USTR Ambassador Greer criticized the EU’s nearly $1 billion fine on Google as part of an aggressive pattern targeting U.S. technology firms, framing it as creating uncertainty in the Turnberry Agreement governing transatlantic trade. The statement signals U.S. concern that EU digital enforcement actions are undermining the bilateral trade framework. This touches on digital trade […]
Topic Archives:Digital Trade
WCO Data Model Version 4.3.0 Released at 30th Anniversary Milestone
The WCO has published Data Model Version 4.3.0, approved by the WCO Council in June 2026, marking the model’s 30th anniversary. The release was celebrated via a public webinar attended by over 420 participants worldwide. The WCO Data Model standardizes customs data for cross-border trade interoperability.
WTO TBT Committee reviews emerging technology standards, adopts improved notification formats
The WTO TBT Committee met July 7-10, 2026, addressing standards for critical/emerging technologies, climate-resilient buildings, and lithium-ion batteries. The Committee adopted improvements to transparency procedures and digital notification tools. Members also reviewed 70 specific trade concerns.
Ministry of Industry and Trade disseminates E-Commerce Law and Decree No. 248/2026/NĐ-CP
Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade held a dissemination event for the new E-Commerce Law and its implementing Decree No. 248/2026/NĐ-CP. These instruments establish the regulatory framework for digital trade and e-commerce activities in Vietnam. The specific provisions of the decree likely cover platform obligations, cross-border e-commerce, and related digital trade rules.
CPTPP Joint Ministerial Statement on Expansion, Implementation, and Cooperation
CPTPP ministers issued a joint statement covering the agreement’s expansion, implementation, and cooperation. The statement addresses ongoing accession processes and operational matters for the trans-Pacific trade bloc. Specific policy outcomes on membership and implementation were announced.
Public Hearing on Proposed Responsive Action in Section 301 Investigation of Brazil
USTR will hold a public hearing on July 6-7 regarding proposed responsive actions in a Section 301 investigation of Brazil covering digital trade, electronic payment services, and unfair trade practices. The hearing is part of the formal process to determine potential trade measures against Brazil. This involves market access, digital trade, and possible tariff or […]
UK and Malaysia launch negotiations on Digital Trade Agreement
The UK and Malaysia have officially launched negotiations on a bilateral Digital Trade Agreement aimed at removing barriers to digital trade and enabling UK exporters to expand into Malaysian high-tech markets. The announcement marks a formal start to structured talks on digital trade rules between the two countries.
Korea-EU Digital Trade Agreement Signed; Competitiveness Partnership and High-Level Economic Dialogue Established
South Korea and the EU formally signed a Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) during President Lee Jae-myung’s visit to Belgium on June 10, 2026. The two sides also agreed to launch a Korea-EU Competitiveness Partnership and establish a new high-level economic dialogue. Additionally, four European advanced-technology companies announced foreign direct investment totaling USD 165 million into […]
Korea Attracts $165M FDI from Four European Tech Firms, Signs Digital Trade Agreement with EU
During President Lee Jae-myung’s EU visit, South Korea secured $165 million in foreign direct investment from four European advanced technology companies including Germany’s Orafol, France’s Quandela, Netherlands’ Prodrive Technologies, and Sweden’s Mycronic. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy also signed a digital trade agreement with the EU at an investor roundtable in Brussels. The […]
Korea-EU Open New Horizons in Economic Cooperation: Digital Trade Agreement Signed
Korea and the EU formally signed a Digital Trade Agreement (DTA), making the EU Korea’s second DTA partner after Singapore. The announcement also covers EU corporate investments totaling $165 million in Korea across advanced technology sectors, and high-level trade talks between Korea’s trade negotiation chief and EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič on supply chains and […]