<h1>Negotiators Report Major Progress on Tariffs Ahead of Technical Delegation Visit as Talks Aim for December Finish</h1> The two parties report substantial progress on tariff-related issues in ongoing free trade agreement negotiations, with a technical tariff delegation from one party due to visit the other's capital next week to resolve remaining differences. Talks aim for a December conclusion and cover 23 chapters including goods, services, investment, rules of origin, customs, intellectual property, geographical indications and dispute settlement. Key outstanding commercial requests include substantial tariff reductions on automobiles and medical devices, lower duties on wine, spirits and meats, and stronger IP protections. If concluded, the pact would reduce tariffs, ease trade and investment rules, and increase competitiveness of exporters.