PTPolicyTraderThe policy behind the trade.
Trade policy, commodities, and sustainability across the Indo-Pacific
Wto·Int·
WTO members met in the Committee on Trade Facilitation on 21-22 October to advance the second review of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, targeting completion by year-end. Members exchanged experiences on implementation issues and discussed technical assistance needs. Specific trade facilitation matters raised by members were also reviewed.
Dbt·Gb·
The UK government has issued or updated an open general export licence (OGEL) permitting export of a wide range of dual-use listed items to multiple destinations including EU member states and the United States. The licence provides a general authorisation framework for controlled dual-use goods without requiring individual licences. This is a named export control […]
Dbt·Gb·
The UK has issued guidance on an Open General Export Licence (OGEL) permitting the export of military goods, software, and technology to government or NATO organisations in listed destinations. This licence specifies eligible destinations and conditions under which exporters may operate without individual licensing.
Dbt·Gb·
The UK has issued or updated an open general export licence (OGEL) covering a wide range of military equipment, software, and technology for export to low-risk destinations. OGELs allow eligible exporters to ship controlled goods without applying for individual licences, subject to conditions. This is a named export control instrument under UK strategic export licensing.
Mdic·Br·
Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services has established procedures for exporters to utilize tariff-rate quotas under the Mercosur–EFTA agreement with Norway, effective November 1. Eligible products include beef, poultry, honey, corn, and apple juice. The measure defines how companies can access preferential quota benefits under the agreement.
Maff·Japan·
Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reports on Indonesia’s postponement of its mandatory halal certification requirement. This measure directly affects market access for food and agricultural product exporters to Indonesia. The delay has implications for Japanese exporters navigating Indonesian non-tariff regulatory requirements.
Mofcom·Cn·
China’s Ministry of Commerce is publishing the list of enterprises proposed to receive reallocated import tariff rate quotas for wool and wool tops for 2026. This is a standard administrative redistribution of unused or returned quota allocations among eligible applicants.
Ustr·United States·
The United States announced the successful resolution of a USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism (RRM) matter at the Alimentos Grole facility in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico, where workers alleged labor rights violations. The RRM is an FTA enforcement tool under USMCA allowing facility-specific labor complaints. This marks another application of USMCA’s labor enforcement mechanism.
Beehive Trade·Nz·
The New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement has entered into force, with tariffs removed on more than half of New Zealand’s exports to India from the effective date. New Zealand exporters can now begin utilizing preferential access under the agreement.
Dtn Th·Th·
Thailand’s Deputy PM and Commerce Minister met with Switzerland’s SECO Secretary of State and a Swiss business delegation to discuss implementation of the Thailand–EFTA FTA, targeting entry into force on 1 January 2027. Discussions focused on expanding trade and investment cooperation and connecting Thai SMEs to global supply chains. Both sides expressed intent to leverage […]