Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says the United States will engage TPP-11 members, emphasizing a need for “fairness” in 
expanding trade relationships with nations involved in the pact.
TPP-11, now known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, or the CPTPP, was signed last week by the 11 remaining nations involved in the agreement. Tillerson made the comments last week after the signing of the agreement that President Donald Trump removed the U.S. from upon taking office.
Politico reports that Tillerson did not mention Trump’s recent comments on the deal which indicated Trump was willing to rejoin the agreement, if it was deemed fair for the United States. Tillerson said specifically that the U.S. “looks forward to engaging” the trade deal’s members regarding fair trade.
The CPTPP will enter into force 60 days after six of the 11 countries ratify the deal, which is expected early next year.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.