PTPolicyTraderThe policy behind the trade.
Trade policy, commodities, and sustainability across the Indo-Pacific
Wto·Int·
The WTO Council for Trade in Services met June 2-4 to discuss future work areas including e-commerce services, green services economy, and LDC participation in services trade. Members agreed to hold a dedicated workshop on recognition of foreign professionals’ qualifications. Discussions also covered facilitating greater LDC integration into global services trade.
Asean·Int·
ASEAN Senior Economic Officials resolved all outstanding issues in the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) negotiations at the Second Meeting of the 57th SEOM held in Manila on 27-29 May 2026. This marks the conclusion of DEFA negotiations among ASEAN member states. DEFA covers digital trade rules across the region.
Kemendag·Indonesia·
Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade has set the export benchmark price (HPE) for gold at USD 148,396.49/kg for the first period of June 2026, down 1.43% from USD 150,555.29/kg in the second period of May 2026. The reference price (HR) also fell to USD 4,615.65 per troy ounce from USD 4,682.80. These rates are established under […]
Wco·Int·
The WCO and ICC have launched the digital ATA Carnet (eATA) across 30 countries to facilitate the temporary admission of goods. The eATA replaces paper-based carnets, streamlining customs procedures for goods temporarily imported for trade fairs, professional equipment, and similar purposes. This represents a significant multilateral customs facilitation measure with direct implications for cross-border trade […]
Dgft·In·
India’s DGFT has fixed six new Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) numbered A-3702 through A-3707 under the Chemical and Allied Products category. SIONs define the permitted input-output ratios for export production under advance authorisation schemes, governing duty-free import of inputs used in export manufacturing. These norms directly affect customs and rules of origin procedures for […]
Oecd·Int·
An OECD report finds that steel excess capacity continues to distort global markets, with government subsidies increasingly undermining fair competition. The findings are relevant to ongoing trade remedy actions and multilateral discussions on steel overcapacity. Specific data on capacity levels and subsidy measures are highlighted as key concerns for trade policy.
Doc India·In·
India and Oman have concluded a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), establishing a new bilateral trade gateway. The agreement covers trade in goods and services with preferential arrangements between the two countries. This marks a significant bilateral trade policy development for India in the Gulf region.
Mti·Sg·
Singapore and ASEAN member states have concluded negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), a landmark regional agreement covering digital trade. The agreement represents a significant plurilateral outcome for the bloc’s digital economy integration. Specific provisions likely cover cross-border data flows, digital trade facilitation, and related digital economy measures.
Mdic·Br·
Brazil’s ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Agriculture issued a joint note on the 10th negotiating round of the MERCOSUR-Canada free trade agreement talks. The release signals continued progress in the ongoing FTA negotiations between the two blocs. No further content was available in the snippet.
Ustr·United States·
USTR Jamieson Greer has initiated a Section 301 investigation into Vietnam’s intellectual property protection and enforcement practices, following Vietnam’s designation as a Priority Foreign Country in the 2026 Special 301 Report published April 30. The investigation will assess whether Vietnam’s IP-related acts, policies, and practices are actionable under the Trade Act of 1974. This could […]