Brazil and Uruguay approve MERCOSUR-EFTA free trade agreement
On June 17, the legislatures of Brazil and Uruguay approved the ratification bill for the free trade agreement between MERCOSUR and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), according to a statement from MERCOSUR. The Brazilian Senate and the Uruguayan Chamber of Deputies gave final approval to the accord within hours of each other, marking further progress in the incorporation process by the member states. Uruguay's Senate had granted partial approval to the treaty on June 16, and Brazil's Chamber of Deputies had done so on June 10. The agreement, signed between MERCOSUR and EFTA which comprises Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland represents a milestone in the bloc's external relations agenda. The free trade pact is expected to create new business opportunities for economic agents in both MERCOSUR and EFTA countries, including the large number of small and medium-sized enterprises in each region. It will provide greater market access through modernized regulations and procedures. Traders from MERCOSUR and EFTA nations will benefit from increased predictability and legal certainty in commerce. The treaty will establish a free trade area encompassing nearly 300 million people, with a combined gross domestic product exceeding $4.3 trillion, and will improve market access for more than 97% of their exports. This adds to the market of the European Union, with which a corresponding agreement has been in force since May 1.
Chile and Morocco launch historic free trade negotiations
Chile’s Undersecretary for International Economic Relations, Paula Estévez, signed in Morocco a joint declaration with Morocco’s Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Omar Hejira, to launch formal negotiations on a free trade agreement. It would be the first of its kind between Chile and an African country, and also Morocco’s first with a Latin American nation. The joint declaration underscores the two countries’ desire to open channels of dialogue with a view to establishing a modern legal framework aimed at strengthening the exchange of goods and services, while diversifying investment sources on both sides.
China, New Zealand to advance negative list negotiations on service trade under FTA
China and New Zealand have agreed to jointly promote negotiations on the negative list for trade in services under the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), China's Ministry of Commerce. The two sides have agreed to continue to enhance communication and collaboration within frameworks including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the World Trade Organization, and support a rules-based multilateral trading system, ministry spokesperson He Yadong told a press briefing when answering a media query regarding the 34th meeting of the China-New Zealand Joint Trade and Economic Commission. The meeting took place on June 5 in Beijing, during which both sides conducted in-depth exchanges on advancing bilateral economic and trade relations as well as strengthening cooperation in regional and multilateral fields, according to the spokesperson.
Cambodia and Eurasian Economic Union explore prospects for free trade agreement
Cambodia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) have discussed the potential for a free trade agreement (FTA) to strengthen economic ties and expand market access. The discussion occurred during a meeting between Prime Minister Hun Manet and Bakytzhan Sagintayev, Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, Russia, held from June 17–18. Sagintayev welcomed the progress in relations between the EAEU and Cambodia over the past decade. The two sides discussed methods to increase trade volume by identifying sectors with strong potential for mutual benefit. Both leaders agreed that Cambodia and the EAEU possess untapped trade potential and that a future FTA could serve as a driver for enhanced economic relations.
Parliament approves EFTA trade agreement with Malaysia
The Federal Assembly has approved the Economic Partnership Agreement between the EFTA countries and Malaysia, which was concluded last year. Following the Council of States’ approval in March, the National Council also gave its approval. A left-wing and Green minority failed in the debate with a motion to refer the agreement back to committee. With this motion, they had sought to compel the Federal Council to make certain changes. A motion aimed at ensuring that Malaysian products and raw materials do not originate from forced labor was also unsuccessful. A referendum is likely to be called against the federal resolution. An alliance announced on Wednesday morning that it would take this step if Parliament does not adopt accompanying measures against deforestation and forced labor. However, the matter must still go through the final votes in both chambers on Friday.
