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Why we need a moratorium on investment disputes during COVID-19
10-Jun-2020 The Hill
We call for a moratorium on investor-state arbitration cases and clarity of legal principles to ensure that governments have the policy space to protect their citizenry and combat the epidemic.
EU Commission launches public consultation on protection of intra-EU investment
9-Jun-2020
The EU Commission has launched a public consultation calling for comments on its initiative to improve the protection of intra-EU investment. This initiative could lead to the adoption of new rules enhancing investors’ rights vis-à-vis EU Member States and to the creation of new enforcement mechanisms for investors within the EU.
Steamed-up Parker slams ’derisory’ leaked EU trade offer
9-Jun-2020 Business Desk
The EU exported the equivalent of just under a kilogram of cheese to New Zealand per New Zealander in 2019 and, under the leaked offer, the EU proposes letting in just over 3 grams of New Zealand cheese per EU citizen
US trade deal could cripple agriculture, manufacturing in Kenya
9-Jun-2020 The East African
The agreement portends the danger of crippling sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing and disintegration of its economy in Kenya.
Japan and UK to begin negotiations on free trade agreement
9-Jun-2020 Japan Times
The countries will build on an existing Japan-European Union deal, with Tokyo looking to scrap auto tariffs while London has said it wants benefits for its financial services and textile industries.
S. Korea to push for conclusion of RCEP this year despite pandemic
9-Jun-2020 Yonhap News Agency
South Korea said it will spare no efforts to conclude a mega Asia-Pacific trade pact by the end of this year in line with efforts to revitalize an extended slump in its exports amid the new coronavirus pandemic.
Cabinet unrest over U-turn on animal welfare in US trade talks
8-Jun-2020 The Guardian
Leaked letter instructs ministers to have ‘no specific policy’ on the issue.
US, Brazil push for a mini deal
8-Jun-2020 Politico
US and Brazilian officials are working on a deal covering trade facilitation, digital trade and regulatory practices, with a target for the end of the year, a top Brazilian diplomat said.
British PM offers to accept EU tariffs on some goods to win trade deal: Daily Mail
8-Jun-2020 Reuters
The UK would accept tariffs on a small number of goods in return for the European Union dropping its demand that Britain continue to follow EU rules.
Vietnam ratifies free trade, investment pacts with EU
8-Jun-2020 Xinhua
Vietnam’s National Assembly passed resolutions ratifying the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement and investment protection agreement.
The environmental bias of trade policy
5-Jun-2020 Berkeley Haas
Most countries have implicitly created a carbon subsidy in trade policy. Using trade policy negotiations to decrease this environmental bias of trade policy could help address climate change.
Ecuagoldmining v Ecuador: Mining, the environment, and international arbitration
5-Jun-2020 Geopolitical Monitor
Ecuagoldmining’s estimated $20 million investment so far could turn into a $469 million award, should it emerge victorious in an arbitration proceeding.
Lone Star hints intent on out-of-court settlement with Seoul over KEB dispute
5-Jun-2020 Pulse
US private equity firm Lone Star Funds suggested it was open to “amicable and sensible” out-of-court option to settle the longstanding dispute with the Korean government.
Changes to USMCA steel requirements give Mexican auto sector headache
5-Jun-2020 Reuters
To qualify for tariff-free trade, makers of heavy vehicles must meet various requirements, including a 60% regional content threshold that will increase gradually and 70% regional inputs of steel and aluminum.
Government ready to open British markets to chlorinated chicken for US trade deal
5-Jun-2020 The Independent
The move would represent a significant loosening of the current situation where complying with high European welfare and sanitary standards for food are a requirement across a wide range of foods.
Hong Kong-ASEAN FTA to enter into force for Indonesia: HK gov’t
5-Jun-2020 Xinhua Net
The part relating to Indonesia under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Investment Agreement (IA) between China’s Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will enter into force on July 4.
Asia Trade bloc seeks ways to include India, says New Zealand official
5-Jun-2020 Headlines Ind
The 15 member countries of the RCEP grouping have proposed that India defer opening up its market to them, in a move to address New Delhi’s key concern of its burgeoning trade deficit with them especially China.
Perils of the US-India free trade agreement for Indian farmers
5-Jun-2020 GRAIN
US-India deal would greatly compromise India’s huge diversity of local seeds and plants which are conserved and reused by millions of Indian farmers year after year. It will also destroy India’s hope for food sovereignty.
#NoCPTPP trends on Twitter overnight
4-Jun-2020 Prachatai
The #NoCPTPP hashtag is back on trend overnight, after the Shippers’ Council supported Thailand to participate in CPTPP negotiations to create impetus for the economy.
Alternatives for the ‘Energy and Raw Materials Chapters’ in EU trade agreements
4-Jun-2020 Power Shift
How trade agreements could strengthen human rights and environmental protection in the raw materials sector.