WASHINGTON, D.C. (NAFB) – U.S. Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai says any new multilateral Asia Pacific trade deal for the Biden Administration must be bipartisan, while a key bilateral deal with the UK may be complicated by continued turbulence in Northern Ireland.

Tai told the Senate Finance Committee the Transpacific Partnership the last administration withdrew from lacked bipartisan Congressional support, so the Biden White House will not automatically get back in.

Pointing directly at China with its massive subsidies and trade barriers.

Another trade effort with the United Kingdom, is also complicated by regional and political concerns.

Also uncertain, the timing of a Biden nomination of a key post for trade in agriculture.

Tai was even more circumspect on when and if the White House will seek renewal of expiring presidential power to speed trade deals through Congress on up or down votes.

Trade Promotion Authority is seen by other nations as a key indicator of how serious the US is on negotiating trade deals.

Like TPP, Tai said Trade Promotion Authority must have “robust bipartisan support.”