Argentina Enacts MERCOSUR-Singapore Free Trade Agreement
On September 15, 2026, through Decree 1010/2026, Argentina enacted a free trade agreement with Singapore under the Mercado Común del Sur (MERCOSUR) framework. The agreement was approved and published under Law 27,819 on the same day.
The agreement contains 19 chapters covering a broad range of trade-related areas, including trade in goods and services, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, intellectual property, customs procedures, and more to promote economic and commercial development. Under the agreement, tariff reductions will be implemented over a period of up to 15 years. Products are assigned to a duty reduction schedule that provides either:
- Immediate duty elimination (100% reduction upon entry into force), or
- Gradual annual tariff reductions reaching full elimination after 4, 8, 10, or15 years.
Singapore will eliminate tariffs on 100% of products originating from MERCOSUR, while the South American bloc will provide reduced duty rates to 95.8% of its tariff lines for products originating in Singapore.
The enforcement date will be in accordance with Article 19.13, paragraph 3, of the agreement, the agreement will enter into force on the first day of the second month following the deposits its instrument of ratification.
EU trade agreements continue to benefit European businesses
The EU's growing network of trade agreements helps European businesses to access new export markets and creates a more predictable trade and investment environment, according to a report published today. The sixth Annual Report on the Implementation and Enforcement of EU Trade and Economic Security Policy, covering the year 2025, concludes that EU trade agreements play a crucial role in increasing the resilience and competitiveness of EU operators.
ASEAN, Korea set 2027 deadline for trade deal talks
ASEAN and South Korea have set a 2027 deadline to upgrade their free trade agreement (FTA) as they plan to team up on building the critical mineral supply chain. Both sides have been trying to modernise their decades-old FTA. The negotiations, which has only begun in mid-2026, became a talking point when their trade ministers gathered in the Philippines over the weekend. It was also then that they unveiled the completion target.
Substantial agreement on EU-Philippines trade deal
The EU and the Philippines reached substantial agreement in their negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), envisaged to deepen economic ties between the EU and another strategic, fast-growing partner in Southeast Asia.
This agreement will unlock stronger trade and investment flows, by improving conditions for exporters, service suppliers and investors on both sides – reinforcing the EU's strategic engagement with a like-minded partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
The mutual benefits will stem from:
- Elimination of tariffs on both sides and improved market access on both sides. With 113 million people, the Philippines represents a major market for EU exporters. The FTA will liberalise over 94% of tariff lines, covering more than 97% of bilateral trade:
- EU industrial exports to the Philippines are led by machinery and appliances, transport equipment, medicines and medical appliances.
- Our key agrifood exports to the Philippines include meat products, such as pork and poultry, as well as dairy products and spirits.
- Clear rules on government procurement, opening the Philippine government procurement market to foreign bidders for the first-time ever;
- Better protection of intellectual property rights, including for a commercially meaningful list of EU Geographical Indications;
- Clear and ambitious rules facilitating digital trade, while guaranteeing data privacy and consumer protection;
- Transparent rules on sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade, which will facilitate trade and reduce costs for companies, while guaranteeing the respect of the highest standards;
- Ambitious sustainability commitments at the core of the trading relationship, making the respect of human rights and the Paris Agreement essential elements of the Agreement, as well as providing a very ambitious Trade and Sustainable Development chapter; and
- Transparent and ambitious provisions on energy and raw materials, aimed at achieving a level playing field to facilitate sustainable investment, in particular in renewable energy.
The European Union and Lebanon are extending the PRIMA partnership
The Official Journal of the European Union has published a notice regarding the entry into force of the Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Union and the Republic of Lebanon, amending and supplementing the existing agreement on scientific and technological cooperation within the framework of the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA). The amendment formally aligns Lebanon’s participation with the framework of the “Horizon Europe” program, enabling Lebanese and European entities to continue jointly applying for research and development grants. For companies and research institutions in the electronics and ICT sectors, this opens up new opportunities for projects in the areas of agricultural digitization (AgTech), water resource monitoring systems, IoT sensors, telemetry networks, and advanced algorithms for energy and climate management in the Mediterranean basin.
From the perspective of trade and technology transfer, these regulated legal relationships provide a stable platform for building international consortia and commercializing technological solutions in Middle Eastern markets. For compliance and financial audit teams, on the other hand, it is crucial to include rigorous mutual legal assistance procedures in the agreement, which authorize the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) to conduct direct on-site audits and inspections of grant recipients. The agreement enters into force on June 17, 2026.
