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Thank you Donald Trump, again. India now has reason to shed fear of trade deals and risky reform
12-Jan-2026     The Print
Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies inadvertently forced India to undertake long-overdue economic reforms, reviving labor laws, dismantling protective non-tariff barriers, and securing key trade deals. While acknowledging the threat to low-wage jobs, it urges India to remain pragmatic—allowing limited U.S. corn imports, for example—without bowing to pressure, using the crisis as a rare chance to transform its economy.
Pakistan and Indonesia strengthen trade ties through new agreement
12-Jan-2026     Daily Times
Pakistan and Indonesia have agreed to deepen their economic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Indonesia–Pakistan Joint Trade Committee, aiming to enhance dialogue and facilitate bilateral cooperation.
India, Chile in final stages of social security pact; CEPA talks at advanced stage
12-Jan-2026     Tribune India
India and Chile are in the final stages of negotiating a social security agreement aimed at facilitating investments and the movement of professionals between the two countries.
Council rejects bid to stop provisional Mercosur deal
9-Jan-2026     Euractiv
The Council presidency has killed a last-ditch effort from countries opposing the trade deal with Mercosur to prevent the agreement from kicking in provisionally before the entire ratification process is completed in Brussels.
No call from PM Modi to Trump blocked India-US trade deal, US commerce secy says
9-Jan-2026     The Economic Times
The India–US trade deal has not been finalised because Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not call Donald Trump, claimed US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
France, Germany, Poland push for swift EU-India free trade deal
9-Jan-2026     Khmer Times
France, Germany, and Poland called for the swift signing of a free trade deal between the EU and India, describing it as a “decisive step” in relations, the French foreign minister said.
Marcos to visit UAE on January 12 to sign historic trade deal
9-Jan-2026     Philstar
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will travel to the United Arab Emirates on January 12 for his first foreign trip of 2026, where he is expected to witness the signing of new trade and defense deals with the Middle Eastern country.
Johari to review Malaysia’s trade agreements
9-Jan-2026     Free Malaysia Today
Investment, trade and industry minister Johari Ghani will be reviewing Malaysia’s 17 free trade agreements (FTAs) to ensure that the existing deals deliver stronger results. Johari said the FTAs comprised nine multilateral and regional agreements and eight bilateral agreements, including with Turkey.
Bangladesh aims to finalise FTA with Malaysia in 2026
9-Jan-2026     Bernama
Bangladesh aims to expand trade and investment cooperation with Malaysia, with finalising the long-discussed Free Trade Agreement as its top priority this year.
Angry French farmers defy ban and block Paris streets over Mercosur deal
8-Jan-2026     RFI
French farmers defied a government ban, blockading roads into Paris and several of the city’s landmarks to protest against the Mercosur trade deal the European Union is expected to sign on Friday with South American nations.