As time runs out to secure some kind of agreement, major differences remain between the three members of the North American Free Trade Agreement after more than eight months of negotiations.

“I think we will be finding out through the day and tomorrow … if we really have what it takes to be able to land these things in the short run. We are finding out that possibility,” Guajardo told Reuters news agency.

A source close to the talks said U.S. officials have told Canada and Mexico that May 17 or 18 is the deadline for a deal that could be dealt with by the current U.S. Congress. A second source confirmed that those dates had been discussed.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer wants a quick deal to avoid running into complications caused by a Mexican presidential election on July 1 and U.S. midterm elections to Congress in November.

Guajardo, speaking outside Lighthizer’s offices, said he had the commitment “to try to really get a solution” from the talks.

Mexico has launched a counterproposal to U.S. demands to toughen automotive industry content rules and boost wages. U.S. President Donald Trump blames cheaper wages in Mexico for manufacturing job losses in the United States.

Many other major issues crucial to a deal are still unresolved, including U.S. demands for a five-year sunset clause, and elimination of settlement panels for trade disputes.

“It’s not only the autos. You cannot think that in a process of negotiations we’re going to solve one item without reviewing the overall balance of the agreement,” he said. “We’re going over all the items. It’s very important to stress that.”

Source: Reuters news agency