4-May-2026
The Nation Thailand
Japan is pursuing trade negotiations with Mercosur to enhance economic security by diversifying export markets and reducing dependency on the US and China for critical materials like rare earths. While Japan’s agricultural sector remains cautious about competition from low-priced imports such as beef, growing trade uncertainty due to US tariffs is boosting support for the talks.
4-May-2026
The Kenyan Diaspora
The India–Kenya Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations are advancing, with both nations working to address a significant trade imbalance and expand market access. Kenya is seeking greater export opportunities in India across agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing, while aiming to reduce its reliance on imports of items like refined petroleum and medicines.
4-May-2026
Yoonhap News Agency
The first round of negotiations for a South Korea–Pakistan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has begun, with officials from both countries holding virtual talks to expand trade and investment in key sectors like economic cooperation, investment, intellectual property, and trade remedies.
4-May-2026
The Daily Star
The Bangladesh–US reciprocal trade agreement is shifting from a traditional tariff-focused model to one centered on regulatory convergence and strategic economic alignment, reflecting broader U.S. Indo-Pacific economic goals. The deal raises concerns over national policy autonomy and implicit geopolitical obligations.
4-May-2026
Hindustan Times
The India–New Zealand FTA serves as a timely blueprint for Canada’s pursuit of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India, demonstrating that fast-track negotiations are possible with key factors include immediate duty-free access, acceptance of tariff asymmetry, and recognition of India’s AYUSH system.
30-Apr-2026
The Korea Times
Yeo Han-koo, Korea’s trade minister, met with Carlos Penafiel Soto, Mexico’s ambassador to Korea, to discuss ways to expand economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
30-Apr-2026
bilaterals.org
A clear message emerged from a recent conference: digital trade rules are entrenching Big Tech’s power grab over the digital economy. Those rules must be resisted.
29-Apr-2026
Energy Charter
Ireland deposited with the Energy Charter Secretariat a written notification of its decision to withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty.
29-Apr-2026
All India Kisan Sabha
By signing the Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand, the Indian government has surrendered the interests of farmers before the demands of global finance.
29-Apr-2026
The Business Standard
What is often overlooked is the bigger picture of geopolitics and geoeconomics beneath bilateral trade, tariffs and non-tariff issues under FTAs.
29-Apr-2026
The Times of Israel
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić announce steps toward a free trade agreement and the launch of a new strategic dialogue, hailing deepening ties between the two countries.
29-Apr-2026
The Daily Star
The Bangladesh’s Reciprocal Trade Agreement with the United States, effectively opens Bangladesh to unregulated imports of genetically modified (GM) meat and dairy products from highly subsidised US agribusinesses, posing a severe threat to local livestock keepers—mostly rural women—who operate without state support.
29-Apr-2026
Business Standard
The recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand has sparked concern among apple growers in the Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand, with apprehensions that the deal could adversely impact domestic producers and the fragile hill economy.
29-Apr-2026
The Economic Times
India is pushing forward with trade deals. Negotiations for a free trade agreement with Canada are speeding up. Talks are also underway with Chile and Peru. However, discussions with the Gulf Cooperation Council have been temporarily halted due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
28-Apr-2026
The Edge Malaysia
Malaysia and the European Union are now in the final stage of signing a Free Trade Agreement as well as finalising a comprehensive partnership aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and bilateral relations.
28-Apr-2026
The New Indian Express
The proposed pact gains significance as India looks to diversify its export destinations amid global economic uncertainties.
