EU and US still in exploratory talks over trade agreement

The European Union and the United States are still in exploratory talks about how they can pursue a limited trade agreement, with no real negotiations yet started, EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said on Monday.

Malmstrom told reporters on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly that the two sides are looking at facilitating sales of U.S. liquefied natural gas to Europe and reducing regulatory barriers to trade.

"We're still in that exploratory phase. We haven't started any negotiations yet. People are talking to each other and we will have a new meeting in November," Malmstrom said.