KSL Cleantech is set to launch e-vehicles in India with China's Huaihai. Watch this video to know more.

WION Wallet: KSL Cleantech to launch e-vehicles in India with Huaihai

Donald Trump and Justin Trudeau met in Washington, D.C. to place new USMCA deal on track. Watch this video to know more.

WION Wallet: Trump, Trudeau push for trade deal

President Donald Trump says the United States is committed to a "phenomenal" trade deal with Britain as it prepares to leave the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May has been dogged by her failure to achieve Brexit and is stepping down this week as head of her Conservative Party but will remain as prime minister until her successor is chosen. It will be the new prime minister's responsibility to achieve Brexit and any bilateral trade deal with the US.

Trump 'tremendous potential' in US-UK trade deal

US&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-turns-to-brexit-and-huawei-as-protesters-mock-with-a-blimp-224195">President Donald Trump</a> touted a "very, very substantial trade deal" between the United States and Britain after Brexit as he met Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday for fraught talks held amid street protests.

He joked to the outgoing British leader that she should "stick around" and reach a much stronger economic alliance with the United States once her country finally leaves the European Union.

"I think we will have a very very substantial trade deal. It will be a very fair deal," he told her at a meeting with business leaders and ministers, adding: "We're going to get it done."

Despite having repeatedly criticised May's Brexit strategy, Trump said she had done "a fantastic job".

Nearby, left-wing activists inflated an orange blimp of a baby Trump dressed in a diaper at a rally outside parliament that brought morning rush hour traffic to a halt.

It signalled the start of what are expected to be large protests against the president on the second day of his three-day state visit.

Watch:&nbsp;Thousands protesting against Donald Trump's UK state visit

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"Trump baby is just a mascot for a massive movement against Trump's hateful and divisive politics," organiser Leo Murray told AFP.

'Fantastic job'

The president's visit is technically centred around Wednesday's D-Day 75th anniversary commemorations on the south shore of England.

But it comes at an especially chaotic time for Britain.

May will step down as Conservative Party leader on Friday over her inability to deliver Brexit despite focusing on little else in almost three years in office.

She will stay on as prime minister until her successor is found among 13 contenders who must make some difficult choices before the twice-delayed Brexit deadline on October 31.

Before he arrived, Trump urged Britain to walk away from the EU without an agreement.

He also suggested that Brexit-backing former foreign minister Boris Johnson would be an "excellent" leader to get it done.

He appeared to try to make amends for his diplomatic faux pas on Tuesday.

"I'd just like to congratulate you on having done a fantastic job on behalf of the people of the United States and its an honour to have worked with you," Trump told May.

But the "special relationship" between the two sides is being tested over different approaches to Iran, climate change and China.

Talks are likely to cover Britain's possible use of Chinese firm Huawei's technology in building its 5G network.

A senior UK government official told The Times newspaper that May would make "no apologies" over her reported decision to let Huawei build some non-essential parts of the next-generation mobile service.

The US administration has strongly hinted that this may limit its ability to share intelligence with Britain.

May told the business breakfast that Britain will strive to strike a "wider economic partnership" with its closest trading partner outside the EU.

"It is a great partnership, but I think it’s a partnership that we can take even further," she said.

She will give Trump a copy of one of the most significant documents in the transatlantic "special relationship" -- a framed copy of Winston Churchill's personal draft of the 1941 Atlantic Charter that which defined the Allied goals post-World War II.

The two will later have a private tour of the Churchill War Rooms from which the wartime prime minister ran his operations.

'Noise protests'

Their talks are set to be accompanied by the sounds of "noise protests" of thousands of anti-Trump activists.

Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn promised to speak at the rally after skipping a banquet hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on Monday in protest at Trump's policies.

Trump's day will be rounded off with dinner at the US ambassador's residence.

The heir to the throne Prince Charles and his wife Camilla will attend on behalf of the queen.

"The Queen and the entire royal family have been fantastic," Trump tweeted on Monday.

US President Donald Trump touted a "very, very substantial trade deal" between the United States and Britain after Brexit as he met Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday for fraught talks held amid street protests.

US President Donald Trump touted a "very, very substantial trade deal" between the United States and Britain after Brexit as he met Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday for fraught talks held amid street protests. He joked to the outgoing British leader that she should "stick around" and reach a much stronger economic alliance with the United States once her country finally leaves the European Union. "I think we will have a very very substantial trade deal. It will be a very fair deal," he told her at a meeting with business leaders and ministers, adding: "We're going to get it done." Despite having repeatedly criticised May's Brexit strategy, Trump said she had done "a fantastic job". Nearby, left-wing activists inflated an orange blimp of a baby Trump dressed in a diaper at a rally outside parliament that brought morning rush hour traffic to a halt. It signalled the start of what are expected to be large protests against the president on the second day of his three-day state visit. Watch: Thousands protesting against Donald Trump's UK state visit "Trump baby is just a mascot for a massive movement against Trump's hateful and divisive politics," organiser Leo Murray told AFP. 'Fantastic job' The president's visit is technically centred around Wednesday's D-Day 75th anniversary commemorations on the south shore of England. But it comes at an especially chaotic time for Britain. May will step down as Conservative Party leader on Friday over her inability to deliver Brexit despite focusing on little else in almost three years in office. She will stay on as prime minister until her successor is found among 13 contenders who must make some difficult choices before the twice-delayed Brexit deadline on October 31. Before he arrived, Trump urged Britain to walk away from the EU without an agreement. He also suggested that Brexit-backing former foreign minister Boris Johnson would be an "excellent" leader to get it done. He appeared to try to make amends for his diplomatic faux pas on Tuesday. "I'd just like to congratulate you on having done a fantastic job on behalf of the people of the United States and its an honour to have worked with you," Trump told May. But the "special relationship" between the two sides is being tested over different approaches to Iran, climate change and China. Talks are likely to cover Britain's possible use of Chinese firm Huawei's technology in building its 5G network. A senior UK government official told The Times newspaper that May would make "no apologies" over her reported decision to let Huawei build some non-essential parts of the next-generation mobile service. The US administration has strongly hinted that this may limit its ability to share intelligence with Britain. May told the business breakfast that Britain will strive to strike a "wider economic partnership" with its closest trading partner outside the EU. "It is a great partnership, but I think it’s a partnership that we can take even further," she said. She will give Trump a copy of one of the most significant documents in the transatlantic "special relationship" -- a framed copy of Winston Churchill's personal draft of the 1941 Atlantic Charter that which defined the Allied goals post-World War II. The two will later have a private tour of the Churchill War Rooms from which the wartime prime minister ran his operations. 'Noise protests' Their talks are set to be accompanied by the sounds of "noise protests" of thousands of anti-Trump activists. Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn promised to speak at the rally after skipping a banquet hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on Monday in protest at Trump's policies. Trump's day will be rounded off with dinner at the US ambassador's residence. The heir to the throne Prince Charles and his wife Camilla will attend on behalf of the queen. "The Queen and the entire royal family have been fantastic," Trump tweeted on Monday.

Donald Trump promises UK PM Theresa May 'very substantial' trade deal after Brexit

Ottawa plans to proceed "full steam ahead" on ratification of a free trade agreement with the US and Mexico, Canada's foreign affairs minister said Saturday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-lifts-steel-aluminum-tariffs-on-canada-mexico-219657">after the neighbours scrapped reciprocal tariffs on steel and aluminum imports</a>.

Canada had been "very clear" that as long as the tariffs were in place "it would be very hard for us to move forward with ratification," Chrystia Freeland told CBC News.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump announced the lifting of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico. Ottawa and Mexico City also announced the elimination of reciprocal duties.

The steep US tariffs imposed last year -- 25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminum -- became a major stumbling block to ratifying a new North American trade pact negotiated last year by the three countries.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-trudeau-announce-lifting-of-metals-tariffs-219522/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

With the removal of the obstacle, "our government now intends to move forward with the ratification," of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, Freeland said, describing the process as progressing "full steam ahead."

However, she did not specify when the deal would be presented to Parliament, which remains in session only until June.

Freeland acknowledged that despite the lifting of the aluminum and steel tariffs, it would be "naive" to think US protectionism is no longer a threat.

"Eternal vigilance is required," she said.

Meanwhile, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Saturday the US move to withdraw tariffs was a "triumph" for Mexico.&nbsp;

"It was a triumph for the Mexican government negotiators, a triumph of diplomacy. We even gave a bit of little help to the government of Canada. Not to brag," Lopez Obrador told reporters in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas.&nbsp;

He stressed that his administration is working toward "free trade, not a trade war."&nbsp;

Ottawa plans to proceed "full steam ahead" on ratification of a free trade agreement with the US and Mexico, Canada's foreign affairs minister said Saturday, after the neighbours scrapped reciprocal tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

Ottawa plans to proceed "full steam ahead" on ratification of a free trade agreement with the US and Mexico, Canada's foreign affairs minister said Saturday, after the neighbours scrapped reciprocal tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Canada had been "very clear" that as long as the tariffs were in place "it would be very hard for us to move forward with ratification," Chrystia Freeland told CBC News. On Friday, US President Donald Trump announced the lifting of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico. Ottawa and Mexico City also announced the elimination of reciprocal duties. The steep US tariffs imposed last year -- 25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminum -- became a major stumbling block to ratifying a new North American trade pact negotiated last year by the three countries. With the removal of the obstacle, "our government now intends to move forward with the ratification," of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, Freeland said, describing the process as progressing "full steam ahead." However, she did not specify when the deal would be presented to Parliament, which remains in session only until June. Freeland acknowledged that despite the lifting of the aluminum and steel tariffs, it would be "naive" to think US protectionism is no longer a threat. "Eternal vigilance is required," she said. Meanwhile, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Saturday the US move to withdraw tariffs was a "triumph" for Mexico. "It was a triumph for the Mexican government negotiators, a triumph of diplomacy. We even gave a bit of little help to the government of Canada. Not to brag," Lopez Obrador told reporters in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. He stressed that his administration is working toward "free trade, not a trade war."

Canada aims to ratify trade deal after lifting of tariffs

By raising tariffs on Chinese products, the United States will harm the interests of its businesses and consumers in the long term, according to Chinese economic experts at a seminar on China-US trade in Beijing on Sunday.

US raising tariffs will harm American businesses, consumers: Chinese experts

President Donald Trump said it would be wise for China to “act now” to finish a trade deal with the U.S., warning that “far worse” terms would be on offer for them after what he predicted would be his certain re-election in 2020.

Trump warns China to strike a Trade Deal or Face Worse Terms

China 'deeply regrets' U.S. tariff hikes on $200 bn goods. Watch this video to know more.

News Alert: China 'deeply regrets' U.S. tariff hikes

China's top trade negotiator Liu He said that the first day of a new round of trade talks with his U.S. counterparts, that an increase in U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods "won't solve anything." Watch this video to know more.

Hike comes amidst U.S-China trade talks

US oil prices rose on Friday on renewed optimism that a trade deal between Washington and Beijing could be struck, as investors have been fearing that a protracted tariff war would harm global economic growth.

Brent crude futures were at $70.85 a barrel at 0021 GMT, up 48 cents, or 0.7 per cent, from their last close. Brent closed little changed in the previous session.

US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $62.29 per barrel, up 59 cents, or 1 per cent, from their previous settlement. WTI closed the last session down 0.7 percent.

Analysts said oil was drawing support on renewed hopes that a China-US&nbsp;trade deal after US President Donald Trump said he received a "beautiful letter" from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump quoted the letter as saying: "Let's work together let's see if we can get something done."

Still, traders remained on edge as Washington prepares to go ahead with plans to hike tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of goods imported from China at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Friday(0401 GMT on Saturday).

"The outcome of the US-China trade talks remains uncertain," said Alfonso Esparza, Senior Market Analyst at OANDA.

"Global growth forecasts were hit by tariff escalation last year, before a ceasefire and negotiations kicked up a notch."

