India’s DGFT has amended Para 2.03(A)(iii) of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 to clarify the applicability of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements on imports by Special Economic Zone units and developers. The amendment addresses whether SEZ importers must comply with domestic technical standards and quality controls. This constitutes a […]
ASEAN has concluded negotiations for the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), a landmark plurilateral deal covering digital trade among member states. The agreement represents a significant policy outcome for the region’s digital economy governance. The Philippine DTI announced the conclusion via its official news channel.
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 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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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.
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.