ASEAN and Canada complete 19 FTA chapters as talks near final stage
ASEAN and Canada have concluded negotiations on 19 of the 26 chapters for their proposed free trade agreement (ACAFTA), bringing the talks beyond 80% completion. Seven new chapters were finalized in the latest meeting, covering areas such as intellectual property, investment, and technical barriers to trade. Negotiations have reached a critical stage, with remaining issues including trade in goods, government procurement, and final market-access commitments.
The two sides aim to finalize the entire agreement within 2026, with a target to announce its conclusion at the ASEAN leaders’ meeting in November. The ASEAN Secretariat hosted the meeting, which focused on accelerating negotiations so that the ASEAN–Canada Free Trade Agreement, or ACAFTA, can be concluded within 2026. The agreement is expected to expand trade and investment opportunities and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation between the two regions at a time of uncertainty in global trade and growing geopolitical challenges.
Cambodia, Brazil begin talks on potential free trade agreement
Cambodia and Brazil have expressed their intention to study the feasibility of establishing bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) and double taxation agreements (DTAs), as well as to prepare agreements on the promotion and mutual protection of investment to maximize economic potential. The discussions were held during a courtesy meeting and work discussion between Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, and Vivian Loss Sanmartin, Brazilian Ambassador to Cambodia, in Phnom Penh July 15, a press statement from the ministry. During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister highly valued the development of bilateral relations, especially after the establishment of the Brazilian diplomatic residence in Phnom Penh in 2024. Trade volume between the two countries has increased significantly in recent years. In 2025, bilateral trade reached approximately $186 million, with a growth rate of over 81 percent compared to 2024.
Canada wants to close Mercosur deal before end of 2026
Canada wants to close a trade deal with Mercosur this year in a bid to diversify away from the United States. After a years-long freeze in talks between Canada and the South American bloc, Washington’s tariff offensive pushed both parties back to the table in 2025.
As Canada navigates an increasingly tricky relationship with its US neighbor, Foreign Minister Anita Anand said her country was looking to conclude an agreement with Mercosur by the end of the year.
Canada-United States relations news
Following the July 1 CUSMA Joint Review meeting with the U.S. and Mexico, Minister Dominic LeBlanc reaffirmed Canada's strong support for renewing CUSMA, noting the agreement remains in force until 2036 and continues to provide Canadian businesses with secure access to North American markets. Canada, the U.S., and Mexico agreed to continue discussions on strengthening regional trade and investment, while Canada emphasized resolving U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, automobiles, and softwood lumber. In a July 3 briefing, LeBlanc updated provincial and territorial trade ministers on the review, highlighting Canada's position as a stable and reliable trading partner, its commitment to defending Canadian interests, and the importance of maintaining a coordinated Team Canada approach throughout the negotiations.
EU–Thailand trade talks advance
The EU and Thailand held the ninth round of trade negotiations, advancing discussions on goods and services, digital trade, investment, intellectual property and customs cooperation. The talks aim to strengthen a more open, predictable partnership, with clear gains for businesses, supply chains and long-term economic ties.
EU and Korea are working on a mutual certification agreement
The Council of the European Union has authorised the European Commission to open negotiations with the Republic of Korea on a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with regard to conformity assessments, certificates and markings. The initiative aims to eliminate duplicate certification procedures, allowing companies to bring products to both parties' markets faster and cheaper. This is an important step for the electronics and ICT sector, as it will reduce technical barriers to trade in electronic and telecommunications products, which are subject to stringent compliance requirements. Thanks to the mutual recognition of test results and certificates, ICT equipment manufacturers will be able to use the services of certification bodies in their region, which will drastically reduce the time to market of innovative technologies. This agreement is a logical complement to the recently signed Digital Trade Agreement, strengthening the integration of European and Korean digital ecosystems. Companies should keep an eye on the negotiation process, as the finalization of the agreement could mean a new era of easier access to one of the most innovative markets in the world.
EU-China Trade and Investment Consultations first meeting held in Brussels
On 29th June 2026, Mr Maros Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security and Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, and Mr Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, held the first meeting of the EU-China TIC in Brussels.
EU-Canada agreement entry into force of the: Canadian electronics in defence tenders
The Official Journal of the EU has published information on the completion of ratification procedures and the entry into force on 1 August 2026 of the Agreement between the European Union and Canada, which regulates the participation of Canadian legal entities and products in procurement under the SAFE instrument. The new legal framework removes existing barriers to access, granting Canadian suppliers and goods full and equal rights to bid for contracts in this key European defence and security programme. For the electronics sector, the transatlantic agreement is an important step towards expanding the supplier base of advanced ICT components, navigation systems and cybersecurity solutions. For compliance and audit teams, the implementation of this regulation is associated with the need to update the procedures for verifying the origin of goods (rules of origin) and adapt the procurement systems to the new international guidelines, guaranteeing equal treatment of entities from Canada. The agreement enters into force on 1 August 2026, becoming a directly applicable element of the EU legal order.
EU and Australia Strengthen Cooperation in the ICT Sector
The European Union and Australia held their third official Digital Dialogue, focused on strengthening strategic cooperation in key areas of the digital economy and technology policy. During the discussions, both sides analyzed their approaches and priorities regarding the development of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, the advancement of technological capabilities, and the security of advanced computational models. For the electronics and ICT sectors, this is a significant signal heralding regulatory and technical convergence in the areas of secure international communications and the protection of critical network infrastructure resilience. From the perspective of trade and business development specialists, this dialogue—reinforced by Australia’s potential inclusion in the EU’s Horizon Europe research program—paves the way for new transcontinental projects and simplifies technology transfer. Compliance departments, on the other hand, should closely monitor developments in data policy, cybersecurity, and the protection of minors online, as these will shape future compliance standards for digital service providers operating in both markets. The parties have declared their readiness to continue regular discussions and to further explore areas for joint regulatory action.
EU and India strengthen strategic partnership with third Trade and Technology Council
The EU and India have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership at the third Trade and Technology Council (TTC). Discussions focused on advancing trade and investment, resilient supply chains, digital cooperation and clean technologies.
India-EU FTA to be signed by end of 2026, rollout expected by March 2027
India and the European Union have agreed to sign their long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2026, with the pact expected to come into force in the first quarter of 2027. Commerce and Industry Minister of India announced the timeline while addressing the India-Finland Business Round Table in Helsinki on July 16. Referring to his meetings with European leaders in Brussels, Minister said both sides are committed to concluding the negotiations this year and implementing the agreement by early next year.
India, Gulf Cooperation Council to begin FTA talks in September 2026
India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are expected to hold a physical meeting for their upcoming trade pact in September. Official talks began in February. India and the GCC signed the Terms of Reference for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on February 5, 2026. The document defines the scope, rules and framework for the upcoming trade pact. Commerce and Industry Minister of India and GCC Secretary General signed a joint statement in New Delhi on February 24 to initiate the process. The proposed pact will include a Rules of Origin clause. The provision aims to lower transit costs and reduce transhipment-related friction across the six-member bloc, which comprises Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Shipping challenges in the Strait of Hormuz have forced vessels to reroute through the UAE, Oman and the Red Sea. Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain lie almost entirely within the strait, while India already maintains separate trade agreements with the UAE and Oman.
India and Australia look to fast-track sweeping free trade pact after uranium export deal
India and Australia will fast-track negotiations on a sweeping free trade pact that would open up access for exporters to India, after sealing an agreement to allow billions of dollars worth of Australian uranium to flow to India. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in Melbourne on Thursday where they also agreed to deepen co-operation on defence and critical minerals.
Australia and India launched negotiations on a comprehensive economic agreement in 2011, settling on a more limited trade pact in 2022 that left key sticking points unresolved. India, Maldives begin negotiations for free trade agreement.
India and the Maldives began negotiations for a free trade agreement
The discussions are being conducted in virtual mode and are scheduled from June 29 to July 7. In a trade agreement, two countries either significantly reduce or eliminate import duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them. The bilateral trade between the two countries rose 13.5 percent to USD 771.76 million (exports USD 458.71 million and imports USD 313 million) in 2025-26 from USD 690 million in 2024-25. India is the major trading partner of the Maldives. Indian imports from the Maldives primarily comprise scrap metals, while exports include a variety of engineering and industrial products like drugs and pharmaceuticals, radar apparatus, rock boulders, aggregates, cement, and agricultural products like rice, spices, fruits, vegetables and poultry produce.
