UK Resumes US Trade Talks on September 8

LONDON, KOMPAS.com – The UK will resume US trade talks on September 8 as it rushes for a deal before the year-end Brexit deadline.

The UK’s Trade Department Minister Greg Hands stated Thursday that both sides would convene next week.

He also shared that Britain has been talking to representatives from US Democrats and Republicans before America’s November presidential election.

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"I can announce today that the next round (of talks) will start next Tuesday, 8th September," Hands told MPs during questions on international trade policy.

He added: "We talk with all parts of the US political system.

"We make sure that senators, members of Congress, governors from both parties right the way across the United States... buy into a future UK/US free trade agreement."

Britain has made a US trade deal a major target to coincide with its exit from the EU on December 31, but hopes of concluding a deal before then appear increasingly unlikely.

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The US Congress is required to approve any comprehensive trade agreement but presidential and congressional elections take place on November 3, restricting hopes of a quick deal.

The UK voted in a landmark referendum in June 2016 to leave the EU, and finally quit on January 31 this year.

The country is currently in a standstill transition period until the end of the year as it tries to negotiate the terms of its future relationship with Brussels.

Its formal departure from the now 27-member bloc nonetheless allowed London to start trade talks with other countries.

Talks have been complicated by several issues, including US agricultural exports.

But trade secretary Liz Truss also told MPs Thursday that American chlorinated chicken — a totem for opponents fearing weaker food import standards — would remain banned under any deal.