PTPolicyTraderThe policy behind the trade.
Trade policy, commodities, and sustainability across the Indo-Pacific
Ustr·United States·
USTR will hold public hearings May 5–8, 2026 on Section 301 investigations covering 16 economies’ acts, policies, and practices related to structural excess capacity in manufacturing sectors. Section 301 investigations can lead to tariffs or other trade remedies against unfair trade practices.
Dgft·In·
India’s DGFT has established four new Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) numbered A-3698 through A-3701 under the Chemical and Allied Products category. SIONs define the permitted input quantities for duty-free imports used in export production under India’s Advance Authorisation scheme. These norms directly govern customs duty exemptions and rules of origin for export-linked imports.
Mofcom·Cn·
China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a blocking order prohibiting compliance with US secondary sanctions targeting five Chinese companies over Iran-related oil trade. The measure invokes China’s blocking statute to counter extraterritorial application of US sanctions. This directly affects cross-border trade and export control enforcement between China and the US.
Ustr·United States·
USTR Ambassador Greer issued a statement following President Trump’s announcement of preferential duty access for UK-produced whiskey, referencing the previously announced US-UK General Terms for an Economic Prosperity Deal. The statement indicates a specific tariff concession for UK whiskey as part of ongoing bilateral trade negotiations. This reflects a named preferential duty measure within the […]
Ustr·United States·
USTR published its 2026 Special 301 Report assessing trading partners’ IP protection and enforcement adequacy. The report identifies Priority Watch List and Watch List countries and signals potential trade actions against those with deficient IP regimes. This is a named annual statutory measure with direct trade policy implications for multiple Asia-Pacific trading partners.
Dg Trade·Eu·
The EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement (ITA) begins provisional application on 1 May 2026, enabling EU producers, exporters, and farmers to immediately access the deal’s benefits. This marks a major milestone in one of the world’s largest FTAs, covering trade in goods, tariffs, and market access between the EU and Mercosur bloc.
Dgft·In·
India’s DGFT has issued a notice specifying modalities for the export of wheat. The document outlines the conditions and procedures governing wheat exports from India. Specific procedural or licensing requirements are detailed for exporters.
Dgft·In·
India’s DGFT has extended the Minimum Import Price condition for specific items under Chapter 48 of ITC HS 2022 Schedule I (Import Policy). This measure functions as a non-tariff barrier controlling import terms for paper and paperboard products. The extension continues an existing trade restriction on these commodity imports.
Dgft·In·
India’s DGFT has issued a notification aligning the RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) schedule with amendments to the First Schedule of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, as modified by the Finance Act (No. 3 of 2026), effective 1 May 2026. The update reflects reclassification of tariff lines consequent to the Finance […]
Dg Trade·Eu·
The European Parliament has voted to approve the new EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP), completing the legislative process for the scheme’s entry into application on 1 January 2027. The GSP provides preferential tariff access to developing countries exporting to the EU. This represents a significant update to the EU’s unilateral trade preference framework.