The trade optimism comes amid efforts by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries to crimp supply, as well as expectations that demand will rise.

The US&nbsp;Energy Information Administration expects global oil demand to rise by 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) this year.

US oil prices rose on Friday on renewed optimism that a trade deal between Washington and Beijing could be struck, as investors have been fearing that a protracted tariff war would harm global economic growth.

US oil prices rose on Friday on renewed optimism that a trade deal between Washington and Beijing could be struck, as investors have been fearing that a protracted tariff war would harm global economic growth. Brent crude futures were at $70.85 a barrel at 0021 GMT, up 48 cents, or 0.7 per cent, from their last close. Brent closed little changed in the previous session. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $62.29 per barrel, up 59 cents, or 1 per cent, from their previous settlement. WTI closed the last session down 0.7 percent. Analysts said oil was drawing support on renewed hopes that a China-US trade deal after US President Donald Trump said he received a "beautiful letter" from Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump quoted the letter as saying: "Let's work together let's see if we can get something done." Still, traders remained on edge as Washington prepares to go ahead with plans to hike tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of goods imported from China at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Friday(0401 GMT on Saturday). "The outcome of the US-China trade talks remains uncertain," said Alfonso Esparza, Senior Market Analyst at OANDA. "Global growth forecasts were hit by tariff escalation last year, before a ceasefire and negotiations kicked up a notch." The trade optimism comes amid efforts by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries to crimp supply, as well as expectations that demand will rise. The US Energy Information Administration expects global oil demand to rise by 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) this year.

Oil rallies on hopes for US-China trade deal

Top U.S. and Chinese trade negotiators concluded the first of two days of talks to rescue a trade deal. Watch this video to know more.

Day one of U.S-China trade talks

China's top central banker signalled that Beijing and Washington are getting close to reaching a currency deal as part of their continuing negotiations to settle a yearlong trade battle, according to a Dow Jones news report supplied to EFE on Sunday.&nbsp;

"Both sides have reached consensus on many crucial and important issues, " People's Bank of China Gov. Yi Gang said at a news conference Sunday, held on the sidelines of the nation's annual legislative session.&nbsp;

As part of the accord, Yi said, China won't engage in competitive devaluation to give Chinese exporters a leg up in foreign markets--a commitment Chinese officials have also made in multilateral agreements such as those among the Group of 20 industrial nations. "This is what we promised," he emphasized. "Absolutely we won't do this."&nbsp;

How China manages its currency has been a point of contention between Washington and Beijing for years. President Trump was vocal throughout his election campaign in saying China manipulates the yuan to gain an advantage in trade by making its products relatively cheaper. Trump repeated the charge last year when the yuan's plunge aroused suspicion that Beijing was pushing down its value to offset US&nbsp;tariffs on Chinese products.&nbsp;

In recent trade talks, US&nbsp;negotiators pushed their Chinese counterparts to keep the yuan stable and to improve transparency in currency-market interventions by China's central bank. During a congressional hearing late last month, US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said, "we have spent a lot of time on currency and the agreement will be enforceable."&nbsp;

Still, how the currency deal, if reached, will be enforced remains unclear. Both sides are haggling over an enforcement mechanism for the broader trade agreement. A senior Chinese trade negotiator, Wang Shouwen, told reporters Saturday that any such system must be "two-way, fair and equal."&nbsp;

At Sunday's news conference, Yi said both sides have discussed how they should disclose information when they buy or sell in foreign-exchange markets according to rules set by the International Monetary Fund. Another point of discussion, he said, involves how both nations should respect the autonomy of each other's monetary policy.&nbsp;

That latter issue is of deepening concern to the PBOC because it doesn't want a pledge to keep the yuan steady to tie its hands in supporting economic growth by loosening credit policy. Letting more yuan funds flow into the economy could pressure the value of the yuan.&nbsp;

The PBOC mainly looks at domestic factors when setting monetary policy, Yi said. "The exchange rate isn't a major factor in domestic monetary policy."&nbsp;

Many analysts and investors note that China's promise not to engage in competitive devaluation isn't much of a concession to the US. For a decade, China allowed a largely undervalued yuan to appreciate. After that appreciation trajectory ended in 2015, the yuan started to come under greater pressure, and the Chinese central bank has frequently intervened to prevent the currency from falling too much.&nbsp;

Too sharp of a depreciation, Chinese officials fear, could prod businesses and investors to move money offshore, potentially destabilizing a financial system already struggling with rising debt woes.&nbsp;

At the media briefing, Yi pointed to the central bank's effort to keep the yuan stable in recent years, noting that it had burned through $1 trillion of its foreign-exchange reserves to defend the currency.&nbsp;

The Chinese central banker also sought to temper investors' expectations for more aggressive monetary easing to prop up the slowing economy. A "neutral" monetary stance, Yi said, means that China will keep its overall leverage ratio stable.&nbsp;

In the past year, the central bank cut the amount of cash banks must keep in reserve five times, in a bid to unleash more funds for lenders to make loans. There is still room for such reserve-requirement reductions this year, Yi said, though the room has narrowed.&nbsp;

He also said the central bank will continue to foster competition among banks as a way to lower lending rates, but he gave no indication that any reduction in benchmark interest rates are in the cards. At the end of last year, credit amounted to 249.4% of China's gross domestic product, he said, which was 1.5 percentage points lower than the level as of the end of 2017.&nbsp;

China's top central banker signalled that Beijing and Washington are getting close to reaching a currency deal as part of their continuing negotiations to settle a yearlong trade battle, according to a Dow Jones news report supplied to EFE on Sunday.

China's top central banker signalled that Beijing and Washington are getting close to reaching a currency deal as part of their continuing negotiations to settle a yearlong trade battle, according to a Dow Jones news report supplied to EFE on Sunday. "Both sides have reached consensus on many crucial and important issues, " People's Bank of China Gov. Yi Gang said at a news conference Sunday, held on the sidelines of the nation's annual legislative session. As part of the accord, Yi said, China won't engage in competitive devaluation to give Chinese exporters a leg up in foreign markets--a commitment Chinese officials have also made in multilateral agreements such as those among the Group of 20 industrial nations. "This is what we promised," he emphasized. "Absolutely we won't do this." How China manages its currency has been a point of contention between Washington and Beijing for years. President Trump was vocal throughout his election campaign in saying China manipulates the yuan to gain an advantage in trade by making its products relatively cheaper. Trump repeated the charge last year when the yuan's plunge aroused suspicion that Beijing was pushing down its value to offset US tariffs on Chinese products. In recent trade talks, US negotiators pushed their Chinese counterparts to keep the yuan stable and to improve transparency in currency-market interventions by China's central bank. During a congressional hearing late last month, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said, "we have spent a lot of time on currency and the agreement will be enforceable." Still, how the currency deal, if reached, will be enforced remains unclear. Both sides are haggling over an enforcement mechanism for the broader trade agreement. A senior Chinese trade negotiator, Wang Shouwen, told reporters Saturday that any such system must be "two-way, fair and equal." At Sunday's news conference, Yi said both sides have discussed how they should disclose information when they buy or sell in foreign-exchange markets according to rules set by the International Monetary Fund. Another point of discussion, he said, involves how both nations should respect the autonomy of each other's monetary policy. That latter issue is of deepening concern to the PBOC because it doesn't want a pledge to keep the yuan steady to tie its hands in supporting economic growth by loosening credit policy. Letting more yuan funds flow into the economy could pressure the value of the yuan. The PBOC mainly looks at domestic factors when setting monetary policy, Yi said. "The exchange rate isn't a major factor in domestic monetary policy." Many analysts and investors note that China's promise not to engage in competitive devaluation isn't much of a concession to the US. For a decade, China allowed a largely undervalued yuan to appreciate. After that appreciation trajectory ended in 2015, the yuan started to come under greater pressure, and the Chinese central bank has frequently intervened to prevent the currency from falling too much. Too sharp of a depreciation, Chinese officials fear, could prod businesses and investors to move money offshore, potentially destabilizing a financial system already struggling with rising debt woes. At the media briefing, Yi pointed to the central bank's effort to keep the yuan stable in recent years, noting that it had burned through $1 trillion of its foreign-exchange reserves to defend the currency. The Chinese central banker also sought to temper investors' expectations for more aggressive monetary easing to prop up the slowing economy. A "neutral" monetary stance, Yi said, means that China will keep its overall leverage ratio stable. In the past year, the central bank cut the amount of cash banks must keep in reserve five times, in a bid to unleash more funds for lenders to make loans. There is still room for such reserve-requirement reductions this year, Yi said, though the room has narrowed. He also said the central bank will continue to foster competition among banks as a way to lower lending rates, but he gave no indication that any reduction in benchmark interest rates are in the cards. At the end of last year, credit amounted to 249.4% of China's gross domestic product, he said, which was 1.5 percentage points lower than the level as of the end of 2017.

US, China near deal; Beijing vows not to devalue Yuan to help exports

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-stocks-lifted-by-us-china-trade-talk-hopes-197048">Stock markets jumped </a>Wednesday on hopes of a breakthrough in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-begin-amid-deep-differences-193945">US-China trade </a>war.

The dollar mostly rose, while oil prices rallied on news that OPEC crude output hit a four-year nadir.

The pound weakened after official data showed UK inflation hit a two-year low and as the Brexit impasse drags on without a breakthrough insight.

In the US, President Donald Trump said he may extend his trade deal deadline with Beijing, while a report claimed his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping would meet with top US officials, seeming to boost the prospects of an agreement.

High-level talks are due to begin in the Chinese capital Thursday aimed at an accord to stop sharp US tariff hikes that could damage the global economy.

Trump said he could let his March 1 deadline for the tariffs "slide for a little while" if the two sides were close to a meaningful deal, adding that he expects a summit with President Xi "at some point".

Later, a report in the South China Morning Post said Xi would personally meet the US delegation in Beijing, suggesting a redoubled effort to make progress on a deal.

Washington is demanding changes from Beijing on what it says are unfair commercial practices. A resolution would prevent US tariffs more than doubling on $200 billion in Chinese imports next month.&nbsp;

Tokyo stocks added a further 1.3 per cent after Tuesday's gains to finish at a two-month high.

Hong Kong rose 1.2 per cent, and Shanghai earned 1.8 per cent on the news, following Wall Street's lead.

European equities also climbed, with London up 0.6 per cent, Paris 0.3 per cent and Frankfurt 0.2 per cent nearing the half-way stage.

However, some analysts struck a cautious tone, noting that much work needs to be completed before a framework agreement is in reach.

"The rally in stocks has been based on hope rather than any concrete agreements overnight," warned Oanda senior analyst Jeffrey Halley, predicting short-term volatility to come as headlines emerge from Beijing.

Elsewhere Sydney shed 0.3 per cent, with calls for a snap election amid political tensions over refugees adding to underwhelming corporate earnings and subdued metal prices.

Shutdown unlikely&nbsp;

The New Zealand dollar soared 1.5 per cent as the central bank held interest rates unchanged and forecast no moves until 2021 — defying expectations it may follow dovish leads elsewhere by indicating a rate cut.&nbsp;

Renewed global investor confidence saw a movement away from the greenback — which has enjoyed a strong rally in the past week — to riskier currencies.

The pound moved upwards past $1.29, despite no-deal Brexit fears as Prime Minister Theresa May was accused by the opposition of "running down the clock" and "playing chicken" with Brussels over talks.

The yuan also earned back losses after it had dropped following the Lunar New Year break.

Trump's suggestion that another chaotic US government shutdown was now unlikely following a deal struck in Congress over border security further fuelled risk appetite.

The deal to offer nearly $1.4 billion for construction of a Mexico border wall, as well as other security measures, fell far short of Trump's demands but has been presented as a workable compromise.

"I don't think you're going to see a shutdown," said the president.

