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Phl reaffirms commitment to join CPTPP, eyes midyear accession
19-May-2025 Daily Tribune
The Philippines, through its Department of Trade and Industry, has reaffirmed its commitment to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) by the first half of the year.
Indonesia to evaluate CEPA with Australia: Minister Hartarto
19-May-2025 Antara News
Indonesia is set to evaluate its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Australia, signed in 2020, as part of the mandatory five-year review. The evaluation will focus on adding strategic cooperation in critical minerals, such as lithium and manganese, which are important for Indonesia’s electric vehicle ecosystem.
Vietnam, US promote negotiations on reciprocal trade agreement
18-May-2025 Vietnam+
This was the first in-person negotiation at the ministerial level between the two countries to implement the negotiation of the Vietnam-US Reciprocal Trade Agreement as directed by the high-ranking leaders of both countries.
Kuwait, China’s Hong Kong sign agreement to boost cooperation
18-May-2025 Xinhua
Kuwait and China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region signed an agreement to promote and protect investment.
Hong Kong, Qatar ‘substantially conclude’ investment pact: HKSAR chief
18-May-2025 Gulf News
Hong Kong and Qatar have made significant progress in concluding the negotiations for an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.
General terms for the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Economic Prosperity Deal
16-May-2025 UK Government
This document serves to define the general terms for the US-UK trade deal.
Russian-backed union free trade deal with Iran goes into effect
16-May-2025 Reuters
The Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union free trade deal with Iran went into effect on Thursday, paving the way for increased trade across sectors ranging from agriculture to metals.
EU ministers aim far higher than British-US trade deal
16-May-2025 Reuters
European Union trade ministers want a more ambitious trade deal than Britain has agreed with the United States.
UAE-Jordan Cepa to come into effect on Thursday
15-May-2025 The National
The comprehensive economic partnership agreement between the UAE and Jordan will come into effect on Thursday, with the deal expected to boost bilateral trade between the nations to more than $8 billion by 2032.
Thailand, Bangladesh to launch formal FTA talks by year-end
15-May-2025 TBS News
Thailand and Bangladesh to launch formal FTA talks by the end of 2025, aiming to boost trade ties and expand export opportunities between the two nations.
Chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef not crucial to UK trade deal, US suggests
14-May-2025 The Guardian
US agriculture secretary says country is moving away from both methods of production, illegal in UK and EU.
EU faces growing pressure to review agreement with Israel as Gaza aid blockade tightens
14-May-2025 The National
Ireland has increased pressure on the EU to review the human rights clause of its association agreement with Israel following a famine alert in Gaza.
Belgian government parties agree on joint Gaza resolution
14-May-2025 Belga
The majority parties in the Belgian government agreed on a joint motion for a resolution and call to ’critically reassess’ cooperation with Israel on the basis of a formal review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
US-UK trade deal imposes conditions on ownership of British steel plants
14-May-2025 The Guardian
Trump administration understood to have pushed for requirements to be attached to deal in effort to freeze out Chinese steel.
Sweden to propose EU membership of Pacific rim free trade group CPTPP
14-May-2025 Reuters
Sweden said it would propose that the European Union join a Pacific rim-based trading group with the aim of forming the world’s biggest free trade area to help counter the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
EU eyes enhanced free trade with PH
14-May-2025 Manila Standard
The European Union aims to establish a FTA with the Philippines that includes a dedicated digital trade chapter to support the country’s growing e-commerce sector. The agreement will also emphasize sustainability and green investments, aligning with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.
Trump blinked in trade war with China. Can South-east Asia get a break, too?
14-May-2025 The Straits Times
US President Donald Trump significantly reduced tariffs on Chinese goods signaling a shift toward renewed trade negotiations with China. While some ASEAN nations are engaging in negotiations and considering concessions, uncertainty remains over the US’s long-term trade strategy and its pressure to limit economic ties with China.
Indonesia committed to promoting ATIGA Upgrade
14-May-2025 Vietnam Plus
Indonesia’s Deputy Trade Minister highlighted the new chapters on environment, circular economy, and MSMEs on the ATIGA Upgrade. Negotiations are nearly complete and aim to finish by September for signing at the 47th ASEAN Summit.
Thailand, Bangladesh to launch formal FTA talks by year-end
13-May-2025 The Business Standard
Bangladesh is currently Thailand’s second-largest trading partner in South Asia. In 2024, the bilateral trade value between the two countries reached USD 1.13 billion, with Thailand exporting USD 1.04 billion worth of goods to Bangladesh.
Trump’s trade war pushes EU toward Pacific free traders
13-May-2025 Politico
US President Donald Trump has two gigantic trade blocs in Europe and the Pacific now eyeing each other and considering a previously far-fetched idea.