"If we are exempted, then we are willing to engage in talks and see how we can facilitate trade relations," said Malmstrom. But asked if she thought the EU's gesture to the US was acceptable to Washington, Malmstrom answered: "I think they don't think it's enough." Today is a moment of truth for the EU," said French trade minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne as he arrived for the talks. EU trade ministers will discuss a plan laid out by EU leaders at a summit last week for a limited EU-US trade deal as well as opening up the European market to US natural gas -- if the exemption is granted. - 'Limited' deal -Any attempt to negotiate a trade deal, no matter how small, requires a mandate from member states, which the ministers are expected to discuss over lunch on Tuesday.

Source: Bangkok Post May 22, 2018 09:22 UTC