USTR to Congress: U.S. wants to open trade talks with EU, UK, Japan, Philippines

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told members of Congress this week that the United States wants to open trade talks with the European Union, United Kingdom, Japan and the Philippines, but did not give any indication of when the administration will give formal notice.

Under the U.S. “fast track” trade rules – known as Trade Promotion Authority – the administration must give Congress 90 days notice in writing before launching new trade negotiations.