USTR says making progress on some IPEF trade topics

The U.S. Trade Representative's Office on Thursday said it was seeing progress in trade negotiations under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework initiative in areas including trade facilitation, agriculture, technical assistance and inclusivity, among others.

In a statement issued after intense negotiations among the 14 IPEF countries fell short of agreement on the "trade pillar" chapters, USTR said it was committed to reaching a deal that "advances workers' rights through strong and enforceable labor standards, promotes fair, open, and rules-based trade (and) benefits our ranchers and farmers."