"LAHAINA, Hawaii — Trade ministers from a dozen Pacific Rim nations failed to reach a deal on a new trade agreement that would cover nearly 40 percent of the global economy, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said Friday.

Froman, reading from a statement on behalf of all of the ministers, said the parties made significant progress and agreed to continue their discussions.

The countries haven't yet set a date for future talks. Froman said some issues were bilateral in nature, and some will involve groups."

Audrey McAvoy reports for the Associated Press August 1, 2015. [2]