16 Asia-Pacific nations fail to seal RCEP trade deal

India blocks agreement; talks pushed to next year in blow for trade-war-weary China

20191104 RCEP FAIL

The RCEP talks are expected to continue next year, but some political analysts and economists fear it may be difficult to regain momentum. © Reuters

MASAYUKI YUDA and KIRAN SHARMA, Nikkei staff writers

BANGKOK -- Sixteen Asia-Pacific countries, including China, India and Japan, on Monday gave up on sealing a historic trade pact this year.

The decision is seen as another blow to governments that favor free trade and a setback for Beijing in particular, as it was eager to expand its partnerships amid soaring tensions with the U.S.

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