Stock markets jumped Wednesday on hopes of a breakthrough in the US-China trade war. The dollar mostly rose, while oil prices rallied on news that OPEC crude output hit a four-year nadir.

Stock markets jumped Wednesday on hopes of a breakthrough in the US-China trade war. The dollar mostly rose, while oil prices rallied on news that OPEC crude output hit a four-year nadir. The pound weakened after official data showed UK inflation hit a two-year low and as the Brexit impasse drags on without a breakthrough insight. In the US, President Donald Trump said he may extend his trade deal deadline with Beijing, while a report claimed his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping would meet with top US officials, seeming to boost the prospects of an agreement. High-level talks are due to begin in the Chinese capital Thursday aimed at an accord to stop sharp US tariff hikes that could damage the global economy. Trump said he could let his March 1 deadline for the tariffs "slide for a little while" if the two sides were close to a meaningful deal, adding that he expects a summit with President Xi "at some point". Later, a report in the South China Morning Post said Xi would personally meet the US delegation in Beijing, suggesting a redoubled effort to make progress on a deal. Washington is demanding changes from Beijing on what it says are unfair commercial practices. A resolution would prevent US tariffs more than doubling on $200 billion in Chinese imports next month. Tokyo stocks added a further 1.3 per cent after Tuesday's gains to finish at a two-month high. Hong Kong rose 1.2 per cent, and Shanghai earned 1.8 per cent on the news, following Wall Street's lead. European equities also climbed, with London up 0.6 per cent, Paris 0.3 per cent and Frankfurt 0.2 per cent nearing the half-way stage. However, some analysts struck a cautious tone, noting that much work needs to be completed before a framework agreement is in reach. "The rally in stocks has been based on hope rather than any concrete agreements overnight," warned Oanda senior analyst Jeffrey Halley, predicting short-term volatility to come as headlines emerge from Beijing. Elsewhere Sydney shed 0.3 per cent, with calls for a snap election amid political tensions over refugees adding to underwhelming corporate earnings and subdued metal prices. Shutdown unlikely The New Zealand dollar soared 1.5 per cent as the central bank held interest rates unchanged and forecast no moves until 2021 — defying expectations it may follow dovish leads elsewhere by indicating a rate cut. Renewed global investor confidence saw a movement away from the greenback — which has enjoyed a strong rally in the past week — to riskier currencies. The pound moved upwards past $1.29, despite no-deal Brexit fears as Prime Minister Theresa May was accused by the opposition of "running down the clock" and "playing chicken" with Brussels over talks. The yuan also earned back losses after it had dropped following the Lunar New Year break. Trump's suggestion that another chaotic US government shutdown was now unlikely following a deal struck in Congress over border security further fuelled risk appetite. The deal to offer nearly $1.4 billion for construction of a Mexico border wall, as well as other security measures, fell far short of Trump's demands but has been presented as a workable compromise. "I don't think you're going to see a shutdown," said the president.

Stock markets jump as Trump boosts trade deal hopes

There are 46 days to go until the United Kingdom is set to exit the European Union and the secretary of state for international trade has on Monday signed the country's first bilateral trade deal for a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/post-brexit-britain-ready-to-use-hard-power-defence-minister-196748">post-Brexit commercial relationship</a>.

Liam Fox penned the agreement on behalf of the UK with Swiss Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin, in Bern, Switzerland, allowing for business to flow as usual and, due to the alpine country's existing treaties, the agreement also applies to Liechtenstein.

“Switzerland is one of the most valuable trading partners that we are seeking continuity for, accounting for more than 32 billion pounds worth of trade a year," Fox said. “This is of huge economic importance to UK businesses so I’m delighted to be here in Bern today, ensuring continuity for 15,000 British exporters," Fox added.

The deal, which is described as a trade continuity agreement, aims to guarantee trading terms between the two countries once the UK has left the EU.

Currently, the UK trades with Switzerland and Liechtenstein by relying on EU agreements.

The arrangement was designed to remove the threat of extra tariffs levied on trade between the countries and to avoid the likelihood of additional duties on a "vast majority" of goods, Fox said.

“Not only will this help to support jobs throughout the UK but it will also be a solid foundation for us to build an even stronger trading relationship with Switzerland as we leave the EU,” Fox said.

For Switzerland, the UK is the sixth-largest export market (10 billion euros in 2017) and the eighth-largest in the import market (5.2 billion euros), according to Swiss official figures.

The arrangement should avoid around 8 million pounds of tariffs being added to the price of cars exported from the UK to Switzerland, while UK purchasers should benefit from cheaper prices on Swiss goods, "such as clocks, watches and pharmaceutical products," Fox said.

Trading on such so-called "preferential terms" instead of falling back on those applicable through the World Trade Organization should "deliver significant savings and help to safeguard British jobs," the UK government has said.

According to Swiss official statistics, Switzerland is the EU’s fifth most important trading partner, only after the United States, China, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.

There are 46 days to go until the United Kingdom is set to exit the European Union and the secretary of state for international trade has on Monday signed the country's first bilateral trade deal for a post-Brexit commercial relationship.

There are 46 days to go until the United Kingdom is set to exit the European Union and the secretary of state for international trade has on Monday signed the country's first bilateral trade deal for a post-Brexit commercial relationship. Liam Fox penned the agreement on behalf of the UK with Swiss Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin, in Bern, Switzerland, allowing for business to flow as usual and, due to the alpine country's existing treaties, the agreement also applies to Liechtenstein. “Switzerland is one of the most valuable trading partners that we are seeking continuity for, accounting for more than 32 billion pounds worth of trade a year," Fox said. “This is of huge economic importance to UK businesses so I’m delighted to be here in Bern today, ensuring continuity for 15,000 British exporters," Fox added. The deal, which is described as a trade continuity agreement, aims to guarantee trading terms between the two countries once the UK has left the EU. Currently, the UK trades with Switzerland and Liechtenstein by relying on EU agreements. The arrangement was designed to remove the threat of extra tariffs levied on trade between the countries and to avoid the likelihood of additional duties on a "vast majority" of goods, Fox said. “Not only will this help to support jobs throughout the UK but it will also be a solid foundation for us to build an even stronger trading relationship with Switzerland as we leave the EU,” Fox said. For Switzerland, the UK is the sixth-largest export market (10 billion euros in 2017) and the eighth-largest in the import market (5.2 billion euros), according to Swiss official figures. The arrangement should avoid around 8 million pounds of tariffs being added to the price of cars exported from the UK to Switzerland, while UK purchasers should benefit from cheaper prices on Swiss goods, "such as clocks, watches and pharmaceutical products," Fox said. Trading on such so-called "preferential terms" instead of falling back on those applicable through the World Trade Organization should "deliver significant savings and help to safeguard British jobs," the UK government has said. According to Swiss official statistics, Switzerland is the EU’s fifth most important trading partner, only after the United States, China, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.

UK secures first trade deal 963 days after Brexit vote with Switzerland

President Donald Trump on Tuesday told Congress that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nato-treated-us-unfairly-says-trump-during-state-of-the-union-address-195468">Washington's aggressive trade negotiations </a>with Beijing would mean an end to China's alleged "theft" of US jobs and wealth.

In his annual State of the Union address, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/the-proper-wall-never-got-built-i-will-get-it-built-says-trump-during-state-of-the-union-address-195465">Trump also called on China to make</a> the kind of far-reaching "structural" changes to industrial policy that analysts say Beijing is likely to resist.

The world's<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/this-year-us-astronauts-will-go-back-to-space-in-american-rockets-says-trump-in-state-of-the-union-address-195461"> two largest economies have 24 days</a> left in a three-month truce in their trade war before US duty rates are due to rise sharply -- an escalation that economists say could be a powerful negative shock to the global economy.

"We are now making it clear to China that after years of targeting our industries, and stealing our intellectual property, the theft of American jobs and wealth has come to an end," Trump said in his annual State of the Union address.

Any agreement with Beijing "must include real, structural change to end unfair trade practices," Trump said.

Last week, top US and Chinese officials proclaimed progress and comity after two days of talks in Washington, but they disclosed few details.

Washington and Beijing have slapped punishing tariffs on more than $360 billion in two-way trade, which has weighed on the two countries' manufacturing sectors and sent jitters through global markets.

The US trade deficit has swelled more than 18 per cent since Trump took office, rising far faster than economic growth, and has hit record heights with China in particular.

The president also renewed his often-repeated falsehood that China was paying the US import duties on its exports.

"Our Treasury is receiving billions of dollars a month from a country that never gave us a dime," Trump said.

In fact, such duties are paid by US importers, with costs in many cases passed on to consumers.

Trump also lauded signs of US economic strength, including robust job creation and falling unemployment.

"We are considered far and away the hottest economy anywhere in the world," Trump said.

"Unemployment has reached the lowest rate in over half a century."

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office predicts the US economy will slow this year and the year after that as the effects of 2017's sweeping tax overhaul fade.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday told Congress that Washington's aggressive trade negotiations with Beijing would mean an end to China's alleged "theft" of US jobs and wealth.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday told Congress that Washington's aggressive trade negotiations with Beijing would mean an end to China's alleged "theft" of US jobs and wealth. In his annual State of the Union address, Trump also called on China to make the kind of far-reaching "structural" changes to industrial policy that analysts say Beijing is likely to resist. The world's two largest economies have 24 days left in a three-month truce in their trade war before US duty rates are due to rise sharply -- an escalation that economists say could be a powerful negative shock to the global economy. "We are now making it clear to China that after years of targeting our industries, and stealing our intellectual property, the theft of American jobs and wealth has come to an end," Trump said in his annual State of the Union address. Any agreement with Beijing "must include real, structural change to end unfair trade practices," Trump said. Last week, top US and Chinese officials proclaimed progress and comity after two days of talks in Washington, but they disclosed few details. Washington and Beijing have slapped punishing tariffs on more than $360 billion in two-way trade, which has weighed on the two countries' manufacturing sectors and sent jitters through global markets. The US trade deficit has swelled more than 18 per cent since Trump took office, rising far faster than economic growth, and has hit record heights with China in particular. The president also renewed his often-repeated falsehood that China was paying the US import duties on its exports. "Our Treasury is receiving billions of dollars a month from a country that never gave us a dime," Trump said. In fact, such duties are paid by US importers, with costs in many cases passed on to consumers. Trump also lauded signs of US economic strength, including robust job creation and falling unemployment. "We are considered far and away the hottest economy anywhere in the world," Trump said. "Unemployment has reached the lowest rate in over half a century." The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office predicts the US economy will slow this year and the year after that as the effects of 2017's sweeping tax overhaul fade.

Theft of American jobs, stealing of our intellectual property will end: Trump on trade deal with China in State of the Union address

By Emil Kirchner

Two new landmark agreements between the EU and Japan come into effect on February 1, 2019: the Economic Partnership Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement. The economic agreement is the largest bilateral trade deal ever made by the EU in terms of market size and will be the largest zone of free trade created in history.

It drastically reduces tariffs between the EU and Japan, paving the way for simpler and faster trade between the two, and therefore an increase in volume. The strategic partnership commits to security cooperation on issues like nuclear proliferation, regional security, international terrorism and organised crime, cyber-security, and energy and climate security.

As Han Dorussen and I explain in our new book EU-Japan Security Cooperation: Trends and Prospects, these agreements come at a crucial time in the development of international trade and global governance. Brexit has the UK trying to redefine its relationship with the EU and potentially forge its own trade policies with the rest of the world.

Perhaps more importantly, the new EU-Japan agreements stand in direct contrast to Donald Trump’s decision to introduce an “America First” trade policy. Since being elected president in 2016, Trump has emphasised bilateral deals, erected trade barriers and undermined international institutions like the World Trade Organisation. Indeed, it was the anticipation of Trump’s nationalist policies, and especially his withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, that gave renewed impetus to the EU and Japan’s lingering negotiations of the two agreements. Large trade agreements take a notoriously long time to negotiate and talks between the EU and Japan first began in 2013.