Exports of electronics to Pacific countries: From September, the end of EUR.1 certificates
The European Commission has published a Notice introducing new rules for documenting the preferential origin of goods sent from the EU to Pacific countries. From 1 September 2026, traditional paper transport certificates EUR.1 will no longer be accepted by the local customs authorities. The condition for taking advantage of tariff preferences will be that the exporter will prepare a declaration on the invoice, which requires the mandatory use of the EU REX (Registered Exporter) number. For companies from the electronics and ICT sector, this change requires urgent verification of logistics systems in terms of automatic generation of new declarations and making sure that entities have an active status in the REX database. The digitization of customs procedures will ultimately simplify the international trade of advanced digital equipment, eliminating bureaucracy, provided that the new procedures are implemented in a timely manner into internal ERP systems.
EU approves final trade pact with US
The European Union (EU) gave its final approval to the trade pact with the US, thereby removing the remaining customs duties on US industrial goods in exchange for a 15 percent tariff on European exports. The European Council formally adopted the agreement that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump reached a year ago, although the bloc has introduced safeguards to suspend its implementation if Washington fails to comply. The agreement will enter into force once it is published in the Official Journal of the EU, a procedure expected to be completed in the coming days, before July 4, the deadline set by Trump, who has threatened to raise tariffs if the EU fails to meet the deadline.
EU–Australia: Research cooperation presents an opportunity for the electronics and digital sectors
The European Union and Australia have officially concluded negotiations on Australia’s association with the ‘Horizon Europe’ programme, which has a budget of 93.5 billion euros. Under the agreement, Australia will join the programme’s second pillar, which focuses on societal challenges in areas key to the digital economy, such as digitalisation, industry and space. For the electronics, telecommunications and ICT sectors, this means new opportunities for research and development collaboration on an equal footing with EU partners, including the possibility of leading project consortia. This cooperation will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and accelerate breakthrough technological innovations, which is particularly important in the context of growing global competition in the high-tech sector. This strategic partnership strengthens the position of European and Australian ICT companies on the international stage, promoting a shared commitment to the advancement of science and technology.
EU-Kenya Partnership: New horizons for investment in digitalisation and ICT
The European Union and Kenya are strengthening their strategic partnership in the areas of trade, digital transformation and sustainable investment, with the aim of stimulating economic growth on both sides. As part of the Global Gateway initiative, the EU will support Kenya in developing high-speed connectivity, extending coverage to over 3,000 public institutions, schools and health centres, which represents a significant step towards the country’s digitalisation. This is an extremely promising sign for the electronics and ICT sector, as Kenya’s innovation ecosystem and its role as a regional logistics hub in East Africa create excellent conditions for European technology companies. The cooperation also includes a ‘data adequacy’ process, which is designed to facilitate the secure flow of information between partners, thereby supporting digital trade and innovation. These investments open up new business opportunities for ICT companies interested in expanding into rapidly growing African markets with the support of EU funds. The strengthening of relations with Kenya confirms the priority given to digital sovereignty and security within the EU’s international policy.
Historic EU trade agreement with sub-Saharan African countries: A new chapter for digitalisation and IT services
The European Union and four countries in Eastern and Southern Africa – the Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and the Seychelles – have successfully concluded negotiations on an expanded and modernised Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). This landmark agreement – the first of its kind with this region – is based on clear and predictable rules, setting a new benchmark for EU-Africa relations. For the electronics and ICT sector, the agreement is of strategic commercial importance, as its structure centres on areas key to the modern economy, such as e-commerce, digital services and the digitisation of market procedures. Polish and European software houses, cloud solution providers and system integrators gain a stable legal framework facilitating expansion into these developing markets and the diversification of their activities into high value-added sectors. Furthermore, the commitments set out in the agreement regarding renewable energy sources open up vast opportunities for the technology sector to supply IoT systems and software supporting the green transition in Africa. In order to maximise this potential and directly connect business communities, the parties plan to launch the first joint EU-ESA Business Forum shortly.
