Asia

As the U.S. and China work to finalize a preliminary deal in Chile next month, analysts this week said the negotiations between the two likely would set the tone for discussions and possible outcomes at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit where the deal, if finalized, is expected to be announced.

In a series of Generalized System of Preferences moves, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on Friday said it planned to suspend duty-free treatment for Thailand, restore some benefits for Ukraine and kick off reviews of South Africa and Azerbaijan.

A high-level discussion between Washington and Beijing on Friday led to progress on “specific issues,” according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, which said the two sides were close to completing “some sections” of the initial pact.

The rule was called for in an executive order issued in May, just days after trade talks with China broke down.

“I don't think its possible for us to have a hearing and a markup before the deadline,” he told Inside U.S. Trade. “But that would be ideal, wouldn't it?”

The restrictions are also seen as a component of forced technology transfers, a key issue in the U.S.-China trade discussions.

GENEVA -- India, China, the African Group and other World Trade Organization members this week defended the “rights” of developing countries to special and differential treatment, likely setting up a confrontation with the U.S. at next week’s General Council meeting.

China ripped the Commerce Department decision, calling it a serious violation of international norms.

The digital trade deal struck between Washington and Tokyo includes language similar to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement's, including provisions on information and communication technology goods, taxation and security exceptions, according to the text of the agreement released on Monday.