Froman says Asia-Pacific deal can be done this year

The United States, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, Mexico and Canada are all part of the talks. Tokyo is the latest entrant. 

{mosads}House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.) said Japan’s entry into the talks — they get their seat at the negotiating table during the 18th round of talks next week in Malaysia — “shouldn’t be allowed to undo work that has been done” and that negotiators should continue aiming to complete the deal this year. 

Froman reiterated that the United States has parallel negotiations with Japan on a broad range of issues, from autos to agriculture, in a renewed effort to force open markets. The result of those talks will be wrapped into the TPP and will be enforceable. 

But panel ranking member Sandy Levin (D-Mich.) expressed a dour sentiment that despite efforts over the years, Japan’s market access is still severely lacking. 

He said policies that keep out most U.S. auto imports “are not likely to change after decades of the same situation.” 

“Nothing has ever worked.”