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EU wants upfront relief for key sectors in any US trade deal, sources say
2-Jul-2025 Reuters
The European Union wants immediate relief from tariffs in key sectors as part of any trade deal with the United States due by a July 9 deadline, but the bloc expects even a best-case deal to include a degree of asymmetry.
Mercosur, EFTA blocs finalize free-trade agreement, say sources
2-Jul-2025 Reuters
South American bloc Mercosur has concluded talks for a free-trade agreement with a group of four European nations known as EFTA.
Aftershock in Groningen
2-Jul-2025 SOMO
How Shell and ExxonMobil use arbitration to offload the costs of closing the Netherlands’ largest gas field.
Trump warns ‘spoiled’ Japan may not get a US trade deal
2-Jul-2025 CNN Business
US President Donald Trump expressed doubt about reaching a trade deal with Japan, criticizing Japan for allegedly not buying American rice and cars—claims contradicted by trade data. Trump threatened steep tariffs (up to 30-35%) if no deal is made.
Analyzing the India-UK FTA: is India giving up its ‘digital sovereignty’ dream?
2-Jul-2025 Medianama
The India-UK FTA includes several trade liberalization measures, with a special emphasis on digital trade provisions. These provisions, while appearing to promote free trade principles like non-discrimination, have significant implications for India’s domestic digital policies aimed at maintaining regulatory control and supporting digital sovereignty.
Namibia enters AfCFTA market with salt export
1-Jul-2025 Windhoek observer
For the first time since Namibia ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement, a locally produced consignment of salt left the port of Walvis Bay on Monday.
Trump bullies Canada on behalf of Big Tech, workers continue to lose out
1-Jul-2025 Public Citizen
Canada announced that it would drop its 3 percent digital services tax on major technology companies after President Trump announced he would be “terminating” all trade discussions with Canada because of its digital tax.
Bahrain ratifies Bilateral Investment Treaty with UAE
1-Jul-2025 Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Key features include the exclusion of concessions for natural resources from its protection remit, the inclusion of sovereign wealth funds as "Investors" and a denial of benefits clause.
EFTA states and Malaysia sign economic partnership agreement with investment promotion chapter
1-Jul-2025 CMS Law-Now
The trade agreement includes an investment chapter aimed at promoting mutual foreign investment flows between the EFTA states and Malaysia
Thai trade envoy pushes for Thai-Russia FTA talks
1-Jul-2025 Bangkok Post
Thailand Trade Representative held high-level discussions with Russian officials, aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment and reviving negotiations for a free trade agreement between Thailand and the Eurasian Economic Union.
Second round of GCC-Japan Free Trade Agreement negotiations to take place Monday
1-Jul-2025 Arab News
Saudi Arabia is set to participate in the second round of negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Japan from June 30 to July 4.
EU and Ukraine strike less ambitious but ’realistic’ trade deal
1-Jul-2025 Euronews
A revised version of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area – the primary trade framework between the EU and Ukraine – was agreed in principle, following intensive weekend talks with Ukrainian counterparts.
US-India trade deal likely ’very soon’ as Trump plans tariff meetings
1-Jul-2025 The Economic Times
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
1-Jul-2025 Financial Express
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
1-Jul-2025 The Nation Thailand
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
1-Jul-2025 Consumers’ Association of Penang
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
30-Jun-2025 Reuters
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
30-Jun-2025 BBC
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
30-Jun-2025 The Washington Post
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
30-Jun-2025 Euronews
China said that it had further confirmed details of a trade framework, including the export of rare earths.