:: Across the board ::


This section contains news and analysis of sweeping developments that affect the overall push and pull towards FTAs and bilateral investment treaties. This means major trends relating to bilateralism, often with global consequences, and other cross-cutting issues. New developments arising from US politics, the WTO or South-South alliance-building, for instance, are often reported here as they tend to have systemic impacts.

last update: May 2012


Pacific Alliance, associate members kick off free trade negotiations
The talks aim to confirm Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Singapore’s status of “associate members” to the Latin American trading coalition.
Trade for the people
"Trade for the People" briefly covers how the new FTAs, such as the TPP, the RCEP and the EPAs in Africa continue to threaten people's rights.
Responsible investment provisions in international investment treaties: where next?
How international investment treaties could promote more responsible investment and argues that, while some innovative practices are emerging, there is still much to do.
Shrinking transparency in the NAFTA and RCEP negotiations
Provisions on digital trade are quietly being squared away in both of the two major trade negotiations currently underway—the North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiation and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership trade talks.
September 10, the International Day of Action against WTO and FTAs
Today, La Via Campesina is calling upon social movements and civil society organisations of the world to mobilise and organise our resistances against the World Trade Organisation and free trade agreements, build solidarity alliances and prepare for a worldwide week of action in December, coinciding with the 11th WTO ministerial that is scheduled to take place in Argentina.
‘This deal will make me look terrible’: Full transcripts of Trump’s calls with Mexico and Australia
Transcripts of two conversations President Trump had with foreign leaders: one with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and another with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
ANALYSIS--Europe seeks to set global trade rules after Trump steps back
The EU now has much of Asia and Latin America in its sights for trade treaties, while a far-reaching pact with Canada will already enter force in September.
Bilateral agreements: Where’s the US?
National Pork Producers have let the administration know that the U.S. should focus on the Asian-Pacific area, starting with Japan.
Australia, New Zealand launch trade negotiations with Pacific Alliance
Australia and New Zealand each announced the start of free trade agreement negotiations with the Pacific Alliance trade bloc.
Pacific Alliance to admit new associate members to expand trade reach
The alliance, which comprises Colombia, Chile, Mexico and Peru, will admit Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Canada as associate members in a first step to broadening the reach of its trade flows and investments.