:: 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

ANALYSIS--Europe seeks to set global trade rules after Trump steps back

27-Jul-2017 Reuters

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?

7-Jul-2017 Farm Journal's Pork

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

3-Jul-2017 Reuters

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

30-Jun-2017 Reuters

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.

Trade politics in flux: what social movement responses?

29-Jun-2017 bilaterals.org

Instead of settling for more “inclusive” brands of capitalism, we ought to reclaim and build a clear and radical political and economic vision.

Ten principles for trade

12-Jun-2017 Greenpeace

The current global trade and investment regime imposes high social and environmental costs on people and planet.

Towards a people’s charter on trade

6-Jun-2017 Aliran

Free trade agreements have been the battering rams that have been used by the political elite of advanced countries to create a lop-sided economy that favours billionaires.

BRICS in Africa: more of the same? Pacs’ study compares investment treaties between the BRICS and African countries

19-May-2017 PACS

The BRICS Group was born in the century XXI with renewed expectations of changes in the world order through greater participation of the Global South. However, what we have witnessed so far is the consolidation of a new/old unequal world order.

US officials eye next steps on trade with Europe, Japan, NAFTA partners

28-Apr-2017 ICTSD

The past weeks have seen a flurry of trade activity in Washington and beyond, including a trip by US Vice President Mike Pence to Asia; meetings between top American and European trade officials; and an escalation in the US-Canada row over softwood lumber that could have implications for broader trade talks.

Byzantine bilateralism

7-Apr-2017 World Policy Blog

Bilateral commercial negotiations can enable strong countries to dominate weaker ones.

:: Across the board ::

Referenced sites

21st Century Trade Agreements: Implications for Long-Run Development Policy

#A18DoA - Global day of action to defeat free trade and investment treaties

Alianza Social Continental

ICC

Movimientos.org

Pambazuka

People over profit

Peoples Global Action

Regional/Multilateral Integration Agreements

SOMO

South Centre

Stop fast track!

ISDS Case Map