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11 nations to sign Pacific trade pact as US plans tariffs

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) - Trade ministers from 11 Pacific Rim countries are set to sign a sweeping agreement to streamline trade and slash tariffs just as U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to formalize new tariffs on aluminum and steel to protect U.S. producers.

The deal to be signed Thursday in the Chilean capital is an outgrowth of the Trans-Pacific Partnership that Trump pulled the U.S. out of last year.

Many feared the agreement would not prosper without its most influential country. But the remaining 11 members pressed ahead, saying it shows resolve against protectionism.

The pact includes Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.

A man shout slogans during a demonstration against the signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, TPP, outside La Moneda presidential palace, in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, March 7, 2018. Protesters voiced their opposition to the signing of the 11-country pact that includes Peru, Mexico, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Brunei and Chile. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix) The Associated Press
A woman places banners on the sidewalk, against the signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, TPP, outside La Moneda presidential palace, in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, March 7, 2018. Protesters voiced their opposition to the signing of the 11-country pact that includes Peru, Mexico, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Brunei and Chile. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix) The Associated Press
A man holds a sign against the signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, TPP, during a demonstration outside La Moneda presidential palace, in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, March 7, 2018. Protesters voiced their opposition to the signing of the 11-country pact that includes Peru, Mexico, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Brunei and Chile. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix) The Associated Press
People take part in a demonstration against the Trans-Pacific Partnership, TPP, outside La Moneda presidential palace, in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, March 7, 2018. Protesters voiced their opposition to the signing of the 11-country pact that includes Peru, Mexico, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Brunei and Chile. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix) The Associated Press
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