India, Israel advance FTA talks after second negotiation round
India and Israel have concluded the second round of negotiations for the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking another step toward strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties. The four-day discussions, held in New Delhi from 20 to 23 July, focused on expanding market access, reducing trade barriers and creating a comprehensive framework for economic cooperation across multiple sectors.
Officials from both countries reviewed progress made since the inaugural round and held detailed discussions across several negotiating tracks, including trade in goods and services, customs procedures, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, investment, digital trade, intellectual property rights and government procurement. The negotiations also explored mechanisms to facilitate smoother commercial engagement between businesses in both countries.
India – United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (enters into force on 15 July 2026)
The UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) enters into force on 15 July 2026.
Imports
For imports into the UK, claims to preference may be supported by one of the following proofs of origin:
| Proof of Origin | Document Code | Status Code(s) |
| Origin Declaration | 9001 | AE, AF, AG, AP, AS, AT, GE, GP, JE, JP, LE, LP, UA, UE, UP, US, XA, XB |
| Certificate of Origin | N954 | AE, AF, AG, AP, AS, AT, GE, GP, JE, JP, LE, LP, UA, UE, UP, US, XB |
| Importer’s Knowledge | U112 | JP |
Exports
UK exporters must be registered before completing an origin declaration under the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.
Information on registration requirements and origin declarations can be found using the links below:
- Register to complete origin declarations under the UK-India Free Trade Agreement - GOV.UK
- UK-India CETA origin declaration - GOV.UK
- UK-India CETA Chapter 3 - Rules of Origin
- Appendix 5A
Indonesia pushes to finalize ASEAN-Canada free trade deal this year
Indonesia is pushing for the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) to be finalized this year to expand market access, strengthen supply chains, and create opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Mexico Ratifies the UK’s accession to CPTPP
On June 22, 2026, Mexico ratified the United Kingdom’s (UK’s) accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans- Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The UK and Mexican businesses can now benefit from enhanced access to both markets following the UK’s entry into the agreement. The CPTPP is a major multilateral free trade agreement that establishes a vast free trade area spanning the Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and Europe. Initially established in 2018 by 11 founding nations, the bloc expanded to 12 member countries following the UK’s accession. CPTPP members account for approximately 15% of global gross domestic product (GDP), covering over half a billion consumers in one of the world's most dynamic trading regions.
Mongolia, EAEU roll out tariff cuts as new trade deal takes effect
An interim trade agreement between Mongolia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) entered into force on July 22, introducing tariff preferences for 367 categories of goods, according to Mongolia's state news agency Montsame, Qazinform News Agency reports. Mongolia and the EAEU member states agreed to grant trade benefits and provide exemption from tariffs on 367 product categories under four agreed conditions. Agricultural and livestock products account for 97.5 percent of the goods covered by the agreement that are exported from Mongolia. Import duties on finished leather, wool, and cashmere products will be eliminated, while tariffs on certain other products will be reduced by 50 percent. The removal of tariffs ranging from 15 percent to 50 percent on Mongolian exports is expected to provide domestic producers with greater access to international markets and strengthen the country's export competitiveness.
New Zealand, Singapore launch essential supplies agreement
New Zealand and Singapore have brought into force a first-of-its-kind agreement that guarantees the supply of essential goods during global disruptions, strengthening supply chain security at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty. The Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES) officially entered into force following a ceremony in Auckland, with Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay describing it as a major step in protecting the flow of critical products between the two countries. The agreement was signed in Singapore on 4 May 2026 in the presence of New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong attended the ceremony marking the agreement's entry into force. Under the arrangement, Singapore will guarantee supplies of fuel, medicines and chemicals to New Zealand during periods when international supply chains face disruption. In return, New Zealand has committed to ensuring Singapore continues to receive food supplies, providing greater certainty for businesses and consumers in both countries.
Switzerland and Mexico to update free trade agreement
The free trade agreement (FTA) between Mexico and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states, including Switzerland, is to be updated. This was confirmed by Swiss economics minister Guy Parmelin and his Mexican counterpart, Claudia Sheinbaum, in Mexico City. Mexico is Switzerland’s second most important trading partner in Latin America, according to the economics ministry. Switzerland is also the sixth-largest investor in Mexico. Alongside Switzerland, EFTA comprises Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Switzerland and the United Kingdom conclude negotiations on a modernised free trade agreement
At their meeting in Bern on 13 July, President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin and the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, announced that negotiations had concluded on a modernised free trade agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK).
