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EU signals trade pact talks with ASEAN to begin after 2027
28-Jan-2026 The Jakarta Globe
The EU is moving toward a regional trade deal with ASEAN, but for now, it’s focusing on bilateral pacts with member states as building blocks. While agreements with Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia (CEPA) are already in place or pending approval, negotiations with Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia are ongoing, with a 2027 target for finalization.
GCC, Indonesia seek to finalize trade talks this year
28-Jan-2026 Arab News
The Gulf Cooperation Council and Indonesia are aiming to finalize their free trade agreement in 2026, trade officials said on Saturday as they wrap up the fourth round of negotiations.
India–EU free trade agreement finalised. Can it accelerate an India-US trade deal?
28-Jan-2026 Live Mint
The India-EU free trade agreement, finalised after nearly two decades. This milestone has shifted focus to the long-stalled India-US trade deal, with hopes that the EU agreement may pressure the US to accelerate talks, despite ongoing disagreements over agriculture, digital trade, and India’s imports of Russian oil.
Al Habtoor Group to take legal measures against Lebanon over $1.7bn investment losses
27-Jan-2026 Arab News
Al Habtoor Group said it will move forward with legal action against Lebanon after years of unresolved investment disputes and mounting losses of $1.7 billon linked to banking restrictions and state inaction.
EU Parliament delays decision to unfreeze US trade deal
27-Jan-2026 Politico
Lawmakers are divided on whether to play hardball with Washington or to ratify the deal to smooth trade relations.
EU inks ’mother of all deals’ with India trade agreement amid global turmoil
27-Jan-2026 Euronews
The EU Commission sealed a free-trade agreement with India cutting tariffs on EU goods while excluding agriculture to appease Indian authorities. Europe’s car industry is set to be among the biggest beneficiaries of the agreement.
Korea’s delay in trade agreement ratification prompts Trump to increase tariffs
27-Jan-2026 Business Korea
US President Donald Trump has declared a surprise increase in tariffs on major items including Korean automobiles from the existing 15% to 25%.
Kenya, UAE seal landmark trade deal to boost agriculture
27-Jan-2026 Sacco Review
Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the first such trade deal between the UAE
EU and Ecuador conclude negotiations for Sustainable Investment Agreement
26-Jan-2026 European Commission
The European Commission has concluded negotiations with Ecuador on a Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement (SIFA). This SIFA, the first negotiated with a Latin American country, will be instrumental in promoting EU investments in Ecuador.
Trump confirms Ukraine will get free trade zone, Zelenskyy says
26-Jan-2026 RBC-Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirms that during talks in Davos, US President Donald Trump supported the idea of creating a free trade zone.
Carney says Canada has no plans to pursue free trade agreement with China as Trump threatens tariffs
26-Jan-2026 AP
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country has no intention of pursuing a free trade deal with China. He was responding to US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 100% tariff on goods.
Open Letter: Comment on the SIA for the proposed EU-Thailand FTA by FTA Watch
26-Jan-2026 FTA Watch
Thai civil society organizations submitted an open letter on 23 January 2026, provides critical feedback on the Draft Inception Report of the Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) for the proposed EU–Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The letter highlights key concerns regarding the adequacy and balance of the SIA’s current scope and methodology.
Korea, Bangladesh to hold 2nd round of negotiations for free trade deal
26-Jan-2026 The Korea Times
South Korea’s push for a CEPA with Bangladesh warrants caution. While touted as a strategic gateway to South Asia, Bangladesh faces serious challenges — including political instability, weak infrastructure, and concerns over labour standards and governance — that could undermine the human rights and economic benefit for the people.
Lower auto tariffs, wider market access: What the India-EU trade deal may look like
26-Jan-2026 India Today
India and the European Union are on the verge of reaching a FTA, with an "agreement in principle" expected imminently. The breakthrough is driven by India’s unprecedented offer to significantly reduce import tariffs on European goods—particularly high-end automobiles, with duties potentially dropping from 110% to as low as 10% over time.
Peasant organizations worldwide express solidarity with French peasants facing criminalization
23-Jan-2026 Vía Campesina
On January 14, 2026, 52 farmers from the Confédération Paysanne were detained following a peaceful occupation of the Ministry of Agriculture in Paris.
Commission opens in-depth investigation into arbitration award ordering Bulgaria to pay compensation to ACF
23-Jan-2026 European Commission
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether an arbitration award, in which Bulgaria is ordered to pay compensation to ACF for changes to a renewable electricity support measure, is in line with EU State aid rules.
Canada’s mining firms are big beneficiaries of the global order its prime minister just criticized
23-Jan-2026 Inside Climate News
As Mark Carney urges value-based leadership, critics point to trade rules championed by Canada that undermine those ideals.
Coupang’s US investors notify S. Korea of plan to seek international arbitration: ministry
23-Jan-2026 Yonhap
The two investors — Greenoaks and Altimeter — took issue with Seoul’s response to the e-commerce giant’s data breach late last year, claiming that it violated obligations under the Korea-US FTA regarding fair and equitable treatment.
Hungarian farmers join protest against EU-Mercosur trade deal
23-Jan-2026 Budapest Business Journal
Farmers representing the Nat’l Agriculture Chamber and professional association Magosz joined a protest against the EU’s free trade deal with South America’s Mercosur bloc in Strasbourg on Tuesday.
Ukraine wins arbitration in Stockholm on "green tariff"
23-Jan-2026 UNN
The Arbitration Tribunal in Stockholm rejected the claim of the foreign investor Modus Energy International B.V. regarding changes to the "green tariff".