Former negotiator says digital issues will remain a sticking point in U.S. trade talks.

Global News, National Observer, CTV News + 1 more · Canada

20 Oct 20264 outlets

What it means

This refers to ongoing U.S. trade negotiations — most likely the US-India trade deal that has been in its final stages — where unresolved digital-economy issues (cross-border data flows, data localization, digital services taxes, and e-commerce rules) remain a sticking point, according to a former trade negotiator. The point is that these digital provisions could hold up or complicate a broader agreement even as other terms near completion.

Accuracy & sourcesSourced

The claim is a report of a named former negotiator's assessment, carried by a reputable secondary outlet, so it is solid as a reflection of that expert's stated view. It is not a direct statement from either government or from the negotiations themselves, so its weight rests on the credibility of the source's remarks.

How new

Genuinely new — no recirculation year is given, and this reflects current reporting on the talks.

Past coverage

We covered the US-India trade deal nearing final terms on 2026-07-07, noting that sticking points remained; this item suggests