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Not a border crisis, but a “free trade” crisis
A new report unpacks how decades of corporate-led trade agreements have displaced millions of people, stripping them of their livelihoods and forcing them to migrate to survive.
EU seeks to conclude FTA talks with Philippines before GSP+ expires
The European Union aims to finalize a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Philippines by the end of 2027, ahead of the expiration of the current GSP+ arrangement that grants the Philippines duty-free access to the EU market for over 6,200 products.
South Africa and USA close to making deal
South African Trade Minister Parks Tau said a trade deal with the US was very close, without providing details.
Türkiye, UK complete 2nd round of talks on upgrading FTA
Türkiye and the UK are set to hold a third round of negotiations after the second in September to reach a "next-generation" and comprehensive free trade agreement to replace the existing one since 2021.
Will AfCFTA liberalisation cushion african countries against the end of AGOA?
This blog attempts to shed light on the question of whether the liberalisation of merchandise trade on the African continent – which is the stated goal of the AfCFTA – will help cushion the trade impacts of US tariffs and the end of preferences under AGOA.
COMESA and Kenya launch electronic certificate of origin to drive digital trade integration
The new digital platform streamlines exporter registration and the issuance of Certificates of Origin — documents that are vital for traders seeking preferential access under COMESA, the East African Community (EAC), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Afreximbank, AfCFTA Secretariat roll out digital trade portal in Rwanda
The Afreximbank and the AfCFTA Secretariat have joined forces to roll out the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG), a digital trade platform aiming to help Rwandan businesses identify partners, access financing, complete cross-border payments, and expand into new markets.
Revised EU-Morocco trade agreement: ECVC denounces this agreement which goes against the CJEU ruling and will defend the rights of European and Moroccan peasants in solidarity with the Saharawi people
ECVC denounces the steps taken by the European Commission and Morocco regarding the EU-Morrocco trade agreement, as they try at all costs to save the interests of a minority of transnational corporations and foreign investors at the expense of the Saharawi people and Moroccan and European peasants.
Thai trade negotiators accelerate crucial FTA talks with the EU
The 7th round of Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations in Brussels marked significant progress, with breakthroughs in capital movement, financial services, and market access. Key issues like trade remedies, State-Owned Enterprises, and the automotive annex are nearing resolution, while talks intensify on outstanding challenges—market opening levels, agricultural standards, intellectual property, and digital trade.
ICA-CEPA signed, Indonesia and Canada boost trade relations
The Indonesia–Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA) was signed on Wednesday, with President Prabowo Subianto and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney witnessing the signing at Parliament Hill, Ottawa.
Bangladesh-Malaysia FTA seen as gateway to ASEAN exports
The Bangladeshi government has begun preparing for FTA negotiations, with a draft framework ready and formal talks expected to start in mid-2025. They highlight Malaysia’s role as a gateway to ASEAN’s 660 million people.
French farmers and NGOs protest European Union’s trade deal with Mercosur bloc
These protests come a week after the EU Commission unveiled detailed proposals to protect farmers from being undercut by imports from South America as it seeks to build support for this deal.
Thailand, US trade talks set for completion by year’s end, Commerce Minister says
Thailand expects to finalize its trade deal with the United States by the end of the year, the country’s commerce minister said yesterday, while issuing a warning about the uncertain trajectory of the Thai economy.
Cambodia ‘dodged a bullet’ by securing 19% tariff deal with US
Cambodia dodged a bullet by successfully negotiating a tariff deal with the US, which brought down the rates from 36 percent to 19 percent.
Georgia, Serbia move toward signing free trade agreement
The parties discussed priority areas of bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Special emphasis was placed on the readiness of both Georgia and Serbia to sign a Free Trade Agreement and the importance of the steps already taken in this direction.
Pakistan, Vietnam begin trade pact talks
Pakistan and Vietnam have officially launched negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
Trump says he’ll discuss trade deal with Milei, defends Argentina lifeline
US President Donald Trump says he will discuss a potential free-trade agreement with Argentina during White House talks with President Javier Milei.
Ethiopia Officially Launches First Trade Under African Free Trade Area
Ethiopia marked a historic milestone today with the official launch of its first trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a move expected to boost the country’s regional trade integration and export potential
SADC strengthens trade capacity in Eswatini through AfCFTA rules of origin training
The SADC Secretariat, in collaboration with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the World Customs Organisation (WCO), conducted a five-day training workshop on the AfCFTA Rules of Origin in Eswatini. the training was supported under the European Union–WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the GIZ CESARE Programme.
Mozambique and UAE move closer to signing CEPA trade agreement
Representing the President of Mozambique, Daniel Francisco Chapo, the Minister of Economy, Basílio Muhate, recently took part in the Africa Debate Conference in the United Arab Emirates, where he held a bilateral meeting with the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.