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Singapore and EFTA conclude talks on digital economy agreement
The agreement will allow the free flow of data across each other’s territories.
Trump seeks to extract “payment” for reciprocal tariffs by 1 August
The Trump administration’s trade war appears to be replete with geopolitical and geoeconomic undertones in which countries with strong links with China in Asia are being severely punished.
Vietnam thought it had a deal on its US tariff rate. Then Trump stepped in.
Neither side has released documentation of the tariff terms, raising questions about whether they did, in fact, reach an agreement.
Trump threatens Canada with 35 percent tariff rate starting Aug 1
Both Canada and Mexico are trying to find ways to satisfy Trump so that the free trade deal uniting the three countries — known as the USMCA — can be put back on track.
Sri Lanka, Nepal discuss trade, FTA & Business Council
Sri Lanka and Nepal discussed at length the potential for entering into a Free Trade Agreement, covering goods such as gems and jewellery, mineral sands, phosphate, rice, sugar, and garments.
Canada hopes to seal Asean trade deal soon
Canada’s top diplomat says she aims to finalise a free trade agreement with Southeast Asian nations “as soon as possible,” as the country looks to expand economic ties in the face of tariffs from President Donald Trump.
UAE and Azerbaijan sign CEPA to boost trade, investment ties
The UAE is currently the leading Arab investor in Azerbaijan, with total investments exceeding $1bn.
Trade tools for climate action: investor-state dispute settlement reform
Although fossil fuel phase-outs are critical to achieving global climate goals, protections granted through Investor-State Dispute Settlement provisions to foreign-owned coal operations expose governments to costly litigation, threatening to thwart state action.
’Trump’s model isn’t a free trade agreement, it’s a YATRA...’: GTRI on India-US trade deal
“Trump’s model isn’t a free trade agreement; it’s a YATRA — Yielding to American Tariff Retaliation Agreement,” GTRI said, highlighting the US President’s aggressive stance on trade negotiations.
Israel eyes deeper economic ties with India, finalising investment protection deal
Israel and India are finalising an investment protection agreement and expect to sign it in the coming months, Israel’s Finance Ministry said.
Over 200 journalists killed in Gaza: RSF joins call to suspend EU-Israel trade partnership
Reporters Without Borders, which accuses the Israeli army of war crimes against journalists in the Gaza Strip, has joined the call by more than 180 international organisations to suspend the trade agreement between the European Union and Israel.
European Commission puts prepped Mercosur deal on ice
The agreement reached by the EU and the Mercosur countries has been reviewed by the European Commission’s legal service and translated, but its submission to the Member States for ratification has been put on hold.
Bangladesh hopeful of securing mutually-beneficial tariff pact with US
Bangladesh is actively negotiating with the US to secure a mutually beneficial tariff agreement amid planned US tariffs on Bangladeshi goods. Bangladesh has offered zero-duty access for many US goods and commitments to increase imports of items like LNG, cotton, aircraft, and agricultural products to balance the trade gap.
Close to deal with India, says US President Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump stated that the US and India are close to finalizing a trade deal amid ongoing negotiations. Although America’s reciprocal tariffs on India were extended from July 9 to August 1, a special Indian negotiating team recently concluded key discussions in the US.
Malaysian civil society groups urge government to reject investor-state dispute settlement clause in RCEP deal
Malaysian CSOs have urged the government to reject the inclusion of the ISDS clause in the RCEP agreement. They warn that ISDS allows foreign investors to sue governments over policies safeguarding public interests like health, workers, and the environment, potentially leading to costly legal battles and large payouts detrimental to national budgets.
Indian farmers reject proposed trade deals with West and prepare for July 9 national strike
Major Indian farmer’s groups have announced they will participate in the upcoming July 9 national strike call made by the central trade unions against the government’s anti-worker policies.
AfCFTA adjustment fund credit fund commits US$ 10m in Telecel Global Services Ltd
The Credit Fund of the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund has successfully closed its first investment, committing US$10 million to Telecel Global Services Ltd, through a senior secured amortising loan. The transaction marks a significant milestone in the operationalisation of the Fund.
Trump announces tariffs of at least 25 percent on 14 countries
President Trump threatened tariffs between 25 percent and 40 percent on imports from 14 countries, the first of what he said would be a series of higher duties as the administration continues negotiating trade deals ahead of a new Aug. 1 deadline.
Bahrain, Hungary launch bilateral investment protection agreement
The Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Government of Hungary for the Promotion and Protection of Investments officially entered into force on 7 July 2025.
Nigeria at risk as US threatens extra 10% tariff on BRICS nations, slams 25% on Japan, S’Korea
United States President, Donald Trump, has warned that countries supporting BRICS policies that clash with U.S. interests will face an additional 10 per cent tariff.