EU is negotiating roaming agreements with six countries
The Council of the European Union has authorised the European Commission to open negotiations on sectoral agreements concerning roaming on public mobile communications networks with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. The aim of the initiative is to gradually reduce the costs of roaming services between EU Member States and the countries of the Western Balkans, thereby promoting greater digital and economic integration. For the ICT and telecommunications sector, this offers the prospect of harmonised standards and a more predictable environment for operators active in the region. The removal of roaming barriers stimulates growth in demand for data transmission and mobile communications services, which in the long term promotes the development of digital services and mobile technologies in these markets. These measures are particularly important for ICT companies developing international ecosystems of digital services beyond the EU’s borders. The negotiations will be conducted by the Commission in close consultation with the Council’s special committees on Enlargement and Telecommunications.
Origin – Free Trade Agreement: Revised PEM Agreement applicable in the FTAs CH-Faroe Islands and Turkey-Albania
In addition, the restrictions set out in the information letter "Application of the PEM Agreement in the EFTA-Turkey and EFTA-Serbia Free Trade Agreements" have been deleted. The information letter is set aside. In addition, the footnote relating to the restriction of cumulation for coal and steel products and agricultural products with Moldova and Georgia has been deleted. Source
Origin – Free Trade Agreement: Circular to the Trade Agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom
In addition, the restrictions set out in the information letter "Application of the PEM Agreement in the The amendments concern a clarification regarding cumulation with input materials of EU origin (point 3.3.3). The leaflet "Brexit – Cumulation options" has been adapted accordingly. Source
EU-Mexico Interim Trade Agreement (ITA) has been signed
The Council of the European Union has adopted Decision (EU) 2026/1163 authorising the signing of the Interim Trade Agreement (ITA) between the European Union and the United Mexican States. This agreement is a direct result of the negotiations on modernising the existing partnership agreement, which were concluded in January 2025. This document is a temporary instrument, implemented in parallel with the broader, final Strategic Partnership Agreement (MGA). The ITA primarily covers the liberalisation of trade and investment and will remain in force only until the full MGA enters into force, after which it will cease to apply. The primary objective of the ITA is to support increased and sustainable trade, diversify economic relations and create new business opportunities, whilst promoting sustainable development.
India, US hold high-level trade talks as two nations rework deal amid tariff changes
India and the United States held high-level trade talks aimed at salvaging and recalibrating a proposed bilateral trade agreement after changes in US tariff policy upended a framework negotiated earlier this year. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer here as both sides sought to conclude an interim trade pact before July 24, when Washington’s temporary 10 per cent tariff on imports from trading partners is due to expire.
India, Canada agree to conclude free trade pact talks by year-end
India and Canada agreed to conclude negotiations for a free trade agreement by the year-end. Modi and Carney met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains in eastern France. During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed concluding the negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) this year, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The leaders reviewed progress in economic cooperation, including commercial arrangements relating to LNG, LPG and metallurgical coal.
Indonesia’s trade pact with Canada to kick in by end-2026
Indonesia’s trade deal with Canada the first of its kind in ASEAN will enter into force by the end of 2026. The accord, also known as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, was a major outcome of the President Prabowo Subianto’s trip to Ottawa in September 2025. Since then, both nations had been trying to seal the ratification or lawmaking process which was a prerequisite for the tariff eliminations to come into effect. The CEPA will bind Indonesia to get rid of or slash the duties on 85.9% of its tariff lines for Canadian goods entering its market. In turn, Canada eliminates the duties on 90.5% of its tariff lines. Indonesia reported having nearly $4.4 billion in trade with Canada last year. Its exports to Canada were worth almost $1.7 billion, with electrical machinery and equipment making up a huge bulk of the shipments. Imports from Canada reached close to $2.7 billion in value at the time.
India, Oman trade pact to come into force from June 1
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman came into force on June 1, marking a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations. The deal unlocks 100% duty-free market access for Indian exports to Oman, covering 98.08% of Oman’s tariff lines, which represents 99.38% of the trade value (based on the 2022-23 average).
