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From the movements

Resisting the weaponization of interdependence

The unilateral actions by Trump in the US have exposed a highly skewed system where powerful economies essentially flex their muscles and weaponize trade instruments like tariffs to suit their own economic and political agendas.

Unpacking the ASEAN–Canada FTA negotiation

The ASEAN-Canada FTA is one of the agreements currently being negotiated that includes an investment protection chapter with an ISDS mechanism. This briefing note summarizes the October 2025 webinar, “Unpacking the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (external link) ”, which examined the impact of ISDS and highlighted Canadian mining practices through emblematic ISDS cases.
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Latest news

Japan signals readiness to review trade pact

The Philippines and Japan are set to review the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) this year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

Korea, ASEAN to kick off negotiations for improving bilateral FTA

Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are set to commence official talks for upgrading their free trade agreement (FTA), as part of the ongoing effort to expand bilateral ties in emerging areas, such as digital economy and critical minerals.

India, US agree on framework for interim trade deal after four days of talks

India and the US have moved closer to sealing an interim trade agreement. By pushing forward under this shadow of economic coercion, Indian negotiators risk locking the country into a submissive, phased agreement that fails to secure concrete immunity from the Trump administration’s erratic and protectionist trade penalties.
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