Image: EFF (CC-BY)
Inside U.S. Trade reports that an American trade official, in a closed-door breifing with business representatives, “said TPP countries have closed virtually all text issues except IP,” but that there are also remaining market access issues related to investment, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), environment and government procurement. The story also notes that countries (especially Canada) are reluctant to table final positions on outstanding issues until Trade Promotion Authority legislation advances in the U.S. Congress.
The next meeting of TPP Chief Trade Negotiators April 23-26 in the suburbs of Washington DC at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.
Politico reports that Senators Wyden and Hatch “appear poised to introduce” legislation, along with House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Paul Ryan; but that the votes to pass the legislation will be close, setting up an “epic trade battle.”
