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For better or worse, USTR says China talks nearing an end

The US Trade Representative says he’s optimistic a trade agreement with China can be reached soon. 

Robert Lighthizer says talks are coming down to the final weeks.  “But I’m not predicting one (an agreement),” he says.  “There are still major, major issues that have to be resolved.  And if those issues are not resolved in a way that will benefit the United States, we will not have an agreement.”

Lighthizer was also pressed by Montana Republican Steve Daines on the lack of a trade agreement with Japan.  Daines says it has been costly to American agriculture.

Lighthizer told committee members a bilateral agreement with Japan is also a high priority – but it will take some time.  “My own view has been that we have to take care of the agricultural part of it,” he says.  “So it is balanced at an earlier stage.  Some Senators probably won’t like that – some will like it.  But I think, because of the market situation in Japan, we have to move in that direction.”

Lighthizer spoke before the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday.