The 12-nation Atlanta talks over a trade pact spanning the Pacific Rim were extended Friday with expectation rising that a preliminary deal could be announced Saturday.
Officials involved in the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations would not predict agreement. But the added day for talks was seen by many as a sign that negotiators were haggling over details, with an accord within reach.
The discussions are aimed at setting rules that would affect how much Americans pay for imported goods, how much it costs U.S. companies to export their products and how disputes will be resolved.
“We will definitely go until tomorrow,” said Trevor Kincaid, deputy assistant U.S. Trade Representative in an email late Friday. “Everyone has their shoulder to the wheel. But it’s really meticulous work at this stage.”
The TPP is strongly backed by the Obama administration and much of the business community, but is harshly criticized by many labor and environmental groups, as well as some businesses. Mayor Kasim Reed supported the deal a press conference at an Atlanta manufacturer.
The deal has also been a source of political disagreements elsewhere. For instance, the leader of a major Canadian party said Friday he would not feel bound by the deal if his party prevails in an election later this month.
In Georgia, it has drawn fire from TenCate, a Jefferson-based manufacturer of textiles and construction materials that has more than 900 employees and five plants. TenCate officials compared the TPP to the North American Free Trade Agreement, a pact that TenCate has found unhelpful in a dispute the company has had in Mexico.
The talks are being held at the Westin Peachtree Hotel downtown.
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