Japan and the EU – and Germany in particular – are export-driven economies and advocates of open trade. The protectionist stance of President Trump left them feeling vulnerable. So the new economic agreement is seen as strongly reaffirming the rules-based international trading system.

The concessions Japan offered to the EU on agricultural products are a blow to US farmers, who for a long time had been hoping to pry open this sealed market. The EU-Japan deal will emphasise Japan’s commitment to free trade and give further thrust to the newly-formed multilateral trade agreement known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which rose from the ashes of the TPP after the US withdrawal.

Opening up trade

The EU-Japan economic agreement will ultimately remove 97 per cent of the tariffs that Japan applies to European goods and 99 per cent of those applied by the EU. It is estimated that EU companies will save €1 billion a year in duties which they currently pay when exporting to Japan. A number of longstanding regulatory barriers, for example on car exports, will also be removed.

The agreement will open up the Japanese market of 127m consumers to key EU agricultural products and increase EU export opportunities in many other sectors such as financial services. As Japan will scrap duties on agricultural products, the Europeans stand to gain the most from exports of consumer products, such as cheese, pork, and wines.

Japan’s main interest in a trade deal with Europe was to increase its auto industry exports. The EU currently imposes a 10 per cent tariff on Japanese cars. Under the agreement, it will lower this to zero over eight years. 
 
Although cars and auto components account for about a fifth of Japan’s exports to Europe, Japanese car makers’ share of the European market is only about 10 per cent – much lower than in the US or Asia.

Besides these improvements, the economic agreement will strengthen cooperation between Europe and Japan in a range of areas. It will reaffirm their shared commitment to sustainable development and include for the first time a specific commitment to the Paris climate agreement.

EU firms already export more than €58 billion in goods and €28 billion in services to Japan every year. This will grow, and the strategic partnership will lead to the further deepening of EU-Japan relations and engagement across a wide range of global, regional and bilateral thematic issues. It reaffirms the shared values and common principles that form the basis of EU-Japan relations, including human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Together, the EU and Japan’s economies account for about a third of global GDP. The new trade agreement should, therefore, serve to bolster the global economy, as well as marking a strong commitment to multilateralism by two of the world’s biggest economies.

 
(Emil Kirchner is Emeritus Professor, Department of Government, University of Essex)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/eu-japan-trade-deal-comes-into-force-to-create-worlds-biggest-trade-zone-110729">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Emil Kirchner Two new landmark agreements between the EU and Japan come into effect on February 1, 2019: the Economic Partnership Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement.

By Emil Kirchner Two new landmark agreements between the EU and Japan come into effect on February 1, 2019: the Economic Partnership Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement. The economic agreement is the largest bilateral trade deal ever made by the EU in terms of market size and will be the largest zone of free trade created in history. It drastically reduces tariffs between the EU and Japan, paving the way for simpler and faster trade between the two, and therefore an increase in volume. The strategic partnership commits to security cooperation on issues like nuclear proliferation, regional security, international terrorism and organised crime, cyber-security, and energy and climate security. As Han Dorussen and I explain in our new book EU-Japan Security Cooperation: Trends and Prospects, these agreements come at a crucial time in the development of international trade and global governance. Brexit has the UK trying to redefine its relationship with the EU and potentially forge its own trade policies with the rest of the world. Perhaps more importantly, the new EU-Japan agreements stand in direct contrast to Donald Trump’s decision to introduce an “America First” trade policy. Since being elected president in 2016, Trump has emphasised bilateral deals, erected trade barriers and undermined international institutions like the World Trade Organisation. Indeed, it was the anticipation of Trump’s nationalist policies, and especially his withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, that gave renewed impetus to the EU and Japan’s lingering negotiations of the two agreements. Large trade agreements take a notoriously long time to negotiate and talks between the EU and Japan first began in 2013. Japan and the EU – and Germany in particular – are export-driven economies and advocates of open trade. The protectionist stance of President Trump left them feeling vulnerable. So the new economic agreement is seen as strongly reaffirming the rules-based international trading system. The concessions Japan offered to the EU on agricultural products are a blow to US farmers, who for a long time had been hoping to pry open this sealed market. The EU-Japan deal will emphasise Japan’s commitment to free trade and give further thrust to the newly-formed multilateral trade agreement known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which rose from the ashes of the TPP after the US withdrawal. Opening up trade The EU-Japan economic agreement will ultimately remove 97 per cent of the tariffs that Japan applies to European goods and 99 per cent of those applied by the EU. It is estimated that EU companies will save €1 billion a year in duties which they currently pay when exporting to Japan. A number of longstanding regulatory barriers, for example on car exports, will also be removed. The agreement will open up the Japanese market of 127m consumers to key EU agricultural products and increase EU export opportunities in many other sectors such as financial services. As Japan will scrap duties on agricultural products, the Europeans stand to gain the most from exports of consumer products, such as cheese, pork, and wines. Japan’s main interest in a trade deal with Europe was to increase its auto industry exports. The EU currently imposes a 10 per cent tariff on Japanese cars. Under the agreement, it will lower this to zero over eight years. Although cars and auto components account for about a fifth of Japan’s exports to Europe, Japanese car makers’ share of the European market is only about 10 per cent – much lower than in the US or Asia. Besides these improvements, the economic agreement will strengthen cooperation between Europe and Japan in a range of areas. It will reaffirm their shared commitment to sustainable development and include for the first time a specific commitment to the Paris climate agreement. EU firms already export more than €58 billion in goods and €28 billion in services to Japan every year. This will grow, and the strategic partnership will lead to the further deepening of EU-Japan relations and engagement across a wide range of global, regional and bilateral thematic issues. It reaffirms the shared values and common principles that form the basis of EU-Japan relations, including human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Together, the EU and Japan’s economies account for about a third of global GDP. The new trade agreement should, therefore, serve to bolster the global economy, as well as marking a strong commitment to multilateralism by two of the world’s biggest economies. (Emil Kirchner is Emeritus Professor, Department of Government, University of Essex) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

EU-Japan trade deal comes into force to create the world’s biggest trade zone

As much as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-rejects-advance-trade-meeting-with-china-reports-192094">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> wants to boost markets through a trade pact with China, he will not soften his position that Beijing must make real structural reforms, including how it handles intellectual property, to reach a deal, advisers say.

Offering to buy more American goods is unlikely by itself to overcome an issue that has bedeviled talks between the two countries. Those talks are set to continue when Chinese Vice Premier Liu He visits Washington at the end of January.

The United States accuses China of stealing intellectual property and forcing American companies to share technology when they do business in China. Beijing denies the accusations.

With a March 1 deadline approaching to reach an agreement or risk an escalation of tariffs on another $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, the two sides are still far apart on key, structural elements critical for a deal, according to sources familiar with the talks.

"We're not yet in a position where our concerns have been addressed sufficiently," one US&nbsp;official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official said the Trump team, led by hardline US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, was focussed on such structural issues as well as trade imbalances.

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told Reuters that forced technology transfers, IP theft and ownership restrictions remained a top priority for Trump.

"The president's said many times how crucial that is, and he's not going to back down," Kudlow said.

Lack of progress led the Trump administration to decline an in-person meeting with a lower-level Chinese delegation for preparatory talks ahead of Liu He's visit, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters.

The Financial Times also reported that an offer for preparatory meeting was rejected, but White House officials pushed back on the suggestion that any meeting was cancelled.

"With respect, the story is not true," Kudlow told CNBC, referring to the FT report.

"The teams remain in touch in preparation for high-level talks with Vice Premier Liu He at the end of this month," said White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters.

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on a ceasefire in their trade war at the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires last year, setting a 90-day period to discuss differences and agree a deal.

Those talks have yet to produce anything on paper.

"There's progress in that the two sides are talking. But I look at it like this: there's still nothing agreed on in writing," said one source familiar with the discussions.

Trump has painted developments in the US-China trade talks as largely positive, aware of the effect that the tensions have had on stock markets.

The S&amp;P 500 registered its biggest four-week percentage gain since 2011 on Friday after dropping nearly 20 per cent from its record September close on Christmas Eve. The benchmark index lost ground on Tuesday after a national holiday on Monday.

"We've really had a very extraordinary number of meetings, and a deal could very well happen with China. It's going very well," Trump told reporters at the White House on Saturday.

China has offered more than $1.2 trillion in additional commitments on trade, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said last month.

That is not sufficient for Trump or his team.

"To think that this is going to end with simple 'commitments,' I think, is overlooking the historical experience that we've had," the US&nbsp;official said.

Chinese officials pledged to buy enough US&nbsp;products to wipe out the US-China trade deficit at talks in Beijing earlier this month but also hedged its position, saying it depended on the demands of Chinese companies, said Scott Kennedy, director of the Project on Chinese Business and Political Economy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The Chinese have indicated they feel they already addressed US&nbsp;concerns about intellectual property rights through a new law and other actions, Kennedy said.

"These weren't sufficient to satisfy the US negotiation team. So we'll see if the Chinese give any more on those or if they still try to focus on sweetening the purchases side, and hoping that Trump bites on the potential big numbers," he said.

Barring progress at the end of the 90-day period, the Trump administration is scheduled to increase tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from the current 10 per cent to 25 per cent.

"All I'll say is the meetings coming up at the end of the month with Liu He are very important," Kudlow said.

As much as US President Donald Trump wants to boost markets through a trade pact with China, he will not soften his position that Beijing must make real structural reforms, including how it handles intellectual property, to reach a deal, advisers say.

As much as US President Donald Trump wants to boost markets through a trade pact with China, he will not soften his position that Beijing must make real structural reforms, including how it handles intellectual property, to reach a deal, advisers say. Offering to buy more American goods is unlikely by itself to overcome an issue that has bedeviled talks between the two countries. Those talks are set to continue when Chinese Vice Premier Liu He visits Washington at the end of January. The United States accuses China of stealing intellectual property and forcing American companies to share technology when they do business in China. Beijing denies the accusations. With a March 1 deadline approaching to reach an agreement or risk an escalation of tariffs on another $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, the two sides are still far apart on key, structural elements critical for a deal, according to sources familiar with the talks. "We're not yet in a position where our concerns have been addressed sufficiently," one US official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official said the Trump team, led by hardline US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, was focussed on such structural issues as well as trade imbalances. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told Reuters that forced technology transfers, IP theft and ownership restrictions remained a top priority for Trump. "The president's said many times how crucial that is, and he's not going to back down," Kudlow said. Lack of progress led the Trump administration to decline an in-person meeting with a lower-level Chinese delegation for preparatory talks ahead of Liu He's visit, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters. The Financial Times also reported that an offer for preparatory meeting was rejected, but White House officials pushed back on the suggestion that any meeting was cancelled. "With respect, the story is not true," Kudlow told CNBC, referring to the FT report. "The teams remain in touch in preparation for high-level talks with Vice Premier Liu He at the end of this month," said White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on a ceasefire in their trade war at the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires last year, setting a 90-day period to discuss differences and agree a deal. Those talks have yet to produce anything on paper. "There's progress in that the two sides are talking. But I look at it like this: there's still nothing agreed on in writing," said one source familiar with the discussions. Trump has painted developments in the US-China trade talks as largely positive, aware of the effect that the tensions have had on stock markets. The S&P 500 registered its biggest four-week percentage gain since 2011 on Friday after dropping nearly 20 per cent from its record September close on Christmas Eve. The benchmark index lost ground on Tuesday after a national holiday on Monday. "We've really had a very extraordinary number of meetings, and a deal could very well happen with China. It's going very well," Trump told reporters at the White House on Saturday. China has offered more than $1.2 trillion in additional commitments on trade, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said last month. That is not sufficient for Trump or his team. "To think that this is going to end with simple 'commitments,' I think, is overlooking the historical experience that we've had," the US official said. Chinese officials pledged to buy enough US products to wipe out the US-China trade deficit at talks in Beijing earlier this month but also hedged its position, saying it depended on the demands of Chinese companies, said Scott Kennedy, director of the Project on Chinese Business and Political Economy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The Chinese have indicated they feel they already addressed US concerns about intellectual property rights through a new law and other actions, Kennedy said. "These weren't sufficient to satisfy the US negotiation team. So we'll see if the Chinese give any more on those or if they still try to focus on sweetening the purchases side, and hoping that Trump bites on the potential big numbers," he said. Barring progress at the end of the 90-day period, the Trump administration is scheduled to increase tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from the current 10 per cent to 25 per cent. "All I'll say is the meetings coming up at the end of the month with Liu He are very important," Kudlow said.

