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Amid US tariff chaos, France convenes Mercosur meeting with EU partners
4-Apr-2025 Reuters
The meeting brought together France and other countries that had led opposition to the EU’s possible trade deal with Latin America’s Mercosur.
United States seeks Mexico’s review of alleged denial of workers’ rights at Aludyne Automotive Mexico City, S.A. de C.V.
4-Apr-2025 Office of the USTR
The US has invoked the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to review whether workers at Aludyne Automotive Mexico City are being denied the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Mexico’s trade negotiator says USMCA discussions may be sped up
4-Apr-2025 Financial Post
Discussions over the future of the North American free trade pact could be pushed earlier than originally planned, said one of Mexico’s top trade negotiators.
Steep US tariffs on Africa signal end of trade deal meant to boost development
4-Apr-2025 Reuters
The US government’s imposition of steep tariffs on African nations signals the end of the AGOA trade deal.
Thailand, Bhutan formally endorse trade agreement
4-Apr-2025 Bangkok Post
Thailand and Bhutan officially signed a free trade agreement, aimed at enhancing trade relations between the two countries.
‘BIMSTEC among least integrated trade regions’: Bhutan calls for early conclusion of FTA
4-Apr-2025 The Print
Bhutan’s foreign minister highlighted the urgent need for an FTA at the 3rd BIMSTEC Dialogue in Bangkok, hours before Trump announced new US tariffs.
Israeli developer accuses Cyprus of political persecution in landmark lawsuit
4-Apr-2025 Ynetnews
The lawsuit, filed against the Republic of Cyprus, is based on a 1998 bilateral investment treaty between Cyprus and Israel.
EFTA–Moldova Free Trade Agreement takes effect for all parties
4-Apr-2025 SeeNews
The EFTA–Moldova Free Trade Agreement came into force for all parties on April 1, following the completion of the necessary internal procedures by Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the European Free Trade Association said.
South Africa seeks new US trade deal after tariff hike, says presidency
4-Apr-2025 Reuters
South Africa’s presidency said that the new US tariffs underscore the need to negotiate a new bilateral trade deal with Washington to ensure long-term trade certainty.
Dhaka urges BIMSTEC members to finalise trade agreements
3-Apr-2025 Risingbd
Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin urged all the BIMSTEC member states to extend their full cooperation to ensure timely finalization of six fundamental agreements on trade.
UAE to raise investments in Costa Rica, Mauritius as free trade deals come into force
3-Apr-2025 Economy Middle East
The CEPAs are expected to enhance the UAE’s connectivity to centers of growth in Central America and Africa.
Estonia wins 30-year-long Seaplane Harbor ownership dispute tribunal
3-Apr-2025 ERR
An international arbitration tribunal has ruled that Estonia acted lawfully in restoring ownership of the Seaplane Harbor (Lennusadam) and ending a 30-year dispute.
Uzbekistan ratifies three international agreements to boost economic cooperation
2-Apr-2025 Daryo
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved the ratification of the bilateral investment treaty between Uzbekistan and India.
A trade deal with Trump: Why we need to reject the Big Tech wishlist
2-Apr-2025 Global Justice Now
Days before Donald Trump’s second inauguration, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that he wanted to start negotiations on a trade deal with the United States as soon as possible.
Argentina pursues trade deal in Washington as Trump tariffs loom
2-Apr-2025 Reuters
Argentina’s foreign minister will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a trip aimed at laying the initial groundwork for a trade deal between the two nations.
Critical minerals, Antarctica focus of India- Chile talks on economic partnership
2-Apr-2025 Mint
India and Chile will soon begin talks on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement focusing on a wide range of sectors like critical minerals, Antarctica and digital public infrastructure.
Conflicts of interest and sovereignty at stake: The Ecuador-Canada FTA
2-Apr-2025 CEPR
Ecuador’s free trade agreement with Canada presents a glaring conflict of interest for President Noboa, whose family, one of Ecuador’s wealthiest, has a sizable financial stake in a Canada-based mining company.
First Quantum to discontinue two Cobre Panama arbitration proceedings
2-Apr-2025 Reuters
First Quantum Minerals said it had agreed to discontinue two arbitration proceedings related to its Cobre Panama copper mine.
Investment treaties: Protecting transition investments, but are they just?
1-Apr-2025 Business Human Rights Journal
The urgent demand for critical minerals has led to the expansion of mining operations, often accompanied by significant human rights and environmental abuses that cause social unrest and spark disputes between states and foreign investors.
bilaterals.org podcast: April 2025
1-Apr-2025
This month’s episode analyses the impact of Trump’s return on the free trade regime.