Canada-Indonesia CEPA Approved
On May 6, 2026, the Canadian government confirmed that legislation to implement the Canada–Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) received Royal Assent. Bill C 18, “An Act to implement the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Canada and Indonesia”, was approved, establishing the legal framework required for Canada to implement the agreement, which was signed on September 24, 2025. The CEPA is intended to strengthen trade and investment between Canada and Indonesia by reducing trade barriers and providing clearer rules for goods, services, and investment. The implementing legislation approves the agreement, authorizes Canada’s participation in its institutional and administrative mechanisms, and makes related amendments to Canadian law to align with Canada’s commitments. While the legislation is now in force domestically, the CEPA will enter into force on a future date once both countries complete their remaining implementation procedures. Businesses engaged in Canada–Indonesia trade should monitor further announcements for confirmation of the agreement’s entry into force date and any related customs or regulatory guidance.
EU-Mercosur Agreement: Factsheets and Guides
Due to the provisional entry into force of the EU-Mercosur agreement, we recommend you to link to the EU materials on exports to the markets of Mercosur member states.
EU sets priorities in its relations with Saudi Arabia
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the EU's relations with Saudi Arabia, stressing the need to combine political and economic cooperation with a clear position on human rights, the situation in Yemen and the use of the death penalty. The document indicates that further strengthening of the partnership should be based on a balance between strategic interests and EU values.
EU-Japan - Agreement on the Enforcement of Digital Platforms
At the fourth meeting of the EU-Japan Digital Partnership Council in Brussels, the Commission services responsible for the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) signed a cooperation agreement with the Japanese Ministry of Interior and Communications (MIC), which also acts as Japan's platform regulator. The agreement will support the Commission's and MIC's oversight activities on online platforms, under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) and Japan's Information Distribution Platforms (ISP) Act, respectively.
EU-Mexico: a new chapter in the strategic partnership
The European Union and Mexico adopted a joint statement following the 2026 EU-Mexico Summit. The document emphasizes that the meeting "opens a new chapter in our strategic partnership", based on shared values and multilateralism. The parties welcomed the signing of the Modernised Global Agreement and the Interim Trade Agreement, which are intended to strengthen political, economic and investment cooperation. The EU and Mexico reaffirmed the importance of the Global Gateway Investment Agenda, which covers infrastructure, energy and digital projects. New sectoral dialogues were also announced, m.in in the areas of health, energy, research and innovation, climate and food safety. The parties agreed to launch a high-level dialogue on security and migration.\
EU: New Generalised Scheme of Preferences approved for application in 2027
The European Commission welcomes vote by the European Parliament in favour of the new Generalised Scheme of Preference (GSP), which represents the final step before its entry into application on 1 January 2027. The new GSP will provide reduced or zero tariffs to imports from 65 developing countries for the next decade, supporting poverty reduction and sustainable development. This is especially relevant at a time of increasing global challenges and uncertainty impacting developing and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
EU: Commission welcomes political agreement on implementation of EU-US trade deal
The European Parliament and EU Member States have reached a political agreement on legislation implementing the EU–US trade deal. The agreement will eliminate tariffs on all US industrial goods and improve market access for selected US agri-food and seafood products, while including safeguards to protect EU industry against potential trade disruptions. Once formally adopted, the measures will apply until the end of 2029.
EU and Morocco agreement
As announced on 17/10/2025, from of 3 October 2025, products originating in Western Sahara subject to controls by the customs authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall benefit from trade preferences under the terms of the new Agreement in the form of exchange of letters between the EU and Morocco, In view of the application of these measures, two new certificates have been created in TARIC: U179 and U180. The country code to be entered in the origin declaration when these proofs of origin are used is “EH”. In the customs declaration, code “2000” should be declared in Data Element 16 09 000 000: Region or country of preferential origin/status.
India, South Korea form sub-groups on digital trade, supply chains as part of trade deal upgrade
India and South Korea have agreed to form dedicated sub-groups on digital trade, supply chain cooperation and strategic industrial cooperation, widening the scope of negotiations to upgrade their bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The decision was taken during the 12th round of India-Korea CEPA upgrade negotiations held in New Delhi from May 25-27, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on May 28. During the current round, discussions were held on Trade in Goods (TiG), Trade in Services (TiS), Rules of Origin (RoO) and Origin Procedures (OP), Investment, and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards. India and South Korea reaffirmed their commitment to conclude negotiations to upgrade the CEPA in a time-bound manner, with the aim of securing a modernised and mutually beneficial pact that supports balanced trade and deeper economic cooperation.
