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Kenya, US agree to initiate plans on new trade deal as AGOA winds down in September
Kenya and the US have agreed to begin the process of negotiating a reciprocal trade deal as Trump’s administration doubles down on protectionism. The agreement sets stage for a new era of bilateral economic engagement as the AGOA nears its expiry in September.
Japan proposes ‘economic zone’ linking Indian Ocean to Africa, seeks greater role in the region
Japan’s Prime Minister proposed an economic zone connecting the Indian Ocean to Africa as the country seeks to play a greater role in the African continent while America’s presence there decreases and China’s influence rapidly grows.
UK, S Korea pledge to complete talks on upgrading FTA by 2025 end
British and South Korean officials yesterday agreed to speed up talks to upgrade a bilateral FTA as part of their efforts to expand trade and investment. Five rounds of negotiation are over and both sides pledged to complete the talks by the year end at a bilateral senior economic dialogue in Seoul.
Neighbors weigh trade frameworks as US tariffs, China rivalry reshape global order
With the US imposing a sweeping 15% tariff on all South Korean goods, the nations face mounting export pressure. The protectionist shift under a second Trump administration has accelerated the search for alternative trade partnerships and economic collaboration with allies.
DTN concedes Thai-EU FTA talks unlikely to conclude this year
Thailand’s Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN) has conceded that the free trade agreement (FTA) talks with the EU are unlikely to conclude this year due to unresolved sensitive and complex issues. Key sticking points preventing a conclusion include the EU’s demands on government procurement, as well as disagreements over energy policy, intellectual property rights, and strict environmental standards.
India turns to Russia-led Eurasian bloc for FTA: How New Delhi is expanding trade beyond US and UK | Explained
India is accelerating its global trade footprint with a major step forward: formal negotiations have begun with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) — a powerful bloc including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan — for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
AfCFTA | bank of Algeria joins PAPSS network as Algeria prepares to host Intra-African Trade Fair 2025
Algeria now becomes the 18th country of presence for PAPSS, marking a significant step in advancing Africa’s journey towards deeper financial integration. Algeria’s accession to PAPSS comes at a moment when the nation prepares to host the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) from September 4-10 2025 in Algiers, Algeria.
Japanese government is considering signing a free trade agreement (FTA) with African countries
The Japanese government is considering signing a free trade agreement (FTA) with African countries. The priority is the eastern part, which is a major logistics hub such as Kenya, and Nigeria, which has a large population.
Ethiopia issues AfCFTA tariff rules but excludes coffee and key services off tariff-free list
After years of hesitation, Ethiopia has finally taken a decisive step toward joining the AfCFTA. Nearly six years after ratifying the agreement, the country has published regulations in the Negarit Gazette outlining which goods and services will benefit from tariff concessions.
Pakistan, Iran reaffirm commitment to move forward towards FTA
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to move forward towards a FTA, providing a long-term framework for expanding bilateral agricultural trade. To ensure these decisions are implemented effectively, a Joint Committee on Agricultural Cooperation was formally established.
Malaysia expects to sign FTA with S Korea in October
Malaysia has completed negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea, aiming to sign it in October. This reflects Malaysia’s efforts to expand market access amid global uncertainties, with 18 FTAs already in place.
New white elephants in Africa?
The third summit on financing African infrastructure development is set to take place in Luanda from 28 to 31 October 2025. It aims to mobilise capital from Africa and elsewhere to strengthen the corridor strategy and boost investment in infrastructure to increase trade within the AfCFTA.
10 September 2025 – The international day of action against WTO and FTAs
The 10th of September is commemorated by La Via Campesina and its allies worldwide as the International Day of Action Against the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
South Africa counters U.S. trade pressure with new trade deal with China
A preliminary trade agreement with China focuses on the export of five types of stone fruit. This development signifies a strategic shift by South Africa to diversify its trade partnerships.
Kenya revives FTA negotiations with US as clock ticks towards Agoa expiry
Kenya has announced plans to kickstart negotiations with the United States on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that President Donald Trump initiated during his first administration.
Spanish People’s party calls on European Commission to review trade agreement with Morocco
Member of the European Parliament and spokesperson for agricultural affairs, Carmen Crespo, has once again called on the European Commission to review the trade agreement between the EU and Morocco, explicitly excluding occupied Western Sahara, in compliance with the rulings of the European Court of Justice.
Press Release: The UK-India CETA: for illusory gains in exports, India loses massive policy space to protect its health, data, and livelihoods
The Forum for Trade Justice condemns the UK-India CETA for allowing India to make severe concessions that undermine its ability to maintain public health safeguards, control digital data sovereignty, and protect domestic industries, while the promised export gains are minimal or illusory.
Indonesia-Peru CEPA to expand bilateral market access: Officia
Indonesia and Peru have signed the IP-CEPA to enhance trade competitiveness and reduce tariff barriers. This agreement marks Indonesia’s second comprehensive partnership in South America, following Chile.
India-Oman FTA talks conclude
India’s Ministry of Commerce announced the completion of CEPA negotiations with Oman. The government is also monitoring and mitigating the effects of US-imposed tariffs on Indian exports, while continuing efforts to expand trade partnerships globally through negotiations with the EU, Australia, and others.
Farmers burn effigies of Modi, Trump in protest against proposed free trade agreement
Farmers in Faridkot protested against the proposed India-US free trade agreement by burning effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, fearing the duty-free import of US agricultural products would devastate Indian farmers dependent on small landholdings.