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The European Union and the USA will soon begin formal talks a free trade agreement, paving the way the biggest trade deal history. two trading blocs currently account around half the world's economic output. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said discussions could start the end June. The talks will involve rounds negotiations the many sticking points the two economic powerhouses. Europe is likely to want greater access to many key American industries such as telecommunications and transport. The USA forbids foreign ownership these. The USA will want more involvement European agriculture, which may not please EU farmers.

EU-US trade is presently worth €455 billion / $613 billion a year. Estimates are that a trade deal could boost their annual GDP 0.5%. Mr Barroso said: "A future deal between the world's two most important economic powers will be a game-changer, giving a strong boost our economies both sides the Atlantic." He added: "These negotiations will set a standard… the development global trade rules." US President Barack Obama was equally enthusiastic a deal, which he spoke in his State of the Union address the US Congress Tuesday. He said an agreement would, "boost American exports, support American jobs and level the playing field the growing markets Asia".