiously-optimistic-on-brexit-deal-says-pm-boris-johnson-ahead-of-eu-meeting-249472">EU</a> on October 31 with or without a deal with Brussels.

But the British parliament this month passed a law that requires Johnson to ask the EU for a three-month delay to Brexit if a deal is not approved by October 19.

Two-way trade between Australia and Britain is worth A$26.6 billion ($18.22 billion), Australian data shows.

Britain is Australia's seventh-largest trading partner, the data shows.

Australia's Minister for Trade Simon Birmingham said a trade deal with Britain will particularly benefit the country's agricultural sector, worth around A$60 billion.

"As part of the EU, market access to Britain in terms of agricultural products has been limited," Birmingham told reporters. "This is something we will look to address."

Britain's Trade Minister Liz Truss said on Wednesday she expects to complete a wide-ranging trade deal with Australia within months of exiting the European Union.

Britain's Trade Minister Liz Truss said on Wednesday she expects to complete a wide-ranging trade deal with Australia within months of exiting the European Union. In efforts to reduce the economic impact of Brexit, Britain is looking to line-up a series of trade deals with smaller, non-EU countries. Truss, who is in the middle of a three-nation tour that includes Australia, New Zealand and Japan, said she expects a quick conclusion to trade talks that will begin when Britain leaves the EU. "The reason that I have chosen to make Australia one of the first countries I have visited as trade secretary is because it is an absolute priority to get on with this trade deal," Truss told reporters in Canberra. "I would say months rather than years for it to be completed." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will take the country out of the EU on October 31 with or without a deal with Brussels. But the British parliament this month passed a law that requires Johnson to ask the EU for a three-month delay to Brexit if a deal is not approved by October 19. Two-way trade between Australia and Britain is worth A$26.6 billion ($18.22 billion), Australian data shows. Britain is Australia's seventh-largest trading partner, the data shows. Australia's Minister for Trade Simon Birmingham said a trade deal with Britain will particularly benefit the country's agricultural sector, worth around A$60 billion. "As part of the EU, market access to Britain in terms of agricultural products has been limited," Birmingham told reporters. "This is something we will look to address."

Britain hopes for trade deal with Australia within months of Brexit

US President Donald Trump said on Monday Washington had struck trade agreements with Tokyo that could be implemented without congressional approval, but stopped short of assuring Japan that new tariffs would not be slapped on vital auto exports.

In a letter to the US&nbsp;Congress released by the White House, Trump said that he intends to enter into the agreements on tariff barriers and digital trade "in the coming weeks" and was notifying lawmakers that the tariff deal would be made under a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-japan-agree-trade-deal-in-principle-245579">trade</a> law provision allowing the US&nbsp;president to make reciprocal tariff reductions by proclamation.

"In addition, I also will be entering into an Executive Agreement with Japan regarding digital trade," Trump said in the letter.

Neither agreement would require a vote in Congress under the so-called "fast track" approval process.

The Trump administration last year notified Congress that it would pursue negotiations with Japan under this method.

On a critical issue to Japan, Trump's announcement left unclear whether he has agreed not to impose threatened national security tariffs on Japanese vehicles and auto parts.

Avoiding the "Section 232" tariffs of up to 25 per cent&nbsp;was a major motivating factor for Tokyo in negotiating with Washington on trade.

"At the finishing stage, we plan to reconfirm that 232 won't be imposed," Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan's lead negotiator, told a regular news conference in Tokyo on Tuesday.

Finance Minister Taro Aso said the deal won't contain any provision on currencies another worry for Tokyo.

Japan wants to avoid any agreement hindering its ability to intervene in the foreign-exchange markets in the event of a spike in the yen, or to expand the Bank of Japan's massive monetary stimulus.

Trump said after the&nbsp;G7 summit last month that he was not considering auto tariffs "at this moment".

Over much of the past year, the scope of talks has narrowed to exclude the automotive sector, the source of most of the $67 billion US&nbsp;trade deficit with Japan.

Instead, Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in August announced an agreement in principle of a deal that covered reductions in tariffs on agricultural and industrial goods, but not autos.

A spokesman for US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer could not immediately be reached for comment on the letter and the trade deals.

Trump and Abe said at the G7 summit in France that they hoped to sign the agreement at this month's United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Trump's letter did not disclose any content of the agreements, but Japan had previously said it was willing to consider a deal that would reduce agriculture tariffs to levels previously contemplated under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal that Trump quit on his third day in office in 2017.

