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Open Letter: Comment on the SIA for the proposed EU-Thailand FTA by FTA Watch
26-Jan-2026
Thai civil society organizations submitted an open letter on 23 January 2026, provides critical feedback on the Draft Inception Report of the Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) for the proposed EU–Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The letter highlights key concerns regarding the adequacy and balance of the SIA’s current scope and methodology.
Korea, Bangladesh to hold 2nd round of negotiations for free trade deal
26-Jan-2026 The Korea Times
South Korea’s push for a CEPA with Bangladesh warrants caution. While touted as a strategic gateway to South Asia, Bangladesh faces serious challenges — including political instability, weak infrastructure, and concerns over labour standards and governance — that could undermine the human rights and economic benefit for the people.
Lower auto tariffs, wider market access: What the India-EU trade deal may look like
26-Jan-2026 India Today
India and the European Union are on the verge of reaching a FTA, with an "agreement in principle" expected imminently. The breakthrough is driven by India’s unprecedented offer to significantly reduce import tariffs on European goods—particularly high-end automobiles, with duties potentially dropping from 110% to as low as 10% over time.
Peasant organizations worldwide express solidarity with French peasants facing criminalization
23-Jan-2026 Vía Campesina
On January 14, 2026, 52 farmers from the Confédération Paysanne were detained following a peaceful occupation of the Ministry of Agriculture in Paris.
Commission opens in-depth investigation into arbitration award ordering Bulgaria to pay compensation to ACF
23-Jan-2026 European Commission
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether an arbitration award, in which Bulgaria is ordered to pay compensation to ACF for changes to a renewable electricity support measure, is in line with EU State aid rules.
Canada’s mining firms are big beneficiaries of the global order its prime minister just criticized
23-Jan-2026 Inside Climate News
As Mark Carney urges value-based leadership, critics point to trade rules championed by Canada that undermine those ideals.
Coupang’s US investors notify S. Korea of plan to seek international arbitration: ministry
23-Jan-2026 Yonhap
The two investors — Greenoaks and Altimeter — took issue with Seoul’s response to the e-commerce giant’s data breach late last year, claiming that it violated obligations under the Korea-US FTA regarding fair and equitable treatment.
Hungarian farmers join protest against EU-Mercosur trade deal
23-Jan-2026 Budapest Business Journal
Farmers representing the Nat’l Agriculture Chamber and professional association Magosz joined a protest against the EU’s free trade deal with South America’s Mercosur bloc in Strasbourg on Tuesday.
Ukraine wins arbitration in Stockholm on "green tariff"
23-Jan-2026 UNN
The Arbitration Tribunal in Stockholm rejected the claim of the foreign investor Modus Energy International B.V. regarding changes to the "green tariff".
Gulf investors file $2bn arbitration against Pakistan over K-Electric
23-Jan-2026 Minute Mirror
The dispute stems from an October 2016 agreement to sell a majority stake in K-Electric to Shanghai Electric Power Company.
Commission signals readiness for provisional Mercosur application
23-Jan-2026 Euractiv
Some EU capitals have urged Brussels to proceed with the trade pact despite the European Parliament’s decision to seek a court ruling.
EU leaders to push for ratification of US trade deal despite anger with Trump
23-Jan-2026 Politico
As summit begins in Brussels, governments don’t want week of rancor to obstruct pact coming into effect.
PH-EU trade talks to resume early March
23-Jan-2026 Manila Times
The fifth round of negotiations for the country’s free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union will resume in early March 2026 in Belgium, EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro told.
India-EU free trade pact: What’s agreed, what’s at stake after years of talks
23-Jan-2026 Reuters
India and the European Union are close to concluding a long-sought free trade agreement (FTA), with an announcement expected on Tuesday at the India–EU Summit in New Delhi.
EFF urges SA to reject AGOA extension, accuses US of geopolitical self-interest
22-Jan-2026 IOL
The EFF has called on the South African government to reject the recent extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), warning that the programme primarily serves US geopolitical and economic interests rather than advancing African development.
Kenya strikes preliminary duty-free trade deal with China
22-Jan-2026 Reuters
Kenya has struck a preliminary trade deal with China that would give 98% of its exports duty-free access to the large Chinese market, the Nairobi government said on Thursday, with a full, final agreement in the pipeline.
17 African countries remain in limbo as US extends AGOA to 2028
22-Jan-2026 Business Day
Seventeen African countries, including Ethiopia, Uganda and Zimbabwe, remain in trade limbo even as the African Union (AU) welcomed the US House of Representatives’ approval of a three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Shell files new arbitration against the Netherlands over Groningen gas field closure
22-Jan-2026 SOMO
Shell is suing the Netherlands in yet another attempt to evade its responsibility for decades of gas extraction in Groningen.
Mexico, South Korea move closer to bilateral free trade agreement
22-Jan-2026 Mexico Business News
Mexico and South Korea are advancing talks to finalize a bilateral free trade agreement aimed at lowering tariffs and boosting economic cooperation. The renewed momentum follows a high-level parliamentary exchange, with Mexico pledging to support negotiations and facilitate the process.
EU pulls tariff preferences on 87 pc of Indian exports ahead of FTA
22-Jan-2026 Deccan Chronicle
From January 1, 2026, India faces a significant setback in the European Union market as the EU suspends Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) benefits for 87% of its exports. This move means Indian products must now pay full Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariffs, eliminating the previous 20% average tariff reduction under GSP.