China and Switzerland hold negotiations on upgrading FTA in Beijing
China and Switzerland held the first round of negotiations on upgrading the Sino-Swiss Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Beijing. The two sides conducted in-depth consultations on trade in goods and services, investment and rules of origin, competition, e-commerce, trade and the environment, as well as economic and technical cooperation, and achieved positive progress, according to MOFCOM.
China and Switzerland officially announced the launch of negotiations to upgrade the FTA agreement in September 2024, per the ministry’s release. The China-Switzerland FTA was signed in July 2013 and came into effect in July 2014. China’s bilateral trade in goods with Switzerland reached $62.78 billion in 2024, up 5.5 percent year-on-year, data from a China-based research firm Huajing Industry Research Institute showed.
EU: updated Guidance on the Preferential Rules of Origin
The Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union is pleased to announce the release of updated Guidance on the Preferential Rules of Origin. This development comes as a result of extensive collaboration with EU Member States and aims to enhance clarity and compliance in international trade.
Key highlights of the updated guidance include the addition of a section on the verification of the Proof of origin (Section C). This section addresses the processes for requests exchanged between EU Member States and third countries, as well as clarifications on importer’s knowledge.
Furthermore, the guidance incorporates updates reflecting recent changes to rules of origin in preferential agreements. Notably, it includes revisions associated with the Revised Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention and the entry into force of the EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement (ITA)
EU firms want removal of non-tariff barriers as part of FTA deal with India
European Union (EU) companies operating in India want to streamline or remove non-tariff barriers such as Quality Control Orders (QCOs), complex Customs procedures; simplify labelling, testing, and import procedures; and facilitate cross-border digital transactions without data localisation constraints. These are results of a Business Sentiment Survey, 2025 conducted by the Federation of European Business in India (FEBI) ahead of resumption of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between both the sides scheduled to be concluded by year-end.
However, the survey highlighted that complex visa and work permit processes hinder talent mobility, affecting workforce availability. “Weak intellectual property enforcement, the prevalence of counterfeit goods, and insufficient protection of confidential data add to the risks faced by EU businesses,” the survey added. The survey provides an outlook and overview of evolving EU-India bilateral trade and investment ties as well as offers an insight into the opportunities and challenges faced by European businesses in India. EU is India’s largest trading partner, accounting for 12.2 per cent of India’s goods trade in 2023 while India is the EU’s ninth-largest trading partner, accounting for 2.2 per cent of total EU trade in goods during the same year.
EU: Updated Guidance on the Preferential Rules of Origin
The guidance incorporates updates reflecting recent changes to rules of origin in preferential agreements. Notably, it includes revisions associated with the revised Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention and the entry into force of the EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement (ITA).
EFTA : Free trade agreement with Moldova
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Moldova will enter into force on 1 April 2025. On 14 March 2025, the Federal Council adopted the necessary amendments to the ordinance to implement the customs concessions agreed in the agreement.
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EU-Tunisia - amendments on the definition of the concept of ‘originating products’
Decision No 1/2025 of the EU-Tunisia Association Council amending the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement has been published. The decision amends the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Community and its Member States and the Republic of Tunisia. The amendment consists of replacing Protocol No 4, which concerns the definition of the concept of ‘originating products’ and methods of administrative cooperation. The purpose of this decision is to align the rules of origin with the Regional Convention on Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Preferential Rules of Origin. This convention aims to transpose existing bilateral systems of rules of origin into a multilateral framework, without prejudice to the rules laid down in bilateral agreements. The European Union and Tunisia signed the Convention in 2011 and 2013, respectively, and it entered into force in 2012 and 2015. In anticipation of the entry into force of the amendments to the Convention, both parties agreed to apply an alternative set of rules of origin, called the Transitional Rules. The decision enters into force on 22 January 2025. Link
EU-India Trade and Technology Council meeting
The European Union and India held the second ministerial meeting of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC). The outcome of the meeting follows the work of three TTC working groups. On strategic technologies, digital governance and digital connectivity, the EU and India will accelerate human-centred digital transformation, as well as the development of artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, high-performance computing and 6G. Specifically, the EU and India have agreed to work on digital public infrastructure (DPI) interoperability. On green and clean energy technologies, both partners confirmed the good progress made so far, connecting Indian and EU startups with potential partners and investors in the area of battery recycling for electric vehicles. On trade, investment and resilient value chains, the EU and India agreed to strengthen their cooperation on strengthening supply chains, in particular for agricultural commodities, clean technology and active pharmaceutical ingredients.
EU and Korea deepen ties with landmark digital trade deal
The EU and South Korea have concluded negotiations on a Digital Trade Agreement (DTA), strengthening their partnership in the fast-evolving digital economy. The deal sets high-standard digital trade rules, enhances consumer trust and legal certainty for businesses, and removes barriers to digital trade.
Indonesia, EU still can’t agree on trade pact’s import permit
Indonesia and the European Union or EU are still trying to reach a consensus on import licensing in their free trade agreement talks. Indonesia and the EU have been negotiating a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) since July 2016. Almost ten years have passed, but both sides have yet to reach an agreement. Speaking to reporters, Airlangga said he had just reported back to President Prabowo Subianto on the latest updates for the CEPA negotiations. While the talks are making some progress, Airlangga revealed that Indonesia and the EU still could not agree on issues related to import licensing. As many as 19 rounds of talks have taken place with the most recent one being held in Bogor last July. A report published on the 19th round wrote that the discussions remained "inconclusive" on export and import restrictions, as well as investment conditions. The typical free trade agreement significantly reduces or eliminates tariffs on trade between the participating countries.