Thailand advances talks on US reciprocal trade deal
Thailand is pressing the United States (US) to speed up negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement as it aims to secure a competitive tariff arrangement and gain greater certainty over two ongoing US Section 301 investigations. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun met with three senior US officials in Washington, DC, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer. According to Suphajee, the discussions focused on advancing talks on the proposed Thailand-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), while also addressing the Section 301 investigations and exploring ways to deepen bilateral trade, investment and broader economic cooperation.
Ukrainian parliament ratifies free trade agreement with Turkey
Ukraine’s parliament has ratified the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Turkey. According to Ukrinform, on Tuesday, July 14, the parliament ratified the free trade agreement with Turkey, which was signed in Kyiv on February 3, 2022. The corresponding bill received the support of 236 MPs. Under the agreement, Turkey will eliminate import duties on approximately 93.4% of industrial goods and 7.6% of agricultural products from Ukraine. After transitional periods of three to seven years, Ankara will abolish import duties on an additional 1.5% of industrial goods and 28.5% of agricultural products. For its part, Ukraine will eliminate import duties on approximately 56% of industrial goods and 11.5% of agricultural products from Turkey. After transitional periods of two to five years for industrial goods and two to ten years for agricultural products, Kyiv will remove tariffs on an additional 43.2% of industrial goods and 53.7% of agricultural products.
UK-India Free Trade Agreement Goes Live
According to a press release from the United Kingdom’s (UK’s) Department for Business and Trade, the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) entered into force on July 15, 2026.
This FTA reduces tariffs on a variety of goods, including whisky, automotives, cosmetics, and other products. The UK government projects that the agreement could “boost UK GDP by £4.8bn, real wages by £2.2bn and bilateral trade by £25.5bn every year in the long run.”
US announces trade deal with Jordan to boost economic ties
The White House announced the US had reached a trade deal with Jordan that would remove barriers to US exporters and provide new access to critical US industries. Under the agreement, Jordan will continue to provide duty-free market access for most US goods exported to the kingdom, the administration of President Donald Trump said in a statement. The US and Jordan entered into a free trade agreement in 2001. The moment marked a milestone for Jordan, the first Arab nation to enter an FTA with the US. The US-Jordan pact eliminated duties in January 2010. Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, said a 10 per cent tariff rate will apply to Jordanian exports to US markets. US exports to Jordan will not be subject to any tariffs under the free-trade agreement.
US, Mexico set more USMCA talks for September
U.S. and Mexican officials will meet for a fourth round of negotiations to revamp the North American trade pact in September, after talks this week exposed disagreements over changes to automotive content rules and other issues. One of the biggest sticking points is Washington's demand that vehicles contain 50% of U.S.-made content to qualify for preferential market access.
The proposal has been a non-starter for the Mexican government, one of the sources said. Mexico is unwilling to accept "even 1%" of American content, one of the sources said, adding that such a provision "opens the door for a potential increase in the future" and sets a problematic precedent. Under the current trade pact, vehicles must contain 75% North American content to qualify for duty-free treatment, with 40% produced by workers earning at least $16 per hour – a threshold met in the U.S. and Canada. The agreement, however, does not require that a fixed share of content come from any one country.
Mexico, meanwhile, wants Washington to reduce "Section 232" national security tariffs of 25% on autos and 50% on steel and aluminum from Mexico and Canada before making concessions on other issues. But U.S. President Donald Trump has shown no sign of easing the tariffs. At present, Mexican auto factories are at a cost disadvantage to competitors in Japan, South Korea and the European Union, which face a 15% tariff to export cars to the U.S. with no regional content requirements.
Another source familiar with the talks said the U.S. has told Mexican officials to propose alternative ways to meet Trump's goals of bringing more automotive production back to the U.S., displacing Asian components in the North American supply chain and reducing the U.S. trade deficit with Mexico. On July 1, the Trump administration opted against extending the USMCA, starting a clock to wind down the agreement over 10 years unless changes can be agreed upon.