Trump will not soften hard line on China to make deal: Advisers

Commenting on whether India and the United States (US) have commenced trade deal talks, the commerce ministry has said that both the countries are trying to resolve trade issues.&nbsp;

In a written reply in the parliament, Minister of state in the commerce ministry C R Chaudhary said, "India and United States (US) are currently engaged bilaterally to resolve certain identified trade issues".&nbsp;

Saying "no" to if New Delhi and Washington have reached any understand, Chaudhary said, "discussion is continuing with the intent of mutually satisfactory resolution".

US President Donald Trump had called India "Tariff King" in October 2018 and said India called and "want to start negotiating immediately" for a trade deal to keep him happy.&nbsp;

Tariff on Harley Davidson has been a key issue US President has been raising and raised it during his phone calls with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During Diwali celebration at White House, President said, "We’re trying very hard to make better trade deals with India, but they’re very good traders. &nbsp;So we’re working, and it’s moving along."

Indian Prime minister met US president Trump on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Argentina on 30th November 2018 for the Japan-India-US trilateral or JAI Meeting. PM Modi met US Vice President Mike Pence on the sidelines of East Asia Summit in Singapore.

2018 saw US granting India STA1—Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 status and 2+2 India US dialogue. The US also granted India 6 month wavier, which is expected to be renewed, from Iran Sanctions. But in terms of trade US has been calling India for a "free, fair, and reciprocal trade."

Commenting on whether India and the United States (US) have commenced trade deal talks, the commerce ministry has said that both the countries are trying to resolve trade issues.

Commenting on whether India and the United States (US) have commenced trade deal talks, the commerce ministry has said that both the countries are trying to resolve trade issues. In a written reply in the parliament, Minister of state in the commerce ministry C R Chaudhary said, "India and United States (US) are currently engaged bilaterally to resolve certain identified trade issues". Saying "no" to if New Delhi and Washington have reached any understand, Chaudhary said, "discussion is continuing with the intent of mutually satisfactory resolution". US President Donald Trump had called India "Tariff King" in October 2018 and said India called and "want to start negotiating immediately" for a trade deal to keep him happy. Tariff on Harley Davidson has been a key issue US President has been raising and raised it during his phone calls with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During Diwali celebration at White House, President said, "We’re trying very hard to make better trade deals with India, but they’re very good traders. So we’re working, and it’s moving along." Indian Prime minister met US president Trump on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Argentina on 30th November 2018 for the Japan-India-US trilateral or JAI Meeting. PM Modi met US Vice President Mike Pence on the sidelines of East Asia Summit in Singapore. 2018 saw US granting India STA1—Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 status and 2+2 India US dialogue. The US also granted India 6 month wavier, which is expected to be renewed, from Iran Sanctions. But in terms of trade US has been calling India for a "free, fair, and reciprocal trade."

Discussions underway to resolve certain trade issues: Commerce Ministry on if India, US have commenced trade deal talks

US-China trade negotiations need to reach a successful end by March 1 or new tariffs will be imposed, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Sunday, clarifying there is a "hard deadline" after a week of confusion among administration advisers.

Global markets are jittery over prospects of a collision between the world's two largest economic powers over China's huge trade surplus with the United States and U.S. claims that China is stealing intellectual property and technology.

"As far as I am concerned it is a hard deadline. When I talk to the president of the United States he is not talking about going beyond March," Lighthizer said on the CBS show "Face the Nation," referring to President Donald Trump's recent decision to delay new tariffs while talks proceed.

"The way this is set up is that at the end of 90 days, these tariffs will be raised," said Lighthizer, who has been tapped to lead the talks and appeared to tamp down expectations that the negotiation period could be extended.

In Argentina last weekend, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to a truce that delayed the planned Jan. 1 US hike of tariffs to 25 percent from 10 percent on $200 billion of Chinese goods while they negotiate a trade deal.

However, the arrest of a top executive at China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's has roiled global markets amid fears that it could further inflame the China-US trade row.

US-China trade negotiations need to reach a successful end by March 1 or new tariffs will be imposed, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Sunday, clarifying there is a "hard deadline" after a week of confusion among administration advisers.

US-China trade negotiations need to reach a successful end by March 1 or new tariffs will be imposed, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Sunday, clarifying there is a "hard deadline" after a week of confusion among administration advisers. Global markets are jittery over prospects of a collision between the world's two largest economic powers over China's huge trade surplus with the United States and U.S. claims that China is stealing intellectual property and technology. "As far as I am concerned it is a hard deadline. When I talk to the president of the United States he is not talking about going beyond March," Lighthizer said on the CBS show "Face the Nation," referring to President Donald Trump's recent decision to delay new tariffs while talks proceed. "The way this is set up is that at the end of 90 days, these tariffs will be raised," said Lighthizer, who has been tapped to lead the talks and appeared to tamp down expectations that the negotiation period could be extended. In Argentina last weekend, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to a truce that delayed the planned Jan. 1 US hike of tariffs to 25 percent from 10 percent on $200 billion of Chinese goods while they negotiate a trade deal. However, the arrest of a top executive at China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's has roiled global markets amid fears that it could further inflame the China-US trade row.

Trade deal must be reached by March 1 or new tariffs will be imposed: US to China

Ahead of the crucial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-under-no-pressure-to-make-trade-deal-with-china-says-trump-165480">G20 meeting with President Xi</a> on Saturday, President tweeted today asserting that billons were pouring into US coffers because of tariffs being charged to China.

"If companies don’t want to pay tariffs, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-deal-could-cost-europe-frances-economy-minister-bruno-le-maire-138400">build in the USA, otherwise, let's just make</a> our country richer than ever before!", the president said in his tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Billions of Dollars are pouring into the coffers of the U.S.A. because of the Tariffs being charged to China, and there is a long way to go. If companies don’t want to pay Tariffs, build in the U.S.A. Otherwise, lets just make our Country richer than ever before!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1068120444279103488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Experts around the globe are expecting a breakthrough in talks between Xi and Trump in an escalating trade war which has upset market sentiments across the world.

China's commerce ministry said today that it hoped for "positive results" in resolving a trade dispute with the United States at a G20 summit in Argentina.

The United States has levied additional duties of between 10 per cent and 25 per cent on $250 billion of Chinese goods with 10 per cent tariffs set to climb to 25 per cent next year.

"The Chinese side has repeatedly stressed that the essence of Sino-US economic and trade cooperation is about mutual benefit and win-win," the commerce ministry spokesman said.

The White House had said this week that it was open to a trade deal with China during Trump-Xi talks.

Meanwhile, US trade representative Robert Lighthizer said that the US administration officials were examining all available tools to raise US tariffs on Chinese vehicles to the 40 per cent duties that China is now charging on US-produced vehicles.

China had raised tariffs as a result of a tit-for-tat response after the US imposed &nbsp;25 per cent tariff on Chinese vehicles on top of the 2.5 per cent it normally charges.

China had lowered tariffs for all other countries to 15 per cent, but imposed an additional 25 per cent retaliatory tariff on US vehicles.

As the President has repeatedly noted, China's aggressive, State-directed industrial policies are causing severe harm to US workers and manufacturers," Lighthizer said, adding,"we are continuing to raise these issues with China. As of yet, China has not come to the table with proposals for meaningful reform."

Ahead of the crucial G20 meeting with President Xi on Saturday, President tweeted today asserting that billons were pouring into US coffers because of tariffs being charged to China.

Ahead of the crucial G20 meeting with President Xi on Saturday, President tweeted today asserting that billons were pouring into US coffers because of tariffs being charged to China. "If companies don’t want to pay tariffs, build in the USA, otherwise, let's just make our country richer than ever before!", the president said in his tweet. Billions of Dollars are pouring into the coffers of the U.S.A. because of the Tariffs being charged to China, and there is a long way to go. If companies don’t want to pay Tariffs, build in the U.S.A. Otherwise, lets just make our Country richer than ever before! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2018 × Experts around the globe are expecting a breakthrough in talks between Xi and Trump in an escalating trade war which has upset market sentiments across the world. China's commerce ministry said today that it hoped for "positive results" in resolving a trade dispute with the United States at a G20 summit in Argentina. The United States has levied additional duties of between 10 per cent and 25 per cent on $250 billion of Chinese goods with 10 per cent tariffs set to climb to 25 per cent next year. "The Chinese side has repeatedly stressed that the essence of Sino-US economic and trade cooperation is about mutual benefit and win-win," the commerce ministry spokesman said. The White House had said this week that it was open to a trade deal with China during Trump-Xi talks. Meanwhile, US trade representative Robert Lighthizer said that the US administration officials were examining all available tools to raise US tariffs on Chinese vehicles to the 40 per cent duties that China is now charging on US-produced vehicles. China had raised tariffs as a result of a tit-for-tat response after the US imposed 25 per cent tariff on Chinese vehicles on top of the 2.5 per cent it normally charges. China had lowered tariffs for all other countries to 15 per cent, but imposed an additional 25 per cent retaliatory tariff on US vehicles. As the President has repeatedly noted, China's aggressive, State-directed industrial policies are causing severe harm to US workers and manufacturers," Lighthizer said, adding,"we are continuing to raise these issues with China. As of yet, China has not come to the table with proposals for meaningful reform."

Ahead of G20 meeting with Xi, Trump says billions of dollars pouring into US due to tariffs on China

World leaders will push for the rapid completion of a massive, China-backed trade deal that excludes the US at a summit this week, in a rebuke to rising protectionism and Donald Trump's "America First" agenda.

China, Japan, India and other Asia-Pacific countries could announce a broad agreement on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which covers half the world's population, on the sidelines of the annual gathering.

Not only is the US absent from the deal, but Trump is skipping the summit in Singapore, highlighting how far he has pulled back from efforts to shape global trade rules and raising further questions about Washington's commitment to Asia.

Trump launched his unilateralist trade policy with a bang shortly after coming to office by withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a deal spearheaded by predecessor Barack Obama that aimed to bind fast-growing Asian powers into an American-backed order to counter China.

His approach has left the floor open for Beijing to promote a rival pact it favours, the 16-member RCEP, a free trade deal which also aims to cut tariffs and integrate markets, but gives weaker protection in areas including employment and the environment.

The pact championed by Obama has been kept alive even without the US, and is due to go into force this year, but the Beijing-backed pact has now overtaken it as the world's biggest.

Announcing in Singapore that talks for the deal -- which formally began in 2012 -- are mostly concluded would be "important as a symbol of Asia's commitment to trade at a time of rising global tensions", Deborah Elms, executive director of the Asian Trade Centre, told AFP.

She said negotiations in some areas were likely to continue into next year, however, while a diplomat attending the summit, speaking anonymously, said "substantial progress" had been made but there were still sticking points.

The gathering of 20 world leaders comes against a backdrop of a months-long trade dispute between China and the United States after Trump imposed tariffs on most Chinese imports this summer, and Beijing retaliated with its own levies.

The standoff is having an impact far beyond the US and China, and leaders at the four days of meetings that begin Monday will be keen to voice their grievances to Vice President Mike Pence, attending in Trump's place, and Premier Li Keqiang.

Trump's absence from the Singapore gathering and a subsequent meeting of world leaders in Papua New Guinea is even more notable given Obama, who launched a so-called "pivot to Asia" to direct more US economic and military resources to the region, was a regular participant.

Washington, however, argues that it remains committed to Asia, pointing to regular visits by top officials.

"We are fully engaged," insisted Patrick Murphy, one of the State Department's most senior Asia diplomats.&nbsp;

"That is very sustained and has been enhanced under the current administration."&nbsp;

Myanmar's embattled leader Aung San Suu Kyi is attending the meetings, and will deliver a keynote address at a business forum Monday.

She may face criticism over a military crackdown on the Muslim Rohingya that saw hundreds of thousands flee to Bangladesh last year, and has sparked rare criticism of Myanmar from within regional bloc the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Also on the agenda will be North Korea's nuclear programme.&nbsp;

Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a vaguely worded agreement on denuclearisation at a historic summit in June, but progress has been slow since.

Pence will also keep on pressure on Beijing over its growing aggression in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

China claims almost all the strategically vital waters, a source of friction with Southeast Asian states that have overlapping claims as well as the US, the traditionally dominant military power in the region.

Other leaders attending include Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

But much of the focus will be on the RCEP as leaders seek to send a message in support of free trade.&nbsp;

The deal groups the 10 ASEAN members plus China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

World leaders "should present a united front advancing trade liberalisation in (the Asia-Pacific) despite global headwinds to trade from the rising tide of global protectionism," Rajiv Biswas, chief regional economist at IHS Markit, told AFP.&nbsp;

World leaders will push for the rapid completion of a massive, China-backed trade deal that excludes the US at a summit this week, in a rebuke to rising protectionism and Donald Trump's "America First" agenda.

World leaders will push for the rapid completion of a massive, China-backed trade deal that excludes the US at a summit this week, in a rebuke to rising protectionism and Donald Trump's "America First" agenda. China, Japan, India and other Asia-Pacific countries could announce a broad agreement on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which covers half the world's population, on the sidelines of the annual gathering. Not only is the US absent from the deal, but Trump is skipping the summit in Singapore, highlighting how far he has pulled back from efforts to shape global trade rules and raising further questions about Washington's commitment to Asia. Trump launched his unilateralist trade policy with a bang shortly after coming to office by withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a deal spearheaded by predecessor Barack Obama that aimed to bind fast-growing Asian powers into an American-backed order to counter China. His approach has left the floor open for Beijing to promote a rival pact it favours, the 16-member RCEP, a free trade deal which also aims to cut tariffs and integrate markets, but gives weaker protection in areas including employment and the environment. The pact championed by Obama has been kept alive even without the US, and is due to go into force this year, but the Beijing-backed pact has now overtaken it as the world's biggest. Announcing in Singapore that talks for the deal -- which formally began in 2012 -- are mostly concluded would be "important as a symbol of Asia's commitment to trade at a time of rising global tensions", Deborah Elms, executive director of the Asian Trade Centre, told AFP. She said negotiations in some areas were likely to continue into next year, however, while a diplomat attending the summit, speaking anonymously, said "substantial progress" had been made but there were still sticking points. The gathering of 20 world leaders comes against a backdrop of a months-long trade dispute between China and the United States after Trump imposed tariffs on most Chinese imports this summer, and Beijing retaliated with its own levies. The standoff is having an impact far beyond the US and China, and leaders at the four days of meetings that begin Monday will be keen to voice their grievances to Vice President Mike Pence, attending in Trump's place, and Premier Li Keqiang. Trump's absence from the Singapore gathering and a subsequent meeting of world leaders in Papua New Guinea is even more notable given Obama, who launched a so-called "pivot to Asia" to direct more US economic and military resources to the region, was a regular participant. Washington, however, argues that it remains committed to Asia, pointing to regular visits by top officials. "We are fully engaged," insisted Patrick Murphy, one of the State Department's most senior Asia diplomats. "That is very sustained and has been enhanced under the current administration." Myanmar's embattled leader Aung San Suu Kyi is attending the meetings, and will deliver a keynote address at a business forum Monday. She may face criticism over a military crackdown on the Muslim Rohingya that saw hundreds of thousands flee to Bangladesh last year, and has sparked rare criticism of Myanmar from within regional bloc the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Also on the agenda will be North Korea's nuclear programme. Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a vaguely worded agreement on denuclearisation at a historic summit in June, but progress has been slow since. Pence will also keep on pressure on Beijing over its growing aggression in the South China Sea. China claims almost all the strategically vital waters, a source of friction with Southeast Asian states that have overlapping claims as well as the US, the traditionally dominant military power in the region. Other leaders attending include Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. But much of the focus will be on the RCEP as leaders seek to send a message in support of free trade. The deal groups the 10 ASEAN members plus China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. World leaders "should present a united front advancing trade liberalisation in (the Asia-Pacific) despite global headwinds to trade from the rising tide of global protectionism," Rajiv Biswas, chief regional economist at IHS Markit, told AFP.

China-backed trade deal centre stage at summit as US retreats

The Indonesian government will push ahead and ratify a trade deal with Pakistan to protect $1.5 billion in annual palm oil exports to the South Asia nation, a cabinet minister said.

Indonesia is the world`s biggest palm oil producer and although it is the dominant exporter to Pakistan, it has been losing market share to the world`s number two producer, Malaysia, according to Abdul Rasheed JanMohammed, chairman of Pakistan Edible Oil Refiners Association.

Indonesia`s Coordinating Minister of Economics Affairs Darmin Nasution said in a statement late on Wednesday that the preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Pakistan will be ratified by the president, without parliamentary approval.

If Indonesia does not ratify the deal soon, "Pakistan will terminate the PTA, making Indonesia lose its crude palm oil market worth $1.46 billion", the statement said. Malaysia could then grab that market share, it said.

Pakistan is expected to buy 70 per cent of its crude palm oil from Indonesia this year, down from 80 per cent in the past two years, JanMohammed said at an industry conference in Indonesia last week. Malaysia has picked up market share in Pakistan, he said.

In 2017, Indonesia booked a $2.15 billion overall trade surplus with Pakistan, with total two-way trade of $2.63 billion.

Indonesia is also set to ratify six other deals that have been stalled in parliament for several years without explanation, the statement said.&nbsp;

Indonesia will sign a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Australia before the end of this year, after leaders of both countries concluded talks on ways to boost trade and investment in areas ranging from cars to cattle.

The Indonesian government will push ahead and ratify a trade deal with Pakistan to protect $1.5 billion in annual palm oil exports to the South Asia nation, a cabinet minister said.

The Indonesian government will push ahead and ratify a trade deal with Pakistan to protect $1.5 billion in annual palm oil exports to the South Asia nation, a cabinet minister said. Indonesia is the world`s biggest palm oil producer and although it is the dominant exporter to Pakistan, it has been losing market share to the world`s number two producer, Malaysia, according to Abdul Rasheed JanMohammed, chairman of Pakistan Edible Oil Refiners Association. Indonesia`s Coordinating Minister of Economics Affairs Darmin Nasution said in a statement late on Wednesday that the preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Pakistan will be ratified by the president, without parliamentary approval. If Indonesia does not ratify the deal soon, "Pakistan will terminate the PTA, making Indonesia lose its crude palm oil market worth $1.46 billion", the statement said. Malaysia could then grab that market share, it said. Pakistan is expected to buy 70 per cent of its crude palm oil from Indonesia this year, down from 80 per cent in the past two years, JanMohammed said at an industry conference in Indonesia last week. Malaysia has picked up market share in Pakistan, he said. In 2017, Indonesia booked a $2.15 billion overall trade surplus with Pakistan, with total two-way trade of $2.63 billion. Indonesia is also set to ratify six other deals that have been stalled in parliament for several years without explanation, the statement said. Indonesia will sign a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Australia before the end of this year, after leaders of both countries concluded talks on ways to boost trade and investment in areas ranging from cars to cattle.

Indonesia to ratify Pakistan trade deal to protect palm oil exports

Discussions with "very valuable ally" India on a trade deal has started, the White House said Thursday, days after President Donald Trump insisted that New Delhi has reached out to his administration on this, news agency PTI reported.

"Yes discussions (with India on a trade deal) has started. No details, please. But discussions have started. India is a very valuable ally," Larry Kudlow, top economic advisor to President Trump, told reporters at the White House.

However, Kudlow refrained from providing any further detail about the nature of the talks with India, the report added.

Trump recently attacked India calling it ''tariff king''. He said India has reached out to him for a trade deal. Trump said this happened after he said that he will impose similar high tariff on import of Indian products.

"India, which is the tariff king -- they called us, and they say, 'We want to start negotiations immediately.' When Bob Lighthizer said, 'What happened? He would never do this.' They said, 'No, we want to keep your President happy.' Isn't that nice? Isn't that nice? It's true. They have to keep us happy because they understand that we're wise to what's been happening," Trump had said.

Trump, however, said that he has a good relationship with India.

"My relationship with India is great, with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi is great. They're going to start doing a lot. They've already called us to make a deal. We didn't even call them. They called us to make a deal, which is, like, shocking to people," said the US President.&nbsp;

Discussions with "very valuable ally" India on a trade deal has started, the White House said Thursday, days after President Donald Trump insisted that New Delhi has reached out to his administration on this, news agency PTI reported.

Discussions with "very valuable ally" India on a trade deal has started, the White House said Thursday, days after President Donald Trump insisted that New Delhi has reached out to his administration on this, news agency PTI reported. "Yes discussions (with India on a trade deal) has started. No details, please. But discussions have started. India is a very valuable ally," Larry Kudlow, top economic advisor to President Trump, told reporters at the White House. However, Kudlow refrained from providing any further detail about the nature of the talks with India, the report added. Trump recently attacked India calling it ''tariff king''. He said India has reached out to him for a trade deal. Trump said this happened after he said that he will impose similar high tariff on import of Indian products. "India, which is the tariff king -- they called us, and they say, 'We want to start negotiations immediately.' When Bob Lighthizer said, 'What happened? He would never do this.' They said, 'No, we want to keep your President happy.' Isn't that nice? Isn't that nice? It's true. They have to keep us happy because they understand that we're wise to what's been happening," Trump had said. Trump, however, said that he has a good relationship with India. "My relationship with India is great, with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi is great. They're going to start doing a lot. They've already called us to make a deal. We didn't even call them. They called us to make a deal, which is, like, shocking to people," said the US President.

Trade deal negotiations with 'very valuable ally' India started: White House

US President Donald Trump Saturday said that India wants to have a trade deal with the US because it does not want him to impose tariffs on their products.

Trump's remarks, for the second time in recent weeks, comes days after Assistant US Trade Representative Mark Linscott returned from India where he had detailed discussion with senior Indian officials on bilateral trade and a possible trade deal between the two countries.&nbsp;

Trump often accuses India of imposing 100 per cent tariffs on American products.

"We have a country, take India. Good relationship. They want to make a deal now because they don't want me to do what I'm going to do, with I have to. So, they (Indians) call us. They didn't want to make a deal with anybody else," he said.&nbsp;

Trump referred to India in the context of his repeated allegation that other countries have been taking advantage of America in the past.

Trump in early this month had said India wanted a trade deal with the US despite the US administration's tough stance on the issue.

"Take India. You talk about free trade. So, let's say they (Indians) charge us 60 per cent tariff on a product. And for the same product when they send it in (America), we charge them nothing. So now I want to charge them 25 per cent or 20 or 10 or something," Trump said.

"What do you think? That's not free trade. We don't like it. I said, where are these people coming from? So, think of it. Where are they coming from? You have no idea how difficult it is. Where are they coming?" Trump said on Saturday referring to the conversations he is having with India.

Trump told the crowd that he is using India just as an example.&nbsp; 
The president said he can give an example of other countries which are "brutal" to what they do with the United States.&nbsp;

"I could give you (examples of) others that are brutal, just brutal what they do to us, how they take advantage of the stupidity. We never even had people negotiate, they just do whatever they want," Trump said as he went back to the India example.