EU–Angola Investment Agreement: The Investment Facilitation Committee has adopted its rules of procedure
Decision No. 1/2026 of the Investment Facilitation Committee, dated March 3, 2026, adopting the rules of procedure under the Agreement on the Facilitation of Sustainable Investment between the European Union and the Republic of Angola, has been published in the Official Journal of the EU. The act formalizes the functioning of the joint supervisory committee, co-chaired by the European Commissioner for Trade and Angola’s Minister of Planning, establishing a joint secretariat and rules for decision-making by consensus. For European companies, including those in the electronics and ICT sectors, the launch of the Committee’s structures creates an institutional platform that facilitates direct investment and economic dialogue. A key element of the rules of procedure is the co-chairs’ ability to invite external experts from outside the government to participate in meetings to provide information on specific industry topics. From the perspective of compliance and trade departments, the regulations clarify the rules regarding transparency, confidentiality of documentation, and data protection when handling investment procedures. The decision took effect on the date of its adoption, March 3, 2026, and was published on August 26, 2026.
Commission presents EU-Ecuador Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement (SIFA) to Council
The Commission has presented the EU-Ecuador Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement to the Council for signature and conclusion. The EU’s first SIFA with a Latin American country will make it easier for EU companies to invest in Ecuador by addressing regulatory and administrative barriers, while strengthening cooperation in sustainable energy and raw materials.
EU-SADC EPA rules of origin: Mozambique has been granted the right to apply broad regional cumulation
The European Commission has published a notification in the Official Journal of the EU (C/2026/4810) confirming that Mozambique has fulfilled the formal requirements for administrative cooperation and has been granted the right to apply regional cumulation of origin under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EU-SADC EPA) as of 24 July 2026 . This mechanism allows raw materials and components imported from several countries in Africa and the Pacific (m.in. South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Cameroon, Madagascar, Mauritius and Papua New Guinea) to be treated as if they came from Mozambique, provided that their processing goes beyond insufficient activities. For the consumer electronics and information technology (ICT) sector, this opens up new, cost-optimized pathways for the acquisition of critical mineral raw materials (such as graphite, titanium or tantalum) and the prefabrication of cable harnesses and components with zero customs duties when imported into the EU market. From an international trade perspective, this decision significantly facilitates the diversification of supply chains outside Asia and promotes the location of assembly investments in the South African region. However, for importers and customs compliance departments, it becomes crucial to accurately audit proofs of origin (including suppliers' declarations), ongoing control of compliance with the sufficient processing rule and strict compliance with the exclusion from cumulation of those materials from South Africa that do not qualify for duty-free import into the EU.
EP Recommendation on Relations with Canada: Call for a Separate Agreement on Digital Trade and the Integration of ICT Supply Chains
The European Parliament has published a recommendation calling for a deepening of the strategic partnership between the European Union and Canada in the face of the fragmentation of global supply chains, protectionism, and growing hybrid threats. For the electronics and ICT sector, the document makes a key call for the immediate launch of negotiations on a dedicated digital trade agreement, as well as for closer cooperation in the areas of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and the deployment of secure 5G network infrastructure. From the perspective of international trade, the EP highlights the success of the CETA agreement and calls for its full ratification by the remaining member states, emphasizing the strategic role of the raw materials alliance in reducing dependence on third countries (including China) for supplies of critical minerals and metals. In the area of defense, the report recommends integrating Canada into the European industrial base through participation in the SAFE instrument, PESCO projects, and drone coalitions and counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (CUAS) systems. For compliance departments, a key takeaway is the emphasis on rigorous enforcement of sustainability standards, the elimination of forced labor from supply chains, the protection of cross-border personal data flows, and adherence to common rules on export controls and sanctions.
India: Commission presents landmark India trade deal to Council for signature
The Commission has presented the landmark EU-India Free Trade Agreement to the Council for signature and conclusion. This deal will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 96% of EU goods exports, saving European businesses up to €4 billion annually, while opening new opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.
India-New Zealand FTA kicks in from October 20: Indian exporters get duty-free access from day one as both nations target Rs 35,000 crore trade by 2030
The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will come into force on October 20, giving Indian exporters duty-free access to the country from day one across all tariff lines, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said Monday. The two countries, which had signed the pact on April 27, aim to double bilateral goods and services trade to ₹35,000 crore by 2030. The agreement also includes a commitment by New Zealand to facilitate up to $20 billion of investment in India over 15 years.
India, Canada to hold next round of talks from October 5 for proposed trade pact
The negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Canada are progressing and the next round of talks will be held from October 5, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday. The fourth round of negotiations concluded here on September 18. The talks are moving at a faster pace as both the countries are targeting to conclude the negotiations by end of this year.
India, Mauritius to discuss expanding product coverage under economic cooperation agreement
India and Mauritius will discuss the possibility of expanding market access for additional products as part of the comprehensive economic cooperation and partnership agreement (CECPA), which came into force in April 2021. The two sides are also expected to address non-tariff barriers and other trade concerns at the second meeting of the India-Mauritius High Powered Joint Trade Committee (HPJTC), beginning October 7.
India, South Africa pave way for preferential trade agreement
India and South Africa have paved the way for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), with the Terms of Reference for negotiations already signed, opening the door for a significant expansion in bilateral trade currently valued at USD 18.01 billion.
