The US cannot afford to stand in the way of a mammoth 12-nation Pacific free trade pact, the federal government says.
There are concerns that US President Barack Obama will face a tough legislative hurdle at home to realise the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement which covers 40 per cent of the world's economy.
White House hopeful and Democrat frontrunner Hillary Clinton says she opposes the deal, which has also been criticised by Republicans in the presidential primary race.
Trade Minister Robb says political issues will normally heat up amid a race to the White House.
But the benefits of the deal were too large that no member country could afford to scuttle it.
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"I don't think any president or any congress will stand in the way when push comes to shove," he told reporters in Manila on Sunday night.
Mr Robb believes Mrs Clinton has not finalised her position because her language included qualifications on her opposition.
"But I do feel we are at a critical stage for nominations for president so there's a lot of politicking going on."
The minister is confident the US will be the first to sign the TPP once campaigns are wrapped up.
It was important to consider the deal in the "clear light", he said.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will meet Mr Obama and 10 other leaders of the TPP nations on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Manila from Tuesday.
"We are trying to get ready for it to be signed - the politics comes later," Mr Robb said. AAP ry/ern
