The latest Nafta talks are nearing conclusion without a majorbreakthrough or agreements on even the least-contentious topics,officials familiar with the negotiations say, fueling doubts amongobservers that a deal can be reached this year.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer is scheduled tospeak publicly alongside Mexican Economy Minister IldefonsoGuajardo and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland Tuesday toconclude the second round of talks toward a new North American FreeTrade Agreement. Their appearance will cap a five-day session inMexico City.

While negotiators have made some progress, they have yet toagree on any major contentious issue and are far from a deal onindividual Nafta chapters, the officials said, asking not to beidentified discussing private matters. On some topics, discussionhas been verbal with no specific text proposals submitted, theysaid.