India, Canada to avoid sensitive sectors in trade pact talks
India and Canada have decided to focus on low-hanging fruit, work on areas of convergence and avoid seeking concessions in sensitive sectors in the negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement. The two countries are negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The third round of negotiations is underway in Ottawa. The minister was in Canada for a three-day official visit. Both sides are looking at concluding the negotiations for the proposed pact by year-end. The two countries have also set a target to increase bilateral trade from the current USD 17 billion to USD 50 billion by 2030. In such pacts, two trading partners significantly reduce and eliminate import duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them. Besides, they also ease norms to promote trade in services and boost investments.
India, South Korea begin next round of negotiations on upgrading trade pact
India and South Korea began the next round of negotiations to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was implemented in January 2010. The three-day talks (May 25-27) are important, as India has flagged serious concerns about the widening trade deficit between the two countries. On April 20, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had proposed to his Korean counterpart, Yeo Han-koo, to consider negotiating a fresh bilateral free trade agreement to make it more contemporary and address concerns over the trade deficit, the difference between imports and exports.
India’s exports to Korea increased 3.31 per cent to USD 6 billion in 2025-26 from USD 5.81 billion in 2024-25. The export growth was negative during 2022-25. Imports grew 1.38 per cent to USD 21.35 billion in 2025-26 from USD 21 billion in 2024-25. The trade deficit stood at USD 15.35 billion in 2025-26, USD 15.2 billion in 2024-25, USD 14.71 billion in 2023-24, USD 14.57 billion in 2022-23 and USD 9.4 billion in 2021-22. The two countries aim to double their two-way commerce to USD 54 billion by 2030 from the current USD 27 billion, while ensuring a more balanced trade relationship.
Philippines targets June conclusion for EU free trade deal
The Philippines will hold the next round of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) next month, taking one step closer towards the conclusion of a historic deal that would grant wider market access to the country’s exports. Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty told Manila Bulletin that the upcoming round of talks between Manila and the regional trade bloc will be held in Brussels, the de facto capital of the EU, beginning June 29 to July 3.
The most recent round of talks between the Philippines and the EU was held in Manila from May 18 to 22. During this round, both sides made substantial progress across key chapters of the FTA, including rules of origin, intellectual property, and digital trade. Breakthroughs were also achieved on market access for trade in goods, services and investment, as well as government procurement, according to the DTI. Since negotiations for the FTA resumed in 2024, the Philippines and the EU have completed six rounds of talks so far. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said talks for a trade pact with the EU, which she described as a “game-changer” for the domestic export industry, will be completed by June or July.
This sentiment was shared by EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro, who said negotiations should be finalized soon given the current pace of talks. Once the FTA enters into force, the agreement will provide more seamless access for the country’s products to the 27 members of the EU, including France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. The EU was the Philippines’ fifth-largest trading partner last year, with total trade amounting to $18.10 billion. Exports to the EU reached $9.77 billion, while imports from the EU to the Philippines stood at $8.34 billion, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.
Russia ratifies Indonesia-EAEU free trade agreement
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law that ratifies a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and its member states Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia on one side, and Indonesia.
The agreement, originally signed in St. Petersburg on December 21, 2025, ensures preferential terms for approximately 90% of commodities in all foreign trade. It lays down the terms for further development and deepening of trade and economic cooperation between the EAEU and Indonesia in areas of mutual interest, including processing industries, agriculture, energy, information and telecommunication technologies, research and development, digital development, technical regulations, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and customs regulations. Article 2.2 of the agreement provides for the granting of the most favored regime for the sides’ goods with certain exceptions. Russia’s bilateral trade with Indonesia rose 21.7% in 2025 to reach US$4.8 billion. Russia exports strategic commodities essential for Indonesian industries, including coal, fertilizers, and steel products, and imports Indonesia’s top-tier agricultural and estate exports, such as palm oil, coffee, coconut products, and cocoa. This growth can be expected to both continue and diversify.
The agreement establishes a preferential trade regime for the vast majority of goods, covering more than 98% of bilateral trade between Indonesia and Russia, which significantly reduces trade costs and increases competitiveness. At the same time, the average duty on Russian products exported to Indonesia is reduced by more than half, from 8% to 3.2%. For the vast majority of products, the duty will be zero, including fertilizers, ferrous metals, aluminum, cod, beans, flour confectionery, coffee concentrates, coal, petroleum products, and medicines.
