Lighthizer: Gerrish to study Asia-Pacific bilateral targets; Philippines a 'reasonable' first step

The Philippines would be a “reasonable” initial target for a free trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific region, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Wednesday, adding that he has tasked a new deputy USTR to study which other countries should be approached for bilateral talks. Testifying before the House Ways & Means Committee, Lighthizer was asked by Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) about possible bilateral trade agreements with the Philippines and Vietnam. President Trump has said he hopes to sign bilateral...