:: 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


Anniversary of the Seattle WTO protests
Today I noticed an article about an "American" company that is suing Canada for an alleged World Trade Organization (WTO) violation.
Key Republican wants Obama to "go big" on trade deals in second term
A senior Republican U.S. lawmaker on Friday urged President Barack Obama to "go big" and "go smart" in pursuit of new trade agreements in his second term in office.
Fact Check: Has Obama 'not signed one new free-trade agreement'?
Mitt Romney stated Monday that US President Barack Obama "has not signed one new free-trade agreement in the past four years." "I'll reverse that failure," the Republican presidential nominee said. But is his assertion true?
Free trade agreements roil global auto manufacturers
When I was in South Korea for five days last month, I noticed that very few European and American cars were on the road in Seoul and Keosu.
Video documentary: Global crises, regional solutions
In this video, activists from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe argue that regional integration is the only viable response to the current economic, climate, food and energy crises.
Ford upset EU wants Japan free-trade talks
Ford Motor Co. on Wednesday was the first automaker to voice displeasure after the European Union announced it wants to start free-trade negotiations with Japan.
Analysis: Carmakers dampen EU's free-trade drive
There is barely a corner of the world where the negotiators from the European Union - the largest trading bloc - are not trying to deepen trade ties, and talks with 80 countries are under way, from Canada to Cape Verde.
Kirk looks at future of US-EU trade relations
After, earlier this month, the European Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht had foreseen the possibility of a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) between the United States and the European Union in 2014, the US Trade Representative Ron Kirk provided his view on US-EU trade policy during a recent speech in London.
United States to resume bilateral investment treaty negotiations on the basis of a revised model treaty
The United States appears poised to begin or resume the negotiation of bilateral investment treaties with a number of countries, including the so-called "BRIC" countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China).
Business calls for US-Brazil trade treaty
On the occasion of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff's visit to the United States on April 9, the US Chamber of Commerce (USCC) President and CEO Thomas Donohue called on the two countries to begin discussions on a comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).