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From the movements

Resisting the weaponization of interdependence

The unilateral actions by Trump in the US have exposed a highly skewed system where powerful economies essentially flex their muscles and weaponize trade instruments like tariffs to suit their own economic and political agendas.

Unpacking the ASEAN–Canada FTA negotiation

The ASEAN-Canada FTA is one of the agreements currently being negotiated that includes an investment protection chapter with an ISDS mechanism. This briefing note summarizes the October 2025 webinar, “Unpacking the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (external link) ”, which examined the impact of ISDS and highlighted Canadian mining practices through emblematic ISDS cases.
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Latest news

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 AGOA and related programmes into the customs framework used by importers and border officials.

India-US trade deal can be finalised after tariff probe concludes, official says

Attempting to finalize a submissive interim deal by mid-July under such heavy economic coercion—while naively begging for future tariff immunities from an famously unpredictable Trump administration—risks bartering away India’s long-term trade sovereignty for fleeting, short-term market access.

North Africa flirting with increased ISDS?

The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) features fresh filings related to North Africa this year, with Egypt and Tunisia named as respondents to new investment arbitration claims.

Japan signals readiness to review trade pact

The Philippines and Japan are set to review the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) this year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.
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