Russia ratifies UAE free trade agreement
The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has signed a bill ratifying an intergovernmental agreement on services trade and investments between Russia and the UAE. The intergovernmental agreement was signed in Moscow on August 7, 2025, and is aimed towards the mutual liberalization of access to the services market, allowing service providers from Russia and the UAE to conduct business beyond the obligations taken on by the parties under the corresponding World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement. The implementation of this will improve access to Russian services and service providers on the UAE market across a greater number of sectors than those covered by the WTO agreement. It will also allow for the creation of new value chains for trade infrastructure and make it possible to set up companies in the UAE using 100% Russian capital in certain services sectors. The agreement will bring about an expansion in bilateral goods trade, which is currently conducted in accordance with a free trade agreement (FTA) signed by the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and its member states and the UAE, while simplifying access to accompanying services—finance, transportation, logistics, consulting, and more. In 2025, bilateral trade in goods reached a historic high of over $12 billion, making the UAE one of Russia’s top 10 trade partners. Trade in services has risen seven-fold over the past 5 years and now exceeds commodity trade.
The agreement will permit Russian companies to hold 100% shares in the capital of UAE companies in sectors such as legal services, computer services, research and development, technical trials and analysis, technical consulting for computer reservation services, ship and aircraft repairs, passenger and freight rail transport, production-related services and management services.
They will be permitted to hold a 70% share in the capital of UAE companies engaged in complex engineering services, medicine and dentistry; rental services for unmanned vessels or other transport equipment; and passenger and marine transportation. In all of the service sectors for which the UAE has taken on specific obligations, excluding finance, telecoms, and travel agent and tour operator services, Russian companies will be able to open their own branches. Russian investors will also be given the right to found companies with 100% Russian capital in certain free trade areas of the UAE, in sectors such as finance, medicine, and news agency services. As part of the new agreement, the UAE is taking on obligations for 64 subsectors of the services market not covered by its obligations under the WTO agreement, versus 12 additional subsectors for Russia.
US, Mexico set three rounds of trade deal talks without Canada
The Trump administration’s trade agency will kick off the first of three negotiating rounds with Mexico this week to revamp the North American trade agreement, but made no mention of any talks with Canada. USTR said the U.S. and Mexico will hold a second round of negotiations in Washington June 16 to 17, focused on agriculture and "a level playing field," with a third set of talks in Mexico City scheduled for the week of July 20.
US hopes to clinch trade deal soon but India wants tariff clarity
The US is angling for an early interim trade deal with India, aiming to push negotiations towards a final conclusion during the visit of a high-powered American trade delegation to New Delhi in the coming weeks. India, however, is more cautious and is unlikely to take on commitments till the tariff scenario in the US unfolds and it is sure of the advantages it gains over its competitors, a source tracking the matter told business line. The US remained India’s largest export market in FY26 with exports valued at $ 87.31 billion, marginally higher than exports of $ 86.51 billion in the previous fiscal.
However, India’s trade surplus with the US, a big reason for discontent in the Trump regime, declined in FY26 to $ 34.41 billion from $ 40.88 billion in FY25 as imports of American goods increased to $52.90 billion, from $ 45.63 billion.
Ukraine is set to conclude a free trade agreement with Serbia
In addition to the EU, Ukraine is working on integration and the conclusion of free trade agreements with the countries of the Western Balkans. In particular, a free trade agreement with Serbia is planned to be concluded in the coming months. This was stated by Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Taras Kachka, during the presentation of the Roadmap for the European integration of Ukraine’s dairy sector. Commenting on the appearance of the roadmap, Taras Kachka noted that integration into European Union markets is usually associated with overcoming various types of prejudices against products. Therefore, the initiative to develop the roadmap and the active position of dairy associations and producers provide grounds for rapid and high-quality integration into EU markets.
Kazakhstan, Türkiye prepare agreement on mutual investment protection
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has drafted a government resolution on the signing of an agreement between Kazakhstan and Türkiye on the mutual promotion and protection of investments. The document has been submitted for public discussion until May 29, 2026, Kazinform reports. The draft agreement is aimed at establishing stable and predictable conditions for investors from both countries and enshrines key international guarantees, including fair and equitable treatment, national treatment, and most-favoured-nation status. It also provides for full protection and security of investments, the free transfer of investors’ income, and safeguards against expropriation and nationalisation. A separate section outlines mechanisms for the settlement of investment disputes between investors and states, as well as between the governments of the two countries.
According to the explanatory note to the draft, the purpose of the agreement is to create favourable conditions for mutual investment and ensure legal protection for investors in both countries. The agreement will enter into force following the completion of all domestic procedures and the exchange of diplomatic notifications confirming that both sides are ready to implement it.
India-Oman free trade agreement set for June 1 rollout, says Piyush Goyal
Union Commerce and Industry Minister said the India–Oman free trade agreement (FTA), signed in December 2025, is likely to come into force from June 1, 2026. The agreement is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade by granting duty-free access to nearly 98 per cent of India’s exports to Oman, including textiles, agricultural products and leather goods. In return, India will lower tariffs on key Omani exports such as dates, marble and petrochemical products.
