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Indonesia welcomes WTO ruling on EU curbs on palm oil biofuel
21-Jan-2025 Antara News
Indonesia won a WTO case against the EU regarding discriminatory biofuel regulations. The WTO ruled that the EU unfairly treated Indonesian palm oil-based biofuel, which the EU had deemed unsustainable due to deforestation concerns. This ruling is expected to impact the EU’s anti-deforestation regulation (EUDR) and potentially speed up trade negotiations between Indonesia and the EU.
Malaysia, EU resume negotiations for landmark free trade deal
21-Jan-2025 The Star
Malaysia and the EU have resumed negotiations for a free trade agreement (MEUFTA). This renewed effort aims to strengthen economic ties, boost Malaysian exports (especially in electronics, palm oil, and scientific equipment), and attract EU investment in sectors like green energy and advanced manufacturing.
Nigeria’s first AfCFTA shipment arrives in Kenya
20-Jan-2025 Punch
Nigeria’s first shipment under the African Continental Free Trade Area has arrived at Mombasa Port, Kenya.
GCC eyes free trade agreement with India in 2025: Key developments at Kochi dialogue
20-Jan-2025 News of Bahrain
The Gulf Cooperation Council is set to initiate long-awaited free trade negotiations with India this year, according to its Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi.
Sri Lanka Singapore Free Trade Agreement implementation in limbo
20-Jan-2025 economynext
Import tax reductions for the people of Sri Lanka under a free trade agreement with Singapore has been halted, suspending the implementation of the deal.
Thailand and Saudi Arabia deepen trade ties, explore free trade pact
20-Jan-2025 The Nation
Thailand and Saudi Arabia have made significant strides in strengthening their bilateral trade relations, with both countries exploring opportunities to further enhance economic cooperation.
Turkey seeks free trade deal with Syria amid criticism over skyrocketing import tariffs
20-Jan-2025 Turkish Minute
Turkey’s Trade Ministry said that the country is pursuing a free trade agreement with Syria amid mounting criticism over the Syrian government’s recent decision to standardize tariffs.
EAEU finalizes procedures necessary for FTA with Iran to enter into force
20-Jan-2025 BelTA
The countries of the Eurasian Economic Union have completed the procedures necessary for the entry into force of the free trade agreement with Iran.
Kwara garment to leverage African free trade agreement
20-Jan-2025 Business Day
Kwara Garment Factory in Nigeria plans are underway to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, and explore export opportunities across Africa.
Norway, EFTA want comprehensive, modern FTA with Vietnam
20-Jan-2025 Tuoi Tre News
The Norwegian Parliament has expressed positive signals regarding the long-awaited free trade agreement under negotiation since 2012 between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association, which includes Norway.
UK’s Starmer wants speedy Donald Trump trade talks
20-Jan-2025 Politico
The prime minister wants talks with the new US president’s team to start in the weeks ahead.
Nationality to take over ideology in MEP debate on Mercosur
20-Jan-2025 Euractiv
The agricultural issue once again exposed sharp divisions within political groups in the European Parliament, as EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič faced his first grilling over the EU-Mercosur trade deal since its signing in December.
ASEAN and Canada accelerate FTA talks, aim to conclude by late 2025
20-Jan-2025 The Nation Thailand
The 11th round of ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) negotiations took place in Bangkok from January 15-17. Discussions focused on various sectors, including sanitary measures, trade barriers, services, investment, and intellectual property.
FTA with European Free Trade Association to be signed at WEF meet
20-Jan-2025 The Nation Thailand
Thailand will sign a free-trade agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The agreement, approved by the Thai Cabinet, covers trade with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Changes sought by Oman after FTA talks minimal: Official
20-Jan-2025 Financial Express
Oman has requested a review of some concessions made during free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with India, causing a delay in the pact’s signing. While negotiations concluded in March 2024, Oman’s request, focusing on areas like cigarettes and liquor (of minimal interest to India), has prompted further discussions.
India, EU lay roadmap to strengthen trade and investment
20-Jan-2025 Live Mint
Indian Commerce Minister and European Trade Commissioner met to discuss expediting the India-EU FTA, signals a renewed push to advance negotiations on the India-EU FTA, a pact that has faced hurdles over the years due to differences on issues such as market access, tariff reductions and regulatory alignment.
Sri Lanka and China agree to fast track delayed FTA negotiations
20-Jan-2025 Economy Next
Sri Lanka and China have agreed to resume efforts to finalize a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) after a six-year delay due to disagreements over tariff timelines, the percentage of tariff lines, and review periods.
PH-EU trade talks to resume February
20-Jan-2025 Manila Times
The European Union (EU) and the Philippines will resume free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations in Manila next month, following an initial round in October 2024. Negotiations, paused in 2017 due to EU concerns over human rights, are targeted for completion by 2026.
EU and Mexico seal updated trade deal
18-Jan-2025 Euractiv
The EU has concluded negotiations with Mexico on an updated trade agreement, the European Commission announced in a press release.
Neocolonial EU-MERCOSUR trade deal is a blow to the climate, human rights
17-Jan-2025 Green Left
The deal reinforces the same pattern seen since the initial colonisation of Latin America, which is the pillaging of primary resources by mostly foreign interests that are then converted into higher-value industrial products to be sold for a monumental profit.