A major U.S. newspaper says ratification of the free trade agreement between Korea and the U.S. is unlikely any time soon despite renewed hopes from U.S. President Barack Obama's recent trip to Seoul.

The Los Angeles Times said Saturday that Obama in Seoul pledged to move the agreement forward, but offered no timetable for ratification. The report added President Lee Myung-bak has expressed willingness to reopen talks on the auto sector, but Korean officials have since backed away.

In Michigan, Ohio and other big industrial states, American politicians face a strong backlash against trade accords, deals which are seen as symbols of the problems afflicting U.S. manufacturing.

The Times says it is difficult for Obama to push the agreement forward because of the risk of alienating unions and Democratic lawmakers, in addition to the attention on his healthcare bill.