Trump's letter said that the United States would pursue further trade negotiations with Japan.

"My Administration looks forward to continued collaboration with the Congress on further negotiations with Japan to achieve a comprehensive trade agreement that results in more fair and reciprocal trade between the United States and Japan," Trump said.

The US&nbsp;technology industry officials say they expect the digital trade agreement with Japan to be closely aligned with provisions in the new US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which follow the US&nbsp;model for internet development.

The USMCA provisions aim to ensure the free flow of data across borders without taxation, prohibit data server localization requirements and limit governments' ability to require the disclosure of source code by the companies they regulate.

For Trump, the signing of even a partial trade deal with Japan centred largely on agriculture would provide some relief to US&nbsp;farmers who have been battered by a 14-month US-China trade war and lost market share.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday Washington had struck trade agreements with Tokyo that could be implemented without congressional approval, but stopped short of assuring Japan that new tariffs would not be slapped on vital auto exports.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday Washington had struck trade agreements with Tokyo that could be implemented without congressional approval, but stopped short of assuring Japan that new tariffs would not be slapped on vital auto exports. In a letter to the US Congress released by the White House, Trump said that he intends to enter into the agreements on tariff barriers and digital trade "in the coming weeks" and was notifying lawmakers that the tariff deal would be made under a trade law provision allowing the US president to make reciprocal tariff reductions by proclamation. "In addition, I also will be entering into an Executive Agreement with Japan regarding digital trade," Trump said in the letter. Neither agreement would require a vote in Congress under the so-called "fast track" approval process. The Trump administration last year notified Congress that it would pursue negotiations with Japan under this method. On a critical issue to Japan, Trump's announcement left unclear whether he has agreed not to impose threatened national security tariffs on Japanese vehicles and auto parts. Avoiding the "Section 232" tariffs of up to 25 per cent was a major motivating factor for Tokyo in negotiating with Washington on trade. "At the finishing stage, we plan to reconfirm that 232 won't be imposed," Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan's lead negotiator, told a regular news conference in Tokyo on Tuesday. Finance Minister Taro Aso said the deal won't contain any provision on currencies another worry for Tokyo. Japan wants to avoid any agreement hindering its ability to intervene in the foreign-exchange markets in the event of a spike in the yen, or to expand the Bank of Japan's massive monetary stimulus. Trump said after the G7 summit last month that he was not considering auto tariffs "at this moment". Over much of the past year, the scope of talks has narrowed to exclude the automotive sector, the source of most of the $67 billion US trade deficit with Japan. Instead, Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in August announced an agreement in principle of a deal that covered reductions in tariffs on agricultural and industrial goods, but not autos. A spokesman for US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer could not immediately be reached for comment on the letter and the trade deals. Trump and Abe said at the G7 summit in France that they hoped to sign the agreement at this month's United Nations General Assembly in New York. Trump's letter did not disclose any content of the agreements, but Japan had previously said it was willing to consider a deal that would reduce agriculture tariffs to levels previously contemplated under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal that Trump quit on his third day in office in 2017. Trump's letter said that the United States would pursue further trade negotiations with Japan. "My Administration looks forward to continued collaboration with the Congress on further negotiations with Japan to achieve a comprehensive trade agreement that results in more fair and reciprocal trade between the United States and Japan," Trump said. The US technology industry officials say they expect the digital trade agreement with Japan to be closely aligned with provisions in the new US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which follow the US model for internet development. The USMCA provisions aim to ensure the free flow of data across borders without taxation, prohibit data server localization requirements and limit governments' ability to require the disclosure of source code by the companies they regulate. For Trump, the signing of even a partial trade deal with Japan centred largely on agriculture would provide some relief to US farmers who have been battered by a 14-month US-China trade war and lost market share.

Trump says the US reaches trade deals with Japan, no word on cars

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that China wants to make a trade deal but it should treat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-urge-china-to-adhere-to-sino-british-joint-declaration-on-hong-kong-us-state-department-243027">Hong Kong</a> "humanely" first, explicitly tying a trade agreement to a peaceful resolution of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

"Of course China wants to make a deal. Let them work humanely with Hong Kong first!" Trump said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
..deferral to December. It actually helps China more than us, but will be reciprocated. Millions of jobs are being lost in China to other non-Tariffed countries. Thousands of companies are leaving. Of course China wants to make a deal. Let them work humanely with Hong Kong first!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1161767691646115840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I have ZERO doubt that if President Xi (Jinping) wants to quickly and humanely solve the Hong Kong problem, he can do it. Personal meeting?" Trump said.

