The East African Community bloc is likely to delay signing a new trade deal with the European Union because fresh issues have been introduced in the negotiations, Tanzania’s trade minister said.

The five bloc members, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, are among nearly 80 countries of the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific group in talks on a new pact with the EU.

The Economic Partnership Agreement is meant to replace current preferential arrangements that have been struck down by the World Trade Organisation.

"Negotiations on the EPAs were meant to conclude on July 31, but that will not be achieved because of EU introducing other voluntary trade-related issues," Mary Nagu said in her ministry’s budget presentation, published on Wednesday.

She said the issues included government procurement, environment and sustainable development.