bilaterals.org logo
bilaterals.org logo

All articles


Thailand banks on EU trade deal
The EU-India Free Trade Agreement, finalized in January 2026, grants India tariff-free access on 99.5% of exports to the EU, creating significant competitive pressure on Thailand’s labour-intensive sectors like textiles, garments, and seafood. With the EU-Thailand FTA still under negotiation—11 of 24 chapters finalized—Thai exports face increasing risks of trade diversion due to delayed preferential market access.
Philippines, Canada to finalize text for FTA in July
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines is on track to finalize the free trade agreement (FTA) with Canada by mid-2026, aiming to complete text negotiations by the third round in July.
India-UK FTA may come into force mid-May
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CETA) between India and the UK is set to take effect in mid-May 2026, following completion of ratification and legal updates.
Left-wing groups rally against US trade deal, demand its cancellation
Left-wing organizations in Bangladesh, have strongly condemned the recently signed trade agreement with the United States, labeling it as "unequal," "anti-national," and a "treaty of servitude."
Pakistan, Canada discuss advance bilateral investment cooperation
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides reiterating their resolve to deepen economic engagement and expedite progress on the Bilateral Investment Treaty.
Canada presses for wider trade agreement in talks with US
Canada-United States Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said the government wants to resolve trade frictions with the Trump administration as part of a comprehensive agreement, rather than through “one-off” deals.
Korea-EU-strategic partnership
Korea and the European Union (EU) agreed to form a strategic economic partnership to expand bilateral ties in trade and economic security amid heightened global uncertainties, Seoul’s trade ministry said.
How EU’s CBAM expansion is adding new challenges for India despite the FTA
The India-EU Free Trade Agreement, exposes Indian manufacturers to the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which could impose over $1.1 billion in annual costs by 2028. Despite a €500 million EU decarbonisation fund, Indian SMEs face a major challenge due to lack of granular emissions data and no special exemptions under CBAM.
India, New Zealand to sign FTA on April 27 in New Delhi
India and New Zealand will sign a free trade agreement (FTA) on April 27 in New Delhi. The free trade deal aims to provide tariff-free access to the island nation’s market for domestic exporters’ goods.
Panama’s copper crisis: What a $20b lawsuit says about investor power
A Canadian mining giant is using a $20 billion lawsuit to pressure Panama into reopening a controversial copper mine. The case exposes how international investment agreements can undermine democracy, and why experts are calling for fairer investment frameworks worldwide.
The next shoe drops. The Northback (Grassy Mountain) interests file an international investment law claim against Canada
In December 2024, the Australian parent companies of Northback Holdings filed a Request for Arbitration) with Canada under the terms of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
India unveils a power-packed FTA calendar: UK, Oman, New Zealand deals next
India has outlined an aggressive rollout timeline for a series of free trade agreements (FTAs), signalling a strong push to deepen global trade ties in 2026.
Suspend EU-Israel trade agreement
Israel is committing heinous violations of international law against Palestinians and in Lebanon with impunity, and has just adopted a death penalty law targeting Palestinians.
UK-Israel trade deal ’must be scrapped’
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has demanded Keir Starmer withdraw from the UK-Israel trade agreement, in the aftermath of Israel’s continued illegal airstrikes on Lebanon.
UAE-Azerbaijan CEPA officially enters into force
A comprehensive trade agreement between the UAE and Azerbaijan has officially come into force, aiming to deepen economic ties, expand investment flows and widen market access between the two countries.
South Korea recovers record 9.6 billion won in ISDS case
The Ministry of Justice announced on the 15th that the South Korean government has fully recovered litigation costs from Schindler, a Swiss global elevator company, following its victory in an Investor-State Dispute Settlement case filed by the firm.
Investor protection blocking climate action
From 24-29 April 2026, Colombia and the Netherlands are co-hosting the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta. The goal is urgent and widely shared: to accelerate a just and orderly phase-out of coal, oil and gas.
About 350 ex-ministers, diplomats call for suspension of EU-Israel Association Agreement
While global attention is diverted, Israeli government has escalated its ’illegal occupation policy’ and human rights violations to intolerable level, say signatories.
Dutch real estate giant fails in EUR 425 million arbitral claim against Romania
Plaza Centers’ major dispute with Romania over a stalled development project, which has involved dual arbitrations, has seen ICSID dismiss the company’s claim on jurisdictional grounds.
The EU-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership and Investment Protection Agreements
The EU-Indonesia CEPA and IPA aimed to enhance trade and investment while promoting "sustainable" palm oil. However, reduced tariffs on forest-risk commodities and lack of community safeguards highlight the urgent need for strict enforcement of EU due diligence regulations to protect forests and local communities.