- Immediate Concessions: All zero-duty access comes into effect from "Day One" of the agreement. Currently, only 15.33% of India’s export value (11.34% of tariff lines) enters Oman duty-free under the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) regime.
- Price Competitiveness: The pact eliminates the current 5% import duty on Indian goods worth USD 3.64 billion.
- Growth Drivers: Key sectors poised for immediate advantages include textiles, agricultural products, transport equipment, precision instruments, processed food, and gems & jewellery.
- New Horizons: The agreement unlocks fresh export windows for Indian minerals, chemicals, base metals, machinery, plastic, rubber, automobiles, clocks, instruments, glass, ceramics, marble, and paper.
Japan, Brazil announce start of Japan-Mercosur economic partnership talks
Japan will begin negotiations on an economic partnership agreement with Mercosur, the South American trading bloc, by the end of this month as Tokyo seeks to strengthen ties with the resource-rich region and promote trade. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva confirmed the launch of the negotiations during a meeting in Evian-les-Bains, France, on the sidelines of the three-day Group of Seven summit.
Malaysia, UK initiate negotiations on digital trade agreement
British High Commission Kuala Lumpur has announced the commencement of negotiations on a new digital trade agreement (DTA) between Malaysia and the UK. In a statement, it said the DTA aims to make digital trade with Malaysia easier, cheaper and more secure through cross-border data flows, while reducing paperwork and border friction through digital systems and ensuring strong protections for personal data, intellectual property, online consumers and cybersecurity.
Morocco, Korea move toward new Economic Partnership Agreement
Morocco and Korea have taken a new step toward strengthening their economic ties, following talks held Thursday by videoconference between Secretary of State for Foreign Trade Omar Hejira and Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-Kwan. The two officials agreed to establish a working group tasked with continuing and deepening exploratory discussions ahead of the possible launch of negotiations on a new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Morocco and the Republic of Korea.
Peru–Guatemala Free Trade Agreement to enter into force on July 1
The measure was made official through Supreme Decree No. 007-2026-Mincetur, published on Tuesday in the Legal Regulations bulletin of the Official Gazette El Peruano. The decree recalls that the FTA was signed in Guatemala City on December 6, 2011, while the supplementary protocol was inked in Lima on April 23, 2025. According to decree, the agreement stipulates that it shall enter into force 60 days after both parties exchange notifications confirming the completion of their respective domestic legal procedures, or on such date as they may mutually agree. In this context, Peru and Guatemala exchanged the corresponding notifications confirming the completion of those procedures. Likewise, the two countries agreed that both the agreement and the protocol would enter into force on July 1, 2026.
Philippines-Japan revised free trade deal
After 18 years, the Philippines’ free trade agreement (FTA) with Japan is finally headed for its first revision, with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) eyeing the completion of the renegotiated deal as early as November. Under the original agreement, which took effect in 2008, the Philippines and Japan were supposed to begin reviewing the pact by 2011 and every five years thereafter. Under the current Jpepa, only vehicles with engine displacements exceeding 3.0 liters qualify for duty-free or preferential tariff treatment, while internal combustion engine vehicles with smaller engines remain subject to a 20-percent tariff. Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., the country’s leading automotive company, has long pushed for the agreement to be updated to reflect changing market conditions, including the rapid shift toward electrified vehicles. Signed in 2006 and implemented in 2008, Jpepa was the Philippines’ first bilateral free trade agreement. It covers trade in goods and services, investments, the movement of people and economic cooperation.
South Korea, Morocco to push for launch of CEPA talks for deeper economic cooperation
South Korea and Morocco have agreed to work to swiftly begin negotiations for a bilateral comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) in a bid to expand trade and industrial cooperation between the two countries. The agreement was made during a meeting between South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and his Moroccan counterpart, Omar Hejira, in the North African nation, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.
