New Zealand continues its push for the Trans-Pacific Partnership without the United States. New Zealand this week completed its ratification process, approving of the final agreement. Although, the future is uncertain for the trade deal given President Donald Trump removed the U.S. from the agreement earlier this year. Despite that, A New Zealand trade official says ratifying TPP “sends a clear message that we see value in a common set of high-quality rules across the Asia-Pacific and we are keeping all of our options open,” according to Politico. The trade official says: “We are still actively exploring alternative options for TPP and expect other TPP partners to also ratify in the coming months.” Trade talks between the 11 other TPP member nations have been ongoing this spring to decide the fate of TPP without the United States, but little movement has yet to surface.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.