bilaterals.org logo
bilaterals.org logo

Articles by language


The India/UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty: Novel features in the next generation of BITs
We consider the key changes for investors and how the treaty reflects India’s developing approach to the balancing of its regulatory rights against those of private investors.
Toyota Motor Philippines seeks JPEPA review after US tariff deal
Philippine automotive industry renews calls to update the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement due to tariff imbalances created by zero-tariff access for US vehicle imports.”
EU-US tariffs: five key takeaways from the trade deal
Donald Trump and Ursula von der Leyen announced a deal on Sunday, but questions remain over what the finished picture will be.
Out-gunned Europe accepts least-worst US trade deal
In the end, Europe found it lacked the leverage to pull Donald Trump’s America into a trade pact on its terms and so has signed up to a deal it can just about stomach - albeit one that is clearly skewed in the US’s favour.
Mounting corporate pressure on Honduras threatens community rights
New data on foreign arbitration claims in Honduras reveal that the lawsuits filed by corporations against the country now total $19.4 billion in legal claims, equivalent to roughly 53% of Honduras’ GDP in 2024.
Canada eyes investment pact as Ethiopia opens $169bn economy
As Ethiopia opens its doors to foreign investment, Canada is positioning itself to be among the first in line, with legal safeguards in place.
The 14th Asian Business Summit joint statement
At the 14th Asian Business Summit in Manila, 12 economic business stressed their interests in strengthening FTAs, promoting green transformation with diverse energy pathways, fostering innovation driven by AI and startups, and developing human resources to boost regional competitiveness. The summit advocates maintaining a rules-based international economic order and reforming the WTO.
EU and Moldova reach agreement on a modernised trade relationship
The EU and Moldova have reached an agreement to review and update the trade terms of the EU-Moldova Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area.
Australia, India likely to finalise expanded FTA soon: Farrell
Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell announced the near-finalization of an expanded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, delayed previously due to Australia’s federal election timeline.
US trade deals: peasant unions in Indonesia and India sound alarm, warn of erosion of food sovereignty
Small-scale farmers and peasant unions in India and Indonesia against current and recent trade deals with the US because threaten their food sovereignty, livelihoods, and rural economies by opening local markets to heavily subsidized American agricultural imports.
India under pressure to seal trade deal with US as deadline looms
The recent US-India trade negotiations are under heightened pressure as the August 1 tariff increase deadline approaches, with India aiming to protect sensitive agricultural sectors similar to its recent trade deal with the UK.
India, UK start a new chapter with FTA
India and the UK have formalized a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), targeting a trade volume exceeding $100 billion by 2030. This landmark deal, India’s 16th such pact, eliminates tariffs on key sectors like leather and apparel in the UK, while reducing duties on British whisky and cars in India.
UK-India FTA: a missed opportunity for a fairer, greener trade agenda
The UK–India Free Trade Agreement marks a milestone in UK trade policy, but without binding commitments on rights, climate or accountability, it falls short of delivering a truly progressive deal.
Taliban and Pakistan sign trade agreement to lower tariffs on key agricultural goods
Taliban and Pakistani officials signed a preferential trade agreement aimed at reducing customs tariffs on selected export goods, in a move both sides say is designed to facilitate bilateral trade and strengthen regional economic ties.
Karapetyan has won an international lawsuit against the Armenian government
Businessman Samvel Karapetyan has won an international arbitration case against the Armenian government in connection with attempts by the authorities to nationalize his company, Electric Grids of Armenia.
Indonesia to allow personal data transfer to United States
Indonesia has agreed to provide certainty regarding the transfer of personal data to the United States as part of broader efforts to remove barriers to digital trade.
US–Indonesia trade pact shows risks of pressure tactics; India must tread cautiously: GTRI
Indonesia gave up far more than it gained. GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava said that India face similar US demands, which includes remanufactured goods, agriculture.
European Commission outlines three priorities in Indonesia-EU partnership
According to the EU Commission, the Indonesia - EU agreement focuses on three main areas: trade, security, and inter-societal relations. After a decade of negotiations, the trade deal is expected to unlock significant opportunities by opening new markets, supporting green and digital transitions, and enhancing sectors like automotive, services, and agriculture.
India-EFTA free trade pact to roll out from Oct 1
India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) will officially implement their free trade pact, the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), starting October 1, 2025. TEPA offers India near-complete tariff concessions on exports to EFTA countries and opens market access for various goods and services. Sensitive sectors like dairy and certain agricultural products are excluded to protect domestic interests.
Thailand submits final proposal in US trade talks, aims for competitive ASEAN tax rates
Thailand has submitted its final proposal to the US in ongoing trade talks aiming to secure a competitive import tax rate aligned with other ASEAN countries before the August 1, 2025 deadline. Facing pressure from neighboring ASEAN deals, Thailand hopes to reduce the current 36% tariff to around 20-23%, which could significantly impact its economy and investment climate.