India, Malaysia aim to complete Asean trade pact review by 2025
India and Malaysia have agreed to take steps to speed up the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) for its substantial conclusion by 2025. Malaysia is one of the key members of the 10-member ASEAN and chair of the group for this year. The agreement came into force in 2010 and the review of the pact was agreed to in 2019 on the demand by India after imports from ASEAN surged and trade balance became heavily in favour of the 10-member grouping. It said both sides also discussed the bilateral trade issues including greater, market access for goods, collaboration in the semiconductor industry, cooperation in the service sector and the issues related to the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) of the Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS).
India, Malaysia aim to complete Asean trade pact review by 2025
India and Malaysia have agreed to take steps to speed up the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) for its substantial conclusion by 2025. Malaysia is one of the key members of the 10-member ASEAN and chair of the group for this year. The agreement came into force in 2010 and the review of the pact was agreed to in 2019 on the demand by India after imports from ASEAN surged and trade balance became heavily in favour of the 10-member grouping. It said both sides also discussed the bilateral trade issues including greater, market access for goods, collaboration in the semiconductor industry, cooperation in the service sector and the issues related to the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) of the Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS). Malaysia is India’s third largest trading partner of India in ASEAN with total trade of USD 20.02 billion during 2023-24.
Iran-Eurasian free trade agreement to take effect in 60 days
Iran’s embassy in Moscow reported that the free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) will come into effect in 60 days. The two sides expressed their satisfaction with the upcoming implementation of the agreement, calling it a key factor in boosting trade exchanges in the region. The Iranian embassy added that under the terms of the agreement, the free trade agreement between Iran and EAEU member states will be enforceable 60 days after all participating countries have completed their legal processes. Signed in December 2023 in St. Petersburg, the agreement will exempt 87 percent of trade goods between Iran and the EEU member countries from customs tariffs.
Thailand races to seal free trade deal with EU within 2025
The Thai Commerce Ministry is working to conclude negotiations this year to leverage the agreement for market expansion, cost reduction, enhancing business capabilities and attracting more European investors. Both parties emphasised the importance of establishing a trusted trade partnership through the free trade agreement (FTA), particularly amid geopolitical challenges and global economic uncertainties. They acknowledged the different levels of economic development between Thailand and the EU, which could affect FTA provisions, noting that flexibility and technical assistance from the EU would help expedite successful negotiations. The Thailand-EU FTA negotiations have already undergone four rounds, with two chapters finalised and discussions on market access for goods and services underway. The fifth round of negotiations will be hosted by the EU from March 31 to April 4, with both sides working closely to reach an agreement by December 25. Despite the complexity of negotiations, which include new issues such as government procurement, energy and raw materials, state enterprises and subsidies, trade competition, and sustainable food systems, the Commerce Ministry is working diligently with government agencies and consulting closely with the private sector to ensure successful negotiations that maximise benefits for Thai entrepreneurs, farmers, and consumers. In addition to discussions with the commissioner, Pichai also met with EU Ambassador to Thailand HE David Daly to address other trade issues including World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute resolution processes, the import of Thai agricultural products to EU markets, progress on amending the legislation against illegal fishing (IUU Fishing), and enhancing Thai entrepreneurs’ capacity to comply with new EU regulations.
Pichai emphasised that expediting the Thailand-EU FTA is a significant step in strengthening the Thai economy, as Thailand aims to use this agreement to expand markets, reduce costs, enhance capabilities, and attract more European investors. The Thailand-EU FTA will be a key factor in creating economic security and helping Thailand better adapt to global competition.
UK-Switzerland Trade Agreement Negotiations update
Economic growth is the core mission of this government and FTAs have an important role to play in achieving this. We are seeking an enhanced FTA with Switzerland that guarantees market access for UK services suppliers, facilitates the seamless flow of data and ideas between two world-leading services powerhouses and provides long-term certainty on UK business travel to Switzerland. An enhanced FTA will contribute to growth and prosperity across the UK and build on our existing trading relationship with Switzerland. This currently supports 130,000 services jobs and more than £17 billion in services exports, including over £700m from Scotland and the North West. The UK government’s focus in talks continues to be on agreeing ambitious outcomes in services, investment and digital trade which are not covered in the existing UK-Swiss FTA. During the latest round, good progress was made in financial services in particular, with both sides focussed on agreeing the most comprehensive chapter either country has signed. On digital trade, provisions on data, source code and cryptography were discussed. A number of chapters were provisionally closed during this round, including customs and trade facilitation, and transparency.
The government will only ever sign a trade agreement which aligns with the UK’s national interests, upholding high standards across a range of sectors, alongside protections for the National Health Service. The next round of negotiations is expected to take place in the UK in early summer 2025.
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan roll out free trade regime
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have officially established a free trade regime, following the successful implementation of the necessary bilateral procedures, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade told Trend. This milestone was achieved under the Protocol on Exemptions from the Free Trade Regime to the agreement on long-term trade and economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The protocol was approved by presidential decree. As of the implementation of the new trade regime, customs tariffs on most items manufactured within both nations have been removed. Furthermore, trade procedures have been made more straightforward, and limitations on mutual commerce have been removed. For example, Turkmenistan has abolished customs duties on various Uzbek imports, including cement products, which previously had a 100 percent duty, as well as textiles, furniture, and glassware, which were subject to 50 percent duties. The duties on water heaters, plastic, and polypropylene products have also been removed, having previously stood at 15 and 10 percent, respectively. Furthermore, tariffs on food products such as sausages and meat, which were taxed at $2 per kilogram, and cotton oil, which had a $1 per kilogram duty, have been lifted.