bilaterals.org logo
bilaterals.org logo

All articles

Deals made under repealed tariffs should be reconsidered
12-Mar-2026 Public Citizen
The US Supreme Court’s decision invalidating the tariffs is yet another reason for countries like Indonesia to be wary of ratifying these deals negotiated with the Trump administration.
Zimbabwe’s seed sovereignty is under threat – and with it, the legacy of land reform
12-Mar-2026 Peoples Dispatch
Developing nations are compelled to adopt legal frameworks favoring multinational seed companies, often through trade agreements and regional protocols that serve imperialist interests and control over the economies of the Global South.
Bangladesh, Indonesia move to fast-track trade pact
12-Mar-2026 The Business Standard
Bangladesh and Indonesia have agreed to accelerate negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement to expand bilateral trade and deepen economic cooperation.
Mercosur wants to sign two more FTAs this year
12-Mar-2026 Latin Finance
Leaders of the South American bloc hope the recent EU trade deal will provide the political will for other pacts with the United Arab Emirates and Canada.
ASEAN digital economy negotiators convene in Manila to advance landmark regional digital trade agreement
12-Mar-2026 PIA
The meetings brought together lead negotiators and legal experts from ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat to advance discussions on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement.
Indonesia–US Trade Agreement challenged in Court, civil society coalition warns of risks to economic sovereignty
12-Mar-2026 CELIOS
A civil society coalition consisting of CELIOS, the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), Indonesia for Global Justice (IGJ), Solidaritas Perempuan, and supported by WALHI Nasional and Trend Asia has officially filed a lawsuit for Unlawful Government Act (Onrechtmatige Overheidsdaad) against the President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Jakarta Administrative Court (PTUN) on March 11, 2026.
Oman, China discuss acceleration of GCC Free Trade Agreement
12-Mar-2026 Muscat Daily
The Omani Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry met the Chinese Ambassador to discuss strengthening bilateral trade and investment, with a key focus on accelerating the GCC-China Free Trade Agreement to boost regional economic integration and market access.
Philippines to finalize free trade agreement with EU
12-Mar-2026 Business Inquirer
Negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and the European Union (EU) may be concluded by June or July this year, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said.
Lee, Singapore PM agree to launch FTA upgrade talks, strengthen AI cooperation
12-Mar-2026 Yonhap News Agency
President Lee Jae Myung and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong agreed to launch negotiations to upgrade their countries’ free trade agreement (FTA) and step up cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) during summit talks.
Apple farmers’ body demands scrapping of India-US trade deal
12-Mar-2026 Hindustan Times
Demanding the scrapping of the India-US trade agreement, the Apple Farmers’ Federation of India (AFFI) will hold a protest outside the Parliament next month. The AFFI said it will mobilise apple growers and farmers from Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand for this protest.
US reciprocal tariffs is illegal, Agreement of Reciprocal Trade must not be ratified
12-Mar-2026 Koalisi Masyarakat untuk Keadilan Ekonomi
The Civil Society Coalition for Economic Justice (Koalisi MKE) urges President Prabowo Subianto not to ratify the reciprocal trade agreement (ART) between Indonesia and the United States (US) signed on February 19, 2026. The 19% tariff reduction obtained by Indonesia in this agreement is not commensurate with the surrender of the country’s sovereignty to US interests.
Thailand and Japan prepare for comprehensive review of JTEPA trade pact
11-Mar-2026 The Nation
Thailand and Japan prepare to review the JTEPA trade agreement in 2027, aiming to expand market access and foster cooperation in the green economy.
Punjab assembly passes resolution condemning proposed India–US trade deal
11-Mar-2026 Hindustan Times
The Punjab Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning the proposed trade agreement between India and the United States, with chief minister Bhagwant Mann warning that the pact could severely impact farmers and the agricultural economy.
Bhutan seeks free trade agreement with Bangladesh
11-Mar-2026 The Daily Star
Bangladesh has asked Bhutan to submit a proposal for a possible free trade agreement after the Himalayan kingdom expressed interest in upgrading existing bilateral trade ties from the current preferential trade agreement.
PH targets FTA deals with EU, Canada, Chile this year
11-Mar-2026 PNA
The Philippines is aiming to conclude free trade agreement (FTA) talks this year with the European Union, Chile and Canada, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said.
European Parliament ready to vote on EU-US trade deal by March
11-Mar-2026 Euronews
The European Parliament’s political groups are in the final stages of negotiations on the EU-US trade deal, which could be greenlit by the end of March as requested by the Commission.
Morocco’s free-trade zones: a potential model for Africa
10-Mar-2026 Heritage
These free-trade zones are export-oriented in nature, capitalizing on Morocco’s geographical position.  Morocco seeks to be economically close to the EU while fostering strong relationships with the world’s greatest 21st century superpowers, China and the U.S.
Kenya, US revive trade talks as AGOA’s future looms
10-Mar-2026 Kenyan Foreign Policy
For Washington, the negotiations carry clear strategic overtones. Countering China’s growing economic influence in Kenya and across East Africa has long been part of US policy. The arrangement introduced geopolitical expectations alongside commercial interests.
Honduras signs the ICSID Convention
10-Mar-2026 ICSID
The President of the Republic of Honduras today signed the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States, also known as the ICSID Convention.
Eni confirms deal with Nigeria to split OPL 245 oilfield into four licences
10-Mar-2026 CNBC Africa
The agreement includes the “mutually satisfactory settlement” of all claims related to OPL 245 and the termination of an international arbitration procedure, the Italian energy major said.