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The trade war goes digital
6-Jan-2026 CCPA
Notes on how trade agreements prevent Canada from exercising digital sovereignty.
Trump administration fires warning shots over Big Tech regulations
6-Jan-2026 Politico
Senior officials are freezing talks and hinting at trade probes amid ongoing discussions with the UK, EU and South Korea.
Italy plans to back Mercosur, paving way for new EU trade deal
6-Jan-2026 The Business Times
Italy plans to back the Mercosur free trade agreement with a South American bloc of countries, in a vote that will likely be the final major hurdle for the European Union to clinch the accord, which has been in the works for 25 years.
EU rethinks UAE trade deal over alleged arms sales to Sudan
5-Jan-2026 DW
Members of the European Parliament demand that the EU end talks with the UAE over a trade deal. The UAE is suspected of sending arms to a Sudanese paramilitary accused of war crimes, which the Emirati government denies.
United States renews 2004 free trade agreement with Israel for 2026
5-Jan-2026 The Jerusalem Post
The 2004 Agreement specifies the quantities of specific Israeli agricultural products that may be imported into the US duty-free, including various dairy products and peanuts.
India’s rush to sign a web of bilateral trade agreements: Driven by good economics or smart geopolitics?
5-Jan-2026 Mint
India’s flurry of pacts signed with various countries may not boost our trade all that much, but these seem designed to act as an insurance policy against trade fragmentation caused by the policies of US President Donald Trump.
Serbia, Japan sign investment promotion agreement
5-Jan-2026 SeeNews
Serbia and Japan have signed an agreement for the mutual promotion and protection of investments, Japan’s foreign affairs ministry said.
UAE continues to expand its network of economic, investment partnerships
5-Jan-2026 Gulf Today
The UAE continues to expand its network of economic and investment partnerships with strategic markets around the world, strengthening investment flows, opening new horizons for trade, and supporting sustainable growth objectives.
Türkiye–Hong Kong investment agreement enters into force
5-Jan-2026 Steel Radar
The law approving the agreement between Türkiye and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China on the reciprocal promotion and protection of investments has been published in the Official Gazette and has entered into force.
PACER-plus fear
5-Jan-2026 The Fiji Times
On a micro level, joining PACER -Plus could do more damage to Fiji than good, says textile merchant.
Turkey says free-trade talks with GCC are underway
5-Jan-2026 AGBI
Turkey is pursuing free trade talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), trade minister Omer Bolat has said.
Bangladesh, Japan finalise draft EPA
5-Jan-2026 The Daily Star
Bangladesh and Japan have agreed on the draft of a bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement, marking the country’s first full-fledged trade deal as it seeks to secure preferential market treatments ahead of its scheduled graduation from the least developed country club.
The EU–Morocco agreement is illegal and unjust
5-Jan-2026 bilaterals.org
The EU-Morocco agreement favours powerful lobbies and actors, marginalises European farmers and the Sahrawi people, and fails to comply with international law.
Polish farmers stage nationwide protests over EU–Mercosur trade agreement
5-Jan-2026 Euronews
Farmers across Poland held coordinated protests to voice concerns about the planned EU–Mercosur trade deal and its potential impact on domestic agriculture.
PHL, UAE economic partnership deal set for signing in January
5-Jan-2026 Business World
The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are due to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in January, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.
Peru expects to reach a Free Trade Agreement with India in 2026
5-Jan-2026 Andina
Peru Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela stated that a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is expected to be achieved in 2026, and emphasized that the Indian authorities are very interested in completing the negotiations in order to get the treaty.
Australia ‘disappointed’ with China’s 55% beef tariffs, as US$667 million in trade at risk
5-Jan-2026 South China Morning Post
Australia’s government is “disappointed” with China’s decision to impose new beef import tariffs, with one industry group warning the move could damage trade worth over A$1 billion (US$667 million) between the two countries.
Trump warns of higher tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases
5-Jan-2026 Reuters
US President Trump warned he may raise tariffs on India if it doesn’t reduce Russian oil purchases. Despite 50% tariffs last year, India’s exports to the US have grown, and India remains firm on trade demands. Ongoing talks between Modi and Trump seek resolution, with India aiming to lower Russian oil imports while pursuing a US trade deal.
France tightens checks on food imports amid farmers’ Mercosur opposition
5-Jan-2026 Reuters
The French government said it was tightening checks on several food imports in a bid to ease concerns of farmers who have been protesting at what they say is unfair competition from countries with looser regulations.
Fair or fowl? Malaysia struggles to stomach its US trade pact
5-Jan-2026 South China Morning Post
Malaysia’s new trade deal with the US opens its market to American poultry and other goods, sparking concerns over food quality, halal standards, and national sovereignty. While the agreement offers tariff benefits for Malaysian exports, critics argue it’s lopsided and may undermine local businesses and regulatory autonomy.