Switzerland fast-tracks India trade pact implementation
Switzerland has put implementation of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with India on the fast track, with the aim of boosting investment and trade ties with New Delhi. Switzerland is among four members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) that signed TEPA with India. The other three are Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. This follows commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal's visit to Bern earlier this month. His visit had focused on setting a roadmap for implementation of the agreement, prioritising regulatory cooperation, skill development and innovation to enhance trade and investment ties. TEPA came into effect from October 1, 2025. Since then, new Indian product lines entered the Swiss market while services trade gained momentum and investment interest strengthened, ET has learnt.
Thailand pushes EU FTA talks towards key 9th-round breakthrough
Thailand has stepped up efforts to accelerate its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union, with the aim of securing tangible progress in the ninth round of talks. A Thai delegation led by Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun held high-level discussions in Brussels with senior EU officials, including Maroš Šefčovič and Christophe Hansen, alongside key members of the Thai negotiating team. The discussions centred on advancing the Thailand–EU FTA, addressing sensitive agricultural issues and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, while laying the groundwork for a long-term strategic economic partnership amid global economic volatility.
Both sides agreed on the importance of closer economic and trade ties to enhance supply chain resilience, diversify trade risks and strengthen shared economic security. They also committed to pushing forward areas of the agreement where consensus has already been reached, with a view to concluding additional progress in the ninth negotiating round.
Negotiators exchanged views on key chapters including goods, services and investment, government procurement, SPS measures and intellectual property. While recognising differing levels of readiness and sensitivities, both parties agreed to pursue a balanced approach that protects public interest while maximising economic benefit.
So far, four of seven key negotiating areas have been concluded, including provisions on trade in goods (textual elements), technical barriers to trade, sustainable development and sustainable food systems. Remaining issues include rules of origin, SPS measures, intellectual property and market access. The EU remains Thailand’s fourth-largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade reaching over US$45bn in 2025. Agricultural and agri-food trade alone is valued at around US$2.01bn, with Thailand maintaining a trade surplus in the sector.
UK-Mexico CPTPP trade pact takes effect June 22
The UK's CPTPP accession entered into force with Mexico on June 22, 2026, activating preferential tariffs and origin-accumulation rules across a bilateral trade relationship worth US$6.293 billion in 2025. Automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, and agri-food exporters on both sides gain immediate access to reduced duties, while cumulation provisions allow Mexican and British content to count jointly toward preferential thresholds, expanding supply chain integration under Plan México. Regulatory uncertainty persists as Mexico's internal tariff decree for UK-origin goods remains unpublished, and a full bilateral FTA continues to be negotiated separately.
The United Kingdom's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force with Mexico on June 22, 2026, following Mexico's formal ratification of the agreement. The development brings the two countries under a shared multilateral trade framework for the first time, activating preferential tariff treatment across a broad range of goods and sectors.
US updates tariff rules to implement AGOA changes
The United States has updated its tariff rules governing African trade preferences, formally embedding changes to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and related programmes into the customs framework used by importers and border officials. The update, contained in a White House proclamation issued in May, amends the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the detailed customs framework that determines how imports enter the country and under what conditions they qualify for duty-free treatment. This ensures that the AGOA extension till December 2026 approved by President Trump in February are fully reflected in the technical tariff language used by US Customs and Border Protection at the border. Importers and customs brokers can now rely on a corrected and consolidated tariff schedule that incorporates AGOA-related provisions and other trade preference adjustments. Without it, discrepancies could emerge between statutory law and the operational rules used during customs clearance, creating uncertainty for traders and compliance risks for shipments.
Part of the White House’ update is the formal reinstatement of Gabon as an AGOA beneficiary country. The West African oil producer had previously been removed from the programme following concerns over political and governance conditions required under AGOA eligibility rules. Its reinstatement signals that Washington now considers it to have made sufficient progress to regain access to the preferential trade arrangement, effective from 2026. The proclamation also embeds AGOA apparel-related provisions into the tariff schedule, particularly rules that govern how eligible African exporters can qualify for duty-free access when pro.