The announcement came as an Omani delegation visited India to explore avenues for enhancing trade and investment cooperation. Goyal also highlighted progress in trade discussions with Chile, noting that both sides are working to bridge differences arising from the scale and structure of their economies. India and Chile are currently negotiating to expand their existing preferential trade agreement into a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aimed at boosting bilateral trade and deepening economic engagement.
The proposed CEPA is expected to cover a wider range of sectors, including digital services, investment, MSMEs and critical minerals. Chile’s vast reserves of lithium and copper are seen as strategically important for India, particularly for sectors such as electronics, automobiles and solar energy, where access to critical minerals is becoming increasingly vital. The talks also addressed Thailand’s trade surplus with the United States. Ms. Suphajee said Thailand’s surplus increased considerably last year compared with the previous year. She said Thailand had clarified that at least 30% of the additional surplus came from products manufactured by US companies investing in Thailand, while more than 20% came from Thai companies.
Malaysia, EU in final stage of signing free trade agreement
Malaysia and the European Union (EU) are now in the final stage of signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as well as finalising a comprehensive partnership aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and bilateral relations. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the positive development is driven by the EU, which now views Southeast Asia as a strategic and important bloc following unilateral tariffs imposed by the US and instability resulting from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Without specifying a timeline, he said Malaysia wants to finalise the agreement as soon as possible so that it can act as a catalyst to boost trade between Malaysia and the EU.
MERCOSUR and EU ITA Goes into Effect
On May 1, 2026, an Interim Trade Agreement (ITA) between the MERCUOUR countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) and the European Union (EU) went into effect. This ITA and an association agreement between MERCUOUR and the EU was signed on January 17, 2026. The ITA will reach a market of 700 million consumers while waiving import duties on 92% of MERCOSUR exports and give preferential treatment to another 7.5%. EU Goods will have a 15-year duty reduction scheduled on imports that originate in MERCOSUR countries, while MERCOSUR goods will have a 10-year duty reduction schedule on imports that originate in the EU.
Origin – Free Trade Agreement Switzerland – Faroe Islands
The revised PEM Convention will apply from 1.6.2026 (Zone 1 Agreement). Source
Singapore, New Zealand sign world’s first legally binding supply chain resilience pact
Singapore and New Zealand on Monday (May 4) signed the world’s first legally binding bilateral agreement to keep essential supplies – including food, fuel, healthcare products, and chemical and construction materials – flowing even during crises. The Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies was signed by Singapore’s Minister-in-charge of Energy, Science and Technology Tan See Leng and New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay at the Singapore-New Zealand Annual Leaders’ Meeting in Singapore, witnessed by the prime ministers of both countries. Both governments committed not to impose unnecessary export restrictions on the agreed essential goods, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said.
The agreement will take effect after domestic procedures on both sides are completed, and will be incorporated into the existing bilateral free trade agreement between the two countries. It also establishes a framework for both countries to facilitate the movement of goods, share information and consult each other before or during supply chain disruptions, providing businesses and consumers with greater confidence and stability, MTI said. Speaking at a joint press conference, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the pact sends a clear signal that trusted partners will keep faith with each other even under strain.
Thailand rushes US trade deal ahead of possible Section 301 review
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said Thailand is accelerating negotiations on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States in a bid to reduce tariff risks ahead of a Section 301 review. Speaking at 08:50 at Santi Maitree Building, Government House, Ms. Suphajee said following her recent visit to the United States, talks were held with Jamieson Greer and Rick Switzer on 4 May to push forward the pending ART negotiations.
She said Thai officials remain in the United States for technical-level discussions on two issues: asset capacity and forced labour. Ms. Suphajee said her discussions focused on clarifying Thailand’s position after the country submitted its formal response on 15 April, adding that all issues had been clearly explained and no major obstacles had arisen. She said both sides reaffirmed their intention to maximise trade benefits for both countries.
Thailand is also seeking to conclude ART negotiations, which have remained unresolved since the previous administration, before any investigation under Section 301 — a US trade law concerning unfair trade practices — proceeds.
Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia: a strategic direction for EU enlargement
The European Union assessed the progress made by Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia towards membership. The European Committee of the Regions has stated that the accession of these countries to the EU is very important for "the security and future of Europe". It stressed that these countries must further strengthen the rule of law, fight corruption and improve the functioning of the administration. The opinion also draws attention to the need to invest in the reconstruction of Ukraine, the modernisation of infrastructure, the green transition and cross-border cooperation. This is a clear signal that the EU intends to maintain the momentum of the enlargement process, but expects real progress and effective reforms.