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US-India trade deal likely ’very soon’ as Trump plans tariff meetings
India and the US are in critical negotiations to avoid reinstating a 26% tariff on Indian goods after a temporary suspension ends on July 9. India has taken a tough stance, especially on agricultural and dairy concessions, areas sensitive for the country.
Clauses on critical minerals to be part of FTA ambits
India’s National Critical Minerals Mission targets global partnerships and FTAs to secure key resources. With Rs 34,300 crore investment till 2030-31, it aims to boost exploration, overseas acquisition, processing, and recycling of critical minerals vital for modern manufacturing and self-reliance.
Thailand-EU FTA talks make progress on sustainability, SMEs and trade barriers
The sixth round of negotiations on the Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), reached consensus on three important chapters: Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD), Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). The seventh round is planned for late September to early October in Brussels.
Malaysia too hasty in signing EFTA trade agreement
Consumers’ Association of Penang express strong disappointment over Malaysia’s rushed signing of a trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, criticizing the government’s failure to address concerns about the intellectual property (IP) provisions.
Agriculture a ’red line’ in trade talks with US, Indian finance minister tells Financial Express
India’s agriculture and dairy are "big red lines" in its ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.
UK-US tariff deal begins but still no news on steel
A deal to cut import tariffs between the US and UK has come into force, giving British car makers preferential access to the world’s biggest consumer market.
Canada rescinds digital services tax after Trump suspends trade talks
Ottawa said Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump had agreed to resume negotiations on a trade agreement and would aim to reach a deal by July 21.
Beijing confirms that it has signed a trade agreement with the US
China said that it had further confirmed details of a trade framework, including the export of rare earths.
South Africa ratifies AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade
South Africa has formally ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, marking a decisive policy shift towards inclusive economic reform across the continent.
India-ASEAN FTA review to be completed as soon as possible: MEA
India aims to complete the review of its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with ASEAN, known as the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), as quickly as possible while continuing engagement with ASEAN on the matter.
EAEU signs trade agreements with Mongolia, UAE in Minsk
An agreement on economic partnership between the Eurasian Economic Union and the United Arab Emirates and an interim trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Mongolia were signed.
First round of Malaysia-EU FTA negotiations set for June 30 in Belgium
The first round of negotiations for a new and comprehensive free trade agreement between the European Union and Malaysia will commence in Brussels, Belgium, from June 30 to July 4 this year.
UK-GCC free trade deal nears finish line, promises $10.8b boost to two-way trade
The United Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council are in the final stages of negotiating a Free Trade Agreement, a deal first launched in June 2022.
EU leaders mull new US trade proposals ahead of Trump tariffs deadline
European Union leaders considered new US trade proposals ahead of the July 9 deadline for US President Donald Trump’s tariffs at a Brussels summit. They also addressed the Mercosur trade agreement, Russia sanctions, and restructuring the World Trade Organization.
’Double standards’: Spain slams EU inaction on Israel deal
An EU report concluded Israel might be breaching human rights in Gaza. The bloc could suspend a major trade deal, but it won’t. A brief hardening towards Israel appears to have dissipated after recent tensions with Iran.
AfCFTA annexes under wraps as talks continue behind closed doors
African governments are deep in consultations over new annexes to the African Continental Free Trade Area, according to sources aware of the negotiations. Though what exactly is on the table remains largely opaque.
Friedrich Merz wants a US trade deal within days. The EU fears it will be a bad one.
The German leader is piling the pressure on Brussels to strike a deal soon with Trump so Europe doesn’t end up with the scraps.
Switzerland and Chile enter into new Bilateral Investment Treaty
On 3 June 2025, Switzerland and Chile signed a new bilateral investment treaty. Chile is one of the most important destinations for Swiss foreign investment in Latin America.
EU-South America trade deal must not ‘sacrifice agriculture,’ says Polish minister
Poland’s agriculture minister has reiterated his country’s opposition to a trade deal between the European Union and a bloc of South American countries, saying that farming should not be “sacrificed” for gains in other sectors.
Pak-US Trade Talks to Conclude Next Week
Pakistan and US trade talks expected to conclude next week, aiming for a strategic and investment partnership. Finance Minister Aurangzeb and US Commerce Secretary Lutnick discussed expediting the agreement.