India-EU FTA opens sensitive markets to EU cars, wine and farm imports
The European Commission has proposed that the European Union approve and conclude its free-trade agreement with India, bringing the long-awaited pact closer to taking effect. Once approved, the agreement would be the largest trade deal ever concluded by either the EU or India, the European Commission said Friday. The pact would remove or reduce tariffs on 96% of EU goods exports to India, saving European exporters about €4 billion a year in customs duties. It is also designed to expand market access, reduce trade barriers and provide businesses with more predictable regulatory rules. The official text and annexes show that India has opened parts of several politically sensitive markets through tariff-rate quotas and price-based concessions. The commitments cover automobiles, wine and selected alcoholic products, pork, apples, kiwifruit, pears and peaches. Imports meeting specified origin, price and quantity conditions will qualify for lower duties, while most imports outside those limits will continue to face the normal tariff.
Cars get biggest tariff opening
Under the agreement, India will cut tariffs on eligible EU cars through a tariff-rate quota, with the first-year quota set at 1,00,000 completely built-up internal-combustion and non-plug-in hybrid cars. That is nearly six times the 17,191 cars India imported from the EU in 2025. The quota will rise to 1,60,000 cars by the 10th year.
The concessions will apply only to cars priced at €15,000 or more. For cars priced between €15,000 and €35,000, the in-quota tariff will fall from the current 110% to 35% in the first year and 10% by the fifth year. For cars priced above €35,000, the duty will fall from 66% to 30% in the first year and 10% over the same period.
Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa- US extends duty-free trade deal with 32 African countries
The United States has granted a two-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), extending trade preferences to qualifying African countries. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general (DG) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), announced in a post on X on Thursday, expressing hope that the extension will stimulate greater, mutually beneficial trade between Africa and the US. In December 2025, US congress advanced a bill seeking to revive the programme after it expired on September 30, 2025. The AGOA Extension Act was introduced by Jason Smith, a member of the US house of representatives, and proposed a three-year renewal of the programme until December 31, 2028. The extension permits retroactive duty-free treatment on imports from eligible African countries from the expiration date. This means importers can claim refunds for duties they have paid in the interval for AGOA-qualifying goods. On January 13, 2026, the US house of representatives passed the bill to renew the preferential trade programme for some African countries through 2028. The house approved the extension by a vote of 340 to 54. Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa are among the 32 beneficiaries of AGOA.
Philippines, Canada set to finalize trade agreement by November
The Philippines is looking to conclude talks for a free trade agreement (FTA) with Canada in November following the completion of round-based negotiations, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty told reporters that the FTA talks between the Philippines and Canada are in their final stages following the fourth and final negotiating round earlier this month. The fourth round of FTA talks between the Philippines and Canada was held from Sept. 8 to 11 in Toronto, Canada.
Switzerland - The Federal Council adopts message on the investment protection agreement with Saudi Arabia
On September 2, 2026, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch prepared for the Federal Assembly on the new agreement between Switzerland and Saudi Arabia on the promotion and mutual protection of investments. This closes the legal gap that arose due to Saudi Arabia's termination of the previous agreement. The Investment Protection Agreement (ISA) between Switzerland and Saudi Arabia protects Swiss investments in Saudi Arabia and, conversely, Saudi investments in Switzerland from certain political risks. In particular, the agreement provides protection against discrimination and expropriation that violate international law, as well as the free transferability of payments related to the investments.
The dispute settlement mechanisms allow states and investors to assert compliance with the agreement, if necessary, before an international arbitration tribunal. This ISA closes the legal gap that arose due to Saudi Arabia's termination of the previous agreement, which expired on August 9, 2025. The ISA was signed by Federal President Guy Parmelin and Saudi Minister of Investment Fahad bin Abduljalil Al-Saif on April 23, 2026, subject to the internal approval procedures of both countries.
Switzerland - The free trade agreement with Kosovo will enter into force on October 1, 2026
The free trade agreement between the states of the European Free Trade Association EFTA (Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and the Republic of Kosovo will enter into force on October 1, 2026. On September 2, 2026, the Federal Council adopted the necessary amendments to the ordinances to implement the customs concessions agreed upon in the agreement. The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EFTA states and Kosovo increases legal certainty and predictability for bilateral economic exchange and improves access for Swiss goods and services to the Kosovar market. All current Swiss exports to Kosovo will be duty-free, with some transitional periods. Bilateral trade in goods amounted to approximately CHF 175 million in 2025. It has developed dynamically in recent years and shows further growth potential.
Swiss parliament approves Mercosur free trade deal
Parliament has approved the EFTA free trade agreement with the Mercosur countries. Following the Senate, the House of Representatives has also approved a compromise under which the agricultural sector will receive half a billion Swiss francs in support. The final say is likely to rest with the people. The House of Representatives approved the agreement by 118 votes to 66, with 10 abstentions. The left-wing Social Democrats and the Greens voted against the deal, with a few dissenters from the right-wing Swiss People’s Party. Free trade with the Mercosur economic bloc will comes at a price, however. The government will have to provide an additional CHF517 million in support for the Swiss agricultural sector – that was strongly against the deal with Mercosur – over six years.