ISDS Case Map
automobiles
Pressure is mounting on South Korea to open several of its markets to the US as free trade negotiations between the two nations are nearing an end.
More than a dozen farm groups are lobbying the US administration in Korea this week to ensure it only concludes a deal that significantly increases US agriculture exports. But agriculture's interests are somewhat complicated by those of the auto industry, which has warned it could oppose the deal unless it ensures that US exports to Korea will increase. Still, some sources say that support from agriculture could trump opposition from the auto industry if a deal is reached.
Chief trade negotiators from South Korea and the United States are set to meet in Washington on March 19-21 to settle their differences over sensitive issues as they are eager to conclude a free trade deal by the end of this month.
The pending Thai-Japanese free trade agreement will become a catalyst for Thailand's steel industry to deal with heavier competition, according to local experts.
South Korean officials expressed "regret" Sunday over US lawmakers' demands that South Korea further open its auto market as part of a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) with the world's largest economy.
A free trade agreement between Japan and Thailand could damage the attractiveness of the kingdom as an investment destination for high-technology auto-parts manufacturers from Japan with the introduction of a zero import-tariff rate, according to the Thai Auto-parts Manufacturers Association (Tapma).
The push for a US-Korea Free Trade Agreement, already under fire in South Korea, is being viewed skeptically by US manufacturers, especially carmakers, according to industry and congressional officials.
Pakistan asked Japan to strike Free Trade Agreement (FTA) otherwise the import of auto parts and machinery from Japan will suffer in the wake of FTA with China, Humayun Akhter Khan, Commerce Minister said Monday.
India seems close to crossing another milestone on its journey towards becoming the world's small car manufacturing hub. Made-in-India small cars in this case, to be defined as powered by a heart smaller than 1300cc is soon expected to get an easier passage into Sri Lanka, under an expanded free trade agreement (FTA).
US Trade Representative Susan Schwab recently had told a radio broadcasting company in California that the US will not continue its FTA talks if Korea does not remove trade barriers in the automobile sector.