"Remember this. A lot of the people that are fighting me in what I'm doing have ownership of companies in these other countries. Remember that, please. Remember that, or they're represented by lobbies," Trump said, as he lashed out at those who are opposing his America First trade policies.

Trump said nobody wants to talk about the jobs created and nobody wants to talk about all the money that's flowing into the coffers of the United States of America, he said.&nbsp;

"The people that are against it are usually having companies...You know you go to these other countries, they have companies there too," he alleged.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump Saturday said that India wants to have a trade deal with the US because it does not want him to impose tariffs on their products. Trump's remarks, for the second time in recent weeks, comes days after Assistant US Trade Representative Mark Linscott returned from India where he had detailed discussion with senior Indian officials on bilateral trade and a possible trade deal between the two countries.

US President Donald Trump Saturday said that India wants to have a trade deal with the US because it does not want him to impose tariffs on their products. Trump's remarks, for the second time in recent weeks, comes days after Assistant US Trade Representative Mark Linscott returned from India where he had detailed discussion with senior Indian officials on bilateral trade and a possible trade deal between the two countries. Trump often accuses India of imposing 100 per cent tariffs on American products. "We have a country, take India. Good relationship. They want to make a deal now because they don't want me to do what I'm going to do, with I have to. So, they (Indians) call us. They didn't want to make a deal with anybody else," he said. Trump referred to India in the context of his repeated allegation that other countries have been taking advantage of America in the past. Trump in early this month had said India wanted a trade deal with the US despite the US administration's tough stance on the issue. "Take India. You talk about free trade. So, let's say they (Indians) charge us 60 per cent tariff on a product. And for the same product when they send it in (America), we charge them nothing. So now I want to charge them 25 per cent or 20 or 10 or something," Trump said. "What do you think? That's not free trade. We don't like it. I said, where are these people coming from? So, think of it. Where are they coming from? You have no idea how difficult it is. Where are they coming?" Trump said on Saturday referring to the conversations he is having with India. Trump told the crowd that he is using India just as an example. The president said he can give an example of other countries which are "brutal" to what they do with the United States. "I could give you (examples of) others that are brutal, just brutal what they do to us, how they take advantage of the stupidity. We never even had people negotiate, they just do whatever they want," Trump said as he went back to the India example. "Remember this. A lot of the people that are fighting me in what I'm doing have ownership of companies in these other countries. Remember that, please. Remember that, or they're represented by lobbies," Trump said, as he lashed out at those who are opposing his America First trade policies. Trump said nobody wants to talk about the jobs created and nobody wants to talk about all the money that's flowing into the coffers of the United States of America, he said. "The people that are against it are usually having companies...You know you go to these other countries, they have companies there too," he alleged.

India wants to have trade deal with US to avoid tariffs: Donald Trump

Eleven Asia-Pacific nations on Thursday are to sign a slimmed-down trade pact to lower tariffs just as US President Donald Trump seeks to raise them after withdrawing from the deal last year.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership, which would have represented 40 per cent of the global economy and nearly one-quarter of its trade, was left for dead after Trump pulled out to pursue his &quot;America First&quot; agenda before the TPP could take effect.

But the revamped deal, now known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), is still a significant achievement that sends a message of openness, its supporters said ahead of the signing ceremony in Santiago, Chile.

The pact will include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam, representing together 13.5 per cent of global gross domestic product.

The 11 states form a market of 500 million people, greater than that of the European Union`s single market.

&quot;While taxes are going to be applied to certain products and there is a threat of a trade war, we are going to give a signal of openness,&quot; said Chilean Foreign Minister Heraldo Munoz.

&quot;It`s the most important free trade agreement and the most rigorous that has been signed until now in the world.&quot;

The deal will be finalized in the same week that Trump has risked a global trade war over his decision to introduce tariffs on imported steel and aluminium.

Former president Barack Obama`s administration pushed for the TPP as a counterweight to growing Chinese commercial power. It not only cut tariffs but required members to comply with a high level of regulatory standards in areas like labour law and environmental protection.

Fernando Estenssoro, of Chile`s University of Santiago, says the revamped pact will be &quot;a type of suicide&quot; for the United States. Washington`s absence leaves an open path for China - which remains excluded from the deal - as it negotiates separately with Asian countries and New Zealand.

The CPTPP aims to slash tariffs among the 11 members and foster trade to boost growth.&nbsp;

Felipe Lopeandia, Chile`s top trade negotiator, said the deal will &quot;send a political signal to the world and to the United States itself, that this is a global agreement.&quot;

It is one which remains hugely significant, said Ignacio Bartesaghi of the Catholic University of Uruguay`s business school.

&quot;There is no trade agreement involving that number of countries, and one that has 30 chapters which deal with all the most modern topics of international trade,&quot; Bartesaghi told.

Most provisions of the original agreement remain, except those related to intellectual property originally inserted at the demand of US negotiators.

&quot;The CPTPP will establish a new standard for other regional economic integration agreements, and even for future negotiations in the WTO (World Trade Organization) and in APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation),&quot; said Chile`s foreign ministry, which is hosting Thursday`s ceremony.

Chile said membership of the new pact will improve access to markets currently responsible for 17 per cent of its total exports.

Mexico and Peru will also get better entry to countries on the other side of the Pacific.

&quot;It means an increase in our potential market and the possibility that our people can access more products,&quot; said Mario Mongilardi, head of Lima`s chamber of commerce.

The pact will come into force 60 days after it is fully ratified by six of the 11 members.&nbsp;

The 11 states form a market of 500 million people, greater than that of the European Union`s single market

Eleven Asia-Pacific nations on Thursday are to sign a slimmed-down trade pact to lower tariffs just as US President Donald Trump seeks to raise them after withdrawing from the deal last year. The Trans-Pacific Partnership, which would have represented 40 per cent of the global economy and nearly one-quarter of its trade, was left for dead after Trump pulled out to pursue his "America First" agenda before the TPP could take effect. But the revamped deal, now known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), is still a significant achievement that sends a message of openness, its supporters said ahead of the signing ceremony in Santiago, Chile. The pact will include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam, representing together 13.5 per cent of global gross domestic product. The 11 states form a market of 500 million people, greater than that of the European Union`s single market. "While taxes are going to be applied to certain products and there is a threat of a trade war, we are going to give a signal of openness," said Chilean Foreign Minister Heraldo Munoz. "It`s the most important free trade agreement and the most rigorous that has been signed until now in the world." The deal will be finalized in the same week that Trump has risked a global trade war over his decision to introduce tariffs on imported steel and aluminium. Former president Barack Obama`s administration pushed for the TPP as a counterweight to growing Chinese commercial power. It not only cut tariffs but required members to comply with a high level of regulatory standards in areas like labour law and environmental protection. Fernando Estenssoro, of Chile`s University of Santiago, says the revamped pact will be "a type of suicide" for the United States. Washington`s absence leaves an open path for China - which remains excluded from the deal - as it negotiates separately with Asian countries and New Zealand. The CPTPP aims to slash tariffs among the 11 members and foster trade to boost growth. Felipe Lopeandia, Chile`s top trade negotiator, said the deal will "send a political signal to the world and to the United States itself, that this is a global agreement." It is one which remains hugely significant, said Ignacio Bartesaghi of the Catholic University of Uruguay`s business school. "There is no trade agreement involving that number of countries, and one that has 30 chapters which deal with all the most modern topics of international trade," Bartesaghi told. Most provisions of the original agreement remain, except those related to intellectual property originally inserted at the demand of US negotiators. "The CPTPP will establish a new standard for other regional economic integration agreements, and even for future negotiations in the WTO (World Trade Organization) and in APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation)," said Chile`s foreign ministry, which is hosting Thursday`s ceremony. Chile said membership of the new pact will improve access to markets currently responsible for 17 per cent of its total exports. Mexico and Peru will also get better entry to countries on the other side of the Pacific. "It means an increase in our potential market and the possibility that our people can access more products," said Mario Mongilardi, head of Lima`s chamber of commerce. The pact will come into force 60 days after it is fully ratified by six of the 11 members.

Without US, 11 Asia-Pacific states to sign trade deal

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Friday, the 10th of November, that he was &quot;reasonably confident&quot; a deal on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) could be reached without the United States.

Trade ministers from the TPP countries met on Thursday, November 9th, but their meetings ended without making headway. It was unclear whether leaders of TPP countries would meet on Friday.

The TPP aims to eliminate tariffs on industrial and farm products across a bloc whose trade totalled $356 billion last year. It also has provisions for protecting everything from labour rights to the environment to intellectual property - one of the main sticking points.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership has provisions for protecting everything from labour rights to the environment to intellectual property - one of the main sticking points

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Friday, the 10th of November, that he was "reasonably confident" a deal on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) could be reached without the United States. Trade ministers from the TPP countries met on Thursday, November 9th, but their meetings ended without making headway. It was unclear whether leaders of TPP countries would meet on Friday. The TPP aims to eliminate tariffs on industrial and farm products across a bloc whose trade totalled $356 billion last year. It also has provisions for protecting everything from labour rights to the environment to intellectual property - one of the main sticking points.

TPP trade deal can be reached without US: Malaysia

US&nbsp;Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump criticised Democrat Hillary Clinton on Thursday over her trade policies, saying she would handle trade deals so badly that the country should &quot;just cancel the election&quot; and name him the victor.

Speaking to supporters in Toledo, Ohio, Trump said the North American Free Trade Agreement signed by Clinton&#39;s husband, former President Bill Clinton, had led to the outsourcing of thousands of Ohio jobs to Mexico, a practice he vowed to stop if elected president on Nov. 8.

&quot;We should just cancel the election and just give it to Trump, right?&quot; he said. &quot;What are we even having it for? Her policies are so bad.&quot;

Trump said he believed Clinton would seek passage of the 12-nation Trans Pacific Partnership, President Barack Obama&#39;s signature Asian trade deal, which she now opposes.

Trump&#39;s remarks came as the New York businessman tries to steady rocky poll numbers amid a series of controversies and self-inflicted wounds.

He has struggled to handle the fallout from the release of a 2005 &quot;Access Hollywood&quot; video that showed the then-reality TV star talking on an open microphone about groping women and trying to seduce a married woman. The video was taped only months after Trump married his third wife, Melania.

Trump said on Thursday it was &quot;certainly illegal&quot; for NBC to release the tape and he left open the option of seeking legal action against the network after the election.

Since the video&#39;s release, a series of women have accused Trump of groping them or kissing them without their consent. Trump has called the allegations &quot;absolutely false.&quot;

The latest RealClearPolitics poll average showed Clinton with a nearly 6-point national lead over Trump, fueled by declining support among women for his candidacy.

Trump, without evidence, has blamed his sagging poll numbers on a rigged election, and said the media had fixed the opinion polls in order to inflate Clinton&#39;s numbers.

Numerous studies have shown that voter fraud in U.S. elections is very rare, and a number of prominent Republicans have denounced Trump&#39;s claim that the system is unsound.

While Trump campaigned in Ohio, a plane carrying his running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, skidded off the runway after landing at New York City&#39;s LaGuardia Airport on Thursday night. There were no injuries, the Pence campaign said.

Stumping the first lady

Clinton on Thursday made her first joint campaign appearance with one of her most powerful supporters, first lady Michelle Obama, at a North Carolina rally to urge young people and women to vote.

Clinton, a former first lady who lost the 2008 Democratic nomination to then-U.S. Senator Barack Obama before becoming his secretary of state, praised Michelle Obama for standing up for the rights of girls and women worldwide, drawing a sharp contrast with her Republican rival.