A US&nbsp;State Department spokeswoman said earlier on Wednesday that the United States was "deeply concerned" about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-deeply-concerned-by-reports-of-china-paramilitary-movement-near-hong-kong-243100">Chinese paramilitary movement along the Hong Kong border</a>.

The State Department's expression of concern came after senior US&nbsp;lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties called on Trump to take a tougher line with China as worries grew over a possible Chinese intervention.

Another US&nbsp;official said Beijing had stationed large numbers of paramilitary People's Armed Police (PAP) "near and further out from Hong Kong," in response to weeks of street protests in the territory, but said there had been no sign they were moving towards the border.

Watch: Violent clashes continue in Hong Kong

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-violent-clashes-continue-in-hong-kong-243034/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The number of personnel was "in the thousands," said the official, who did not want to be identified.

"They have amped up training and made it all pretty visible," he said, but added,&nbsp;"There are no recent indicators that they are preparing to deploy."

China's state-run Global Times media outlet reported on Monday that People's Armed Police had been assembling in Shenzhen, a city bordering Hong Kong, "in advance of apparent large-scale exercises."

It cited video it had obtained showing numerous armoured personnel carriers (APCs), trucks and other vehicles on expressways heading in the direction of Shenzhen over the weekend. It noted that the role of the PAP was "dealing with rebellions, riots, serious violent and illegal incidents, terrorist attacks and other social security incidents."

Satellite images made available to Reuters on Wednesday from Maxar Technologies showed dozens of vehicles, including what appeared to be APCs, at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre across the harbour from Hong Kong.

On Tuesday, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump cited American intelligence as saying that China was moving troops to its border with Hong Kong, and urged calm as clashes continued between protesters and authorities in the former British colony.

Trump, who has been seeking a major deal to correct trade imbalances with China, has faced criticism from Congress and elsewhere for not taking a stronger public line on Hong Kong and for his characterization of the protests earlier this month as "riots" that were a matter for China to deal with.

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that China wants to make a trade deal but it should treat Hong Kong "humanely" first, explicitly tying a trade agreement to a peaceful resolution of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that China wants to make a trade deal but it should treat Hong Kong "humanely" first, explicitly tying a trade agreement to a peaceful resolution of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. "Of course China wants to make a deal. Let them work humanely with Hong Kong first!" Trump said on Twitter. ..deferral to December. It actually helps China more than us, but will be reciprocated. Millions of jobs are being lost in China to other non-Tariffed countries. Thousands of companies are leaving. Of course China wants to make a deal. Let them work humanely with Hong Kong first! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 14, 2019 × "I have ZERO doubt that if President Xi (Jinping) wants to quickly and humanely solve the Hong Kong problem, he can do it. Personal meeting?" Trump said. A US State Department spokeswoman said earlier on Wednesday that the United States was "deeply concerned" about Chinese paramilitary movement along the Hong Kong border. The State Department's expression of concern came after senior US lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties called on Trump to take a tougher line with China as worries grew over a possible Chinese intervention. Another US official said Beijing had stationed large numbers of paramilitary People's Armed Police (PAP) "near and further out from Hong Kong," in response to weeks of street protests in the territory, but said there had been no sign they were moving towards the border. Watch: Violent clashes continue in Hong Kong × The number of personnel was "in the thousands," said the official, who did not want to be identified. "They have amped up training and made it all pretty visible," he said, but added, "There are no recent indicators that they are preparing to deploy." China's state-run Global Times media outlet reported on Monday that People's Armed Police had been assembling in Shenzhen, a city bordering Hong Kong, "in advance of apparent large-scale exercises." It cited video it had obtained showing numerous armoured personnel carriers (APCs), trucks and other vehicles on expressways heading in the direction of Shenzhen over the weekend. It noted that the role of the PAP was "dealing with rebellions, riots, serious violent and illegal incidents, terrorist attacks and other social security incidents." Satellite images made available to Reuters on Wednesday from Maxar Technologies showed dozens of vehicles, including what appeared to be APCs, at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre across the harbour from Hong Kong. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump cited American intelligence as saying that China was moving troops to its border with Hong Kong, and urged calm as clashes continued between protesters and authorities in the former British colony. Trump, who has been seeking a major deal to correct trade imbalances with China, has faced criticism from Congress and elsewhere for not taking a stronger public line on Hong Kong and for his characterization of the protests earlier this month as "riots" that were a matter for China to deal with.

