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India should avoid rushing for trade agreement with US, say experts
India should avoid rushing into a trade deal with the US that compromises core sectors like agriculture, experts on Sunday said, cautioning that Washington is not sparing even its key partners like the EU.
Farmers’ group rejects trade deal with US
The farmers’ group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) strongly opposes rushing into a new trade agreement with the US, particularly following the recent imposition of a 20% US tariff. Sinag warns that such a comprehensive trade deal risks favoring importers and international traders over local farmers, manufacturers, and workers.
South Korea says framework US trade deal possible by August, farm market access on table
South Korea’s trade minister indicated a potential for an "in-principle" trade agreement with the US, signaling willingness to enhance access to its sensitive agriculture and livestock markets as part of a broader strategic judgment.
EU, Indonesia strike political agreement to advance free trade deal
A political agreement has been reached to advance the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the EU and Indonesia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted that the deal will unlock new market opportunities, especially in agriculture and automotive sectors.
EAEU and Indonesia conclude free trade agreement negotiations to boost bilateral trade
The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Republic of Indonesia have officially concluded negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aiming to enhance economic cooperation between the two parties.
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.