&quot;I wish I didn&#39;t have to say this. ... But indeed, dignity and respect for women and girls is also on the ballot in this election,&quot; Clinton told a crowd of about 11,000. &quot;And I want to thank our first lady for her eloquent, powerful defense of that basic value.&quot;

Michelle Obama&#39;s stinging denunciation of Trump after a leaked 2005 video showed him making lewd remarks and bragging about groping women was seen by many as one of the campaign&#39;s most striking condemnations of the New York businessman.

Without naming Trump, Obama took him to task again in North Carolina, asking the crowd which candidate they wanted to represent their daughters from the White House.

&quot;We want a president who takes this job seriously, and has the temperament and maturity to do it well. Someone who is steady. Someone who we can trust with the nuclear codes,&quot; Obama said.

&quot;I would not be here lying to you: I believe with all of my heart that Hillary Clinton will be that president,&quot; she said.

Although Michelle Obama was critical of Clinton during the hard-fought 2008 Democratic nominating race, any trace of bitterness appeared long behind them. The two women showed an easy rapport. They embraced and smiled. Obama called Clinton &quot;my girl&quot; and made a point of telling the crowd they were tight.

&quot;If people wonder: Yes, Hillary Clinton is my friend,&quot; she said.

Clinton promised to take good care of Obama&#39;s White House vegetable garden if she won and wistfully praised the athletic first lady&#39;s dancing skills. &quot;One could only hope,&quot; Clinton said.

She also lauded Obama&#39;s work for children and military families and in what was perhaps a nod to African-Americans she hopes will vote for her in the state, said Obama had faced challenges she had not as a presidential spouse.

&quot;Let&#39;s be real. As our first African-American first lady, she&#39;s faced pressures I never did, and she&#39;s handled them with pure grace,&quot; Clinton said to applause.

Although a sometimes reluctant campaigner, the first lady has thrown herself into the race, and the Clinton campaign has deployed her strategically to increase support among young people and blacks, with whom she is especially popular.

(Reuters)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

'What are we even having it for? Her (Clinton's) policies are so bad,' he said

US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump criticised Democrat Hillary Clinton on Thursday over her trade policies, saying she would handle trade deals so badly that the country should "just cancel the election" and name him the victor. Speaking to supporters in Toledo, Ohio, Trump said the North American Free Trade Agreement signed by Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, had led to the outsourcing of thousands of Ohio jobs to Mexico, a practice he vowed to stop if elected president on Nov. 8. "We should just cancel the election and just give it to Trump, right?" he said. "What are we even having it for? Her policies are so bad." Trump said he believed Clinton would seek passage of the 12-nation Trans Pacific Partnership, President Barack Obama's signature Asian trade deal, which she now opposes. Trump's remarks came as the New York businessman tries to steady rocky poll numbers amid a series of controversies and self-inflicted wounds. He has struggled to handle the fallout from the release of a 2005 "Access Hollywood" video that showed the then-reality TV star talking on an open microphone about groping women and trying to seduce a married woman. The video was taped only months after Trump married his third wife, Melania. Trump said on Thursday it was "certainly illegal" for NBC to release the tape and he left open the option of seeking legal action against the network after the election. Since the video's release, a series of women have accused Trump of groping them or kissing them without their consent. Trump has called the allegations "absolutely false." The latest RealClearPolitics poll average showed Clinton with a nearly 6-point national lead over Trump, fueled by declining support among women for his candidacy. Trump, without evidence, has blamed his sagging poll numbers on a rigged election, and said the media had fixed the opinion polls in order to inflate Clinton's numbers. Numerous studies have shown that voter fraud in U.S. elections is very rare, and a number of prominent Republicans have denounced Trump's claim that the system is unsound. While Trump campaigned in Ohio, a plane carrying his running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, skidded off the runway after landing at New York City's LaGuardia Airport on Thursday night. There were no injuries, the Pence campaign said. Stumping the first lady Clinton on Thursday made her first joint campaign appearance with one of her most powerful supporters, first lady Michelle Obama, at a North Carolina rally to urge young people and women to vote. Clinton, a former first lady who lost the 2008 Democratic nomination to then-U.S. Senator Barack Obama before becoming his secretary of state, praised Michelle Obama for standing up for the rights of girls and women worldwide, drawing a sharp contrast with her Republican rival. "I wish I didn't have to say this. ... But indeed, dignity and respect for women and girls is also on the ballot in this election," Clinton told a crowd of about 11,000. "And I want to thank our first lady for her eloquent, powerful defense of that basic value." Michelle Obama's stinging denunciation of Trump after a leaked 2005 video showed him making lewd remarks and bragging about groping women was seen by many as one of the campaign's most striking condemnations of the New York businessman. Without naming Trump, Obama took him to task again in North Carolina, asking the crowd which candidate they wanted to represent their daughters from the White House. "We want a president who takes this job seriously, and has the temperament and maturity to do it well. Someone who is steady. Someone who we can trust with the nuclear codes," Obama said. "I would not be here lying to you: I believe with all of my heart that Hillary Clinton will be that president," she said. Although Michelle Obama was critical of Clinton during the hard-fought 2008 Democratic nominating race, any trace of bitterness appeared long behind them. The two women showed an easy rapport. They embraced and smiled. Obama called Clinton "my girl" and made a point of telling the crowd they were tight. "If people wonder: Yes, Hillary Clinton is my friend," she said. Clinton promised to take good care of Obama's White House vegetable garden if she won and wistfully praised the athletic first lady's dancing skills. "One could only hope," Clinton said. She also lauded Obama's work for children and military families and in what was perhaps a nod to African-Americans she hopes will vote for her in the state, said Obama had faced challenges she had not as a presidential spouse. "Let's be real. As our first African-American first lady, she's faced pressures I never did, and she's handled them with pure grace," Clinton said to applause. Although a sometimes reluctant campaigner, the first lady has thrown herself into the race, and the Clinton campaign has deployed her strategically to increase support among young people and blacks, with whom she is especially popular. (Reuters)

Trump says 'just cancel the election', name him victor

Dealing a fresh blow to a proposed EU-Canada trade deal, Belgium&#39;s Wallonia region on &nbsp;Sunday rejected the European Union&#39;s ultimatum to end its objection to the agreement.&nbsp;

The bloc had given the French-speaking region 24 hours to overcome opposition to the economic and trade agreement or it would cancel a summit to sign the pact.&nbsp;

&quot;The Commission has been working 24/7 to find a solution,&quot; EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstr&ouml;m tweeted on Sunday. &quot;We now hope that Belgium will bring this matter to a successful close.&quot;

But in an embarrassment for the bloc, Wallonia region has refused to endorse the deal. Belgium has so far been the only member not to sign the Commercial Economic Trade Agreement (CETA).

Paul Magnette, the leader of the Wallonia region, told the Belga news agency that an &quot;ultimatum is not compatible with the exercise of democratic rights&quot;.&nbsp;

Investment protection has been one of the major sticking points in negotiations between Brussels and Wallonia. The European Union has provided several assurances to salvage the deal.&nbsp;

However, anti-globalisation groups say the deal is a test model to push through an even more controversial EU-US trade agreement called TTIP.&nbsp;

Sebastian Dullien, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, criticised the Commission for its role in the failure of negotiators to secure an agreement on the deal. &quot;The European Commission carries part of the blame because it didn&#39;t quickly seek a dialogue with doubters. And for this type of deal, you need a large consensus,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

Wallonia has found some support for its position elsewhere in Europe. Greenpeace activists too supported Wallonia, saying the deal risked &quot;corporate greed&quot; and trampled on people&#39;s rights and health standards on both sides of the Atlantic.

The EU has indicated that it expected Prime Minister Charles Michel to come up with an answer on Monday or it will have to decide with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on &quot;whether to maintain the summit&quot;.

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Leader of Belgium's Wallonia region, which is opposed to the trade deal, said an EU ultimatum infringes on their democratic rights

Dealing a fresh blow to a proposed EU-Canada trade deal, Belgium's Wallonia region on Sunday rejected the European Union's ultimatum to end its objection to the agreement. The bloc had given the French-speaking region 24 hours to overcome opposition to the economic and trade agreement or it would cancel a summit to sign the pact. "The Commission has been working 24/7 to find a solution," EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström tweeted on Sunday. "We now hope that Belgium will bring this matter to a successful close." But in an embarrassment for the bloc, Wallonia region has refused to endorse the deal. Belgium has so far been the only member not to sign the Commercial Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). Paul Magnette, the leader of the Wallonia region, told the Belga news agency that an "ultimatum is not compatible with the exercise of democratic rights". Investment protection has been one of the major sticking points in negotiations between Brussels and Wallonia. The European Union has provided several assurances to salvage the deal. However, anti-globalisation groups say the deal is a test model to push through an even more controversial EU-US trade agreement called TTIP. Sebastian Dullien, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, criticised the Commission for its role in the failure of negotiators to secure an agreement on the deal. "The European Commission carries part of the blame because it didn't quickly seek a dialogue with doubters. And for this type of deal, you need a large consensus," he said. Wallonia has found some support for its position elsewhere in Europe. Greenpeace activists too supported Wallonia, saying the deal risked "corporate greed" and trampled on people's rights and health standards on both sides of the Atlantic. The EU has indicated that it expected Prime Minister Charles Michel to come up with an answer on Monday or it will have to decide with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on "whether to maintain the summit". (WION with inputs from agencies)

EU-Canada trade deal: Belgium rejects EU 'ultimatum' to end objection to CETA

The head of the World Trade Organization said on Wednesday he would not get involved in a slanging match with Donald Trump after the US presidential candidate suggested withdrawing from the WTO. 
 
Trump, having earlier threatened to renegotiate or rip up the North American Free Trade Agreement, told NBC on Sunday that if he takes the White House he might &quot;renegotiate or pull out&quot; of trade deals if the WTO challenges his policies. 
 
Republican Trump added that &quot;These trade deals are a disaster ... (the) World Trade Organization is a disaster,&quot; insisting he would not let the WTO override his plans to impose punitive taxes on firms which shift production offshore. 
 
But the WTO&#39;s director general Roberto Azevedo said he would not rise to the bait. 
 
&quot;I do not intend to open a discussion on this subject -- as I am not a (presidential) candidate,&quot; Azevedo told a news conference in Geneva. 
 
&quot;Everybody knows what I think of the WTO and its importance for international trade and job creation,&quot; the Brazilian added, saying he would put himself forward for a second term at the head of the body after his first ends in September next year. 
 
In May, Trump raised eyebrows when he slammed China on trade, blaming the Asian behemoth for weakening the US economy and taking American jobs. 
 
&quot;We can&#39;t continue to allow China to rape our country, and that&#39;s what we&#39;re doing, Trump told a campaign rally, insisting that the United States had &quot;a lot of power with China.&quot; 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Trump told NBC that if he takes the White House he might "renegotiate or pull out" of trade deals if the WTO challenges his policies

The head of the World Trade Organization said on Wednesday he would not get involved in a slanging match with Donald Trump after the US presidential candidate suggested withdrawing from the WTO. Trump, having earlier threatened to renegotiate or rip up the North American Free Trade Agreement, told NBC on Sunday that if he takes the White House he might "renegotiate or pull out" of trade deals if the WTO challenges his policies. Republican Trump added that "These trade deals are a disaster ... (the) World Trade Organization is a disaster," insisting he would not let the WTO override his plans to impose punitive taxes on firms which shift production offshore. But the WTO's director general Roberto Azevedo said he would not rise to the bait. "I do not intend to open a discussion on this subject -- as I am not a (presidential) candidate," Azevedo told a news conference in Geneva. "Everybody knows what I think of the WTO and its importance for international trade and job creation," the Brazilian added, saying he would put himself forward for a second term at the head of the body after his first ends in September next year. In May, Trump raised eyebrows when he slammed China on trade, blaming the Asian behemoth for weakening the US economy and taking American jobs. "We can't continue to allow China to rape our country, and that's what we're doing, Trump told a campaign rally, insisting that the United States had "a lot of power with China." (AFP)

WTO says won't take Trump pullout bait

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