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The promise of EU-India FTA for Indian patients: A case for price regulation
24-Feb-2026     The Economic Times
The EU-India FTA promises cheaper drugs and medical devices, but India's regulatory framework may hinder patient benefits. Current pricing mechanisms, including market-based ceiling prices and loopholes for fixed-dose combinations, prevent cost reductions from reflecting in retail prices. An urgent overhaul of drug pricing and an independent regulator for procedures are needed to ensure affordability and realize the FTA's full potential.
Thailand braces for Trump tariffs, steps up US talks and FTAs
24-Feb-2026     The Nation Thailand
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump’s retaliatory tariffs in February 2026, prompting a new 10% global tariff (effective Feb 24) and an immediate 15% rate. Thailand expects benefits short-term as effective U.S. tariffs on its exports drop below 10%, boosting competitiveness. Thai government is accelerating trade deals and investment drives to turn global trade uncertainty into strategic growth.
Philippines, Canada to hold free trade talks in April
24-Feb-2026     Manila Bulletin
The Philippines and Canada will hold the second round of talks for a free trade agreement (FTA) in April following the launch of negotiations for the historic trade pact last week.
Trade deal binds Dhaka to US tech orbit
24-Feb-2026     The Daily Star
Digital trade rules embedded in Bangladesh’s new agreement with the US may deprive Bangladesh of tax revenues and also limit the expansion of digital economy, say experts.
ASEAN–Canada Free Trade Deal gathers pace, targeting 2026 finish
24-Feb-2026     Pattaya Mail
ASEAN and Canada have accelerated negotiations on the proposed ASEAN–Canada Free Trade Agreement, aiming to complete it by 2026.
S. Korea, Brazil agree to form strategic partnership, seek breakthrough on Mercosur deal
24-Feb-2026     KBS
South Korea and Brazil agreed to elevate ties between the two countries to a strategic partnership and adopted a four-year action plan for its implementation.
Critics warn US–Indonesia trade deal could undermine renewable energy push
24-Feb-2026     Tanah Air
A new trade agreement between Indonesia and the United States has sparked sharp criticism from climate advocates, who warn that a commitment to purchase up to USD 15 billion worth of American fossil fuels could undermine Indonesia’s renewable energy transition
S. Korea wins lawsuit seeking to revoke arbitration ruling in Elliott case
23-Feb-2026     Yonhap
South Korea has won a case filed at a British court seeking to reverse an international tribunal court's order to pay more than US$100 million in damages to the US hedge fund Elliott Investment Management.
They did deals with Trump to get lower tariffs. Now they are stuck.
23-Feb-2026     The New York Times
Countries that under the threat of tariffs made commitments like enormous investment pledges face the reality that they might have been better off waiting.
‘Premature’: Huge call on EU trade deal
23-Feb-2026     Yahoo
The EU’s top diplomat in Australia has dashed hopes an elusive free-trade deal will be clinched this month, saying talk of bloc’s president visiting is “absolutely premature”.