Trump says China should treat Hong Kong 'humanely' before trade deal can be agreed

Britain and the United States are discussing a partial trade accord that could take effect on November 1, the day after Britain is due to leave the European Union, a senior Trump administration official said on Tuesday.

During a visit to London, US national security adviser John Bolton discussed with British trade minister Liz Truss the possibility of the two countries` leaders signing a road map declaration towards a trade deal.&nbsp;That could take place at this month`s G7 summit meeting in France, the official said.&nbsp;

Bolton and British finance minister Sajid Javid discussed the possibility of a temporary trade agreement that covered all sectors. Such a deal could last for something like six months, the official told reporters.&nbsp;

Britain is due to leave the European Union on October 31 and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he is prepared to take the country out of the bloc without a deal although he hopes to secure an orderly departure with an agreement.&nbsp;

The current impasse with the EU leaves Britain facing an exit without any formal transition period or legal agreement covering issues such as trade, data transfers and border policy, prompting some businesses to warn of damage to their operations.

During a two-day visit, Bolton told British Prime Minister Boris Johnson that President Donald Trump wanted to see a successful British exit from the European Union on October 31 and that Washington would be ready to work fast on a US-UK free trade agreement.

Bolton, who has now left Britain, was seeking an improved US-British relationship with Johnson after sometimes tense ties between Trump and Johnson`s predecessor, Theresa May.

A wide-ranging trade deal with the United States, seen as Britain`s closest ally, is a much-cherished prize for Brexit supporters, who hope to show the opportunities for Britain outside of the 28-member bloc and could help cushion any disruption to trade with European neighbours.&nbsp;

However, thorny issues remain over differing farming standards between the two countries and many politicians in Britain are opposed to increased involvement of US pharmaceutical firms in the state-run National Health Service.&nbsp;

Despite that, as Britain prepares to leave the European Union, its biggest geopolitical shift since World War Two, many diplomats expect London to become increasingly reliant on the United States.

Britain and the United States are discussing a partial trade accord that could take effect on November 1, the day after Britain is due to leave the European Union, a senior Trump administration official said on Tuesday.

Britain and the United States are discussing a partial trade accord that could take effect on November 1, the day after Britain is due to leave the European Union, a senior Trump administration official said on Tuesday. During a visit to London, US national security adviser John Bolton discussed with British trade minister Liz Truss the possibility of the two countries` leaders signing a road map declaration towards a trade deal. That could take place at this month`s G7 summit meeting in France, the official said. Bolton and British finance minister Sajid Javid discussed the possibility of a temporary trade agreement that covered all sectors. Such a deal could last for something like six months, the official told reporters. Britain is due to leave the European Union on October 31 and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he is prepared to take the country out of the bloc without a deal although he hopes to secure an orderly departure with an agreement. The current impasse with the EU leaves Britain facing an exit without any formal transition period or legal agreement covering issues such as trade, data transfers and border policy, prompting some businesses to warn of damage to their operations. During a two-day visit, Bolton told British Prime Minister Boris Johnson that President Donald Trump wanted to see a successful British exit from the European Union on October 31 and that Washington would be ready to work fast on a US-UK free trade agreement. Bolton, who has now left Britain, was seeking an improved US-British relationship with Johnson after sometimes tense ties between Trump and Johnson`s predecessor, Theresa May. A wide-ranging trade deal with the United States, seen as Britain`s closest ally, is a much-cherished prize for Brexit supporters, who hope to show the opportunities for Britain outside of the 28-member bloc and could help cushion any disruption to trade with European neighbours. However, thorny issues remain over differing farming standards between the two countries and many politicians in Britain are opposed to increased involvement of US pharmaceutical firms in the state-run National Health Service. Despite that, as Britain prepares to leave the European Union, its biggest geopolitical shift since World War Two, many diplomats expect London to become increasingly reliant on the United States.

US and Britain discuss trade deal that could take effect on November 1

trade-deal

Trade Deal, News on Trade Deal, stories on Trade Deal, articles on Trade Deal, Trade Deal stories at Wion, Trade Deal news, Trade Deal latest news