Free Trade Talks In Asia And Europe Impeded By Government Shutdown

09 Oct 2013

As the shutdown continues, President Obama’s absence at negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership could delay finalization of the free trade agreement. In addition, talks toward an EU-U.S. trade pact were canceled. Both agreements are expected to address device-specific trade issues.

Late-stage negotiations over the 12-country Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement in Bali, Indonesia, proceeded as scheduled – but without President Obama – making the goal of finalization by the end of the year unlikely, international trade attorneys said.

The president missed the talks, held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit this week, due to the...