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Small countries sit at nexus of tariff trade-offs
In response to Trump’s moves, Australian Prime Minister’s government is now trying to revive a free-trade agreement with the European Union and woo countries from Indonesia to India to the United Arab Emirates.
Xi makes a case for free trade as he tours Southeast Asia
China’s Xi is making the case for free trade as he tours Southeast Asia this week, presenting China as a source of “stability and certainty.”
UK-US agreement may be 'in the foothills' but to call it a 'trade deal' would be misleading
But to call it a 'trade deal' with the UK would be misleading. It's an 'economic deal' to reduce the tariffs. It is, however, a large step forward for the UK, which has been trying to engage America in closer trade alignment since Brexit.
Chile advances toward a trade agreement with UAE
Chile is making progress on a trade deal with the UAE which seeks to strengthen bilateral trade by reducing or eliminating tariffs on Chilean products.
Council moves one step closer to concluding the Digital Trade Agreement with Singapore
The Council adopted the decision on the signature of the Digital Trade Agreement with Singapore. It also preliminarily backed the decision on the conclusion of the agreement, pending the European Parliament’s consent.
Minister Bessant said, "Korea, Japan, the UK, India, and Australia are negotiated first"
Minister Bessant said, "The country that agrees first is advantageous," and "Trump directly participates in the most important trading partners. Korea, Japan, the UK, India, and Australia are negotiated first."
Trade woes put cracks in France’s opposition to EU-Mercosur deal
Farmers in France should focus on “improving quality” instead of trying to outcompete Brazilian cattle farmers, said a French senior official.
Energy Charter Treaty irrelevant to Africa
The Energy Charter Treaty not only locks countries into outdated fossil fuel investments but also hampers their ability to pursue sustainable, climate-friendly energy policies.
Why NZ wants Europe in a coalition of the willing traders
New Zealand Prime Minister is positioning the CPTPP trade deal as a key foreign policy tool to strengthen free trade amid global tariff tensions, particularly by fostering closer cooperation between CPTPP members and the European Union. While full EU membership in the CPTPP faces challenges, including differing economic models and complex ratification processes, there is growing support for deeper collaboration to uphold rules-based trade and counter protectionism.
France reaffirms backing EU-PH FTA
Visiting French Minister Laurent Saint-Martin reaffirmed France’s support for the EU-Philippines free trade agreement amid global trade tensions, emphasizing cooperation and economic growth. During his visit, several agreements were signed to strengthen partnerships highlighting the Philippines’ growing importance in the Indo-Pacific region and France’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties.