The 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership for free trade could be wrapped up within months, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman told lawmakers. “Froman also said he feels confident that Japan and the United States are ‘making good progress’ in their talks on farm produce tariffs and auto sector issues under the TPP initiative,” said The Japan Times in a story based on Reuters and Jiji reports. At the Senate Finance Committee, Froman said negotiators could “close out a positive package” in a “small number of months.”
U.S. farm groups say TPP must include greater access for ag exports into Japanese markets.
“We continue to make progress in closing gaps related to autos, agriculture, and other market access issues in our bilateral negotiations with Japan,” said Froman in a statement. “In agriculture, we continue to work hard to dismantle high tariffs, restrictive quotas, and complex administrative policies to create new opportunities for U.S. producers.”
Froman’s statement to the Finance Committee is available here, along with opening remarks by committee leaders.