IPEF trade talks stall over cross-border data flows, labor rules

U.S. political tide turns against compromise on worker protections

Negotiators for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework discuss trade rules in San Francisco. © Kyodo

SHUNSUKE USHIGOME, Nikkei staff writer

November 15, 2023 02:21 JST

SAN FRANCISCO -- Negotiators for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework failed to reach a deal on trade on the first day of ministerial-level talks as they remained at odds over cross-border data transfers and labor protections.

Cabinet officials from the 14 IPEF members kicked off the two-day meeting here Monday. A deal for the supply chain portion was reached in May, and the goal was to conclude talks on the other three areas of trade, clean energy and anti-corruption.