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.
Topic Archives:Digital Trade
Singapore calls for greater collaboration at APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting 2026
At the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting 2026, Singapore called for Asia-Pacific collaboration to keep supply chains open, strengthen the WTO, and advance digital trade. The statement covers three substantive policy areas: supply chain resilience, multilateral trading system support, and digital trade facilitation. No further details are available from the snippet.
Singapore and ASEAN Member States Conclude Negotiations on Landmark ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA)
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.
Global Trade Takes a Digital Leap with eATA Rollout in 30 Countries
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 […]
No breakthrough at WTO MC14 in Cameroon
The 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) concluded in Yaoundé, Cameroon without major policy decisions on WTO reform. Some members agreed to implement the negotiated e-commerce agreement. Switzerland’s delegation was led by State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda of SECO.
ASEAN Concludes DEFA Negotiations
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.
EU and Canada launch negotiations for a Digital Trade Agreement
The EU and Canada formally launched negotiations for a bilateral Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) in Toronto. The announcement was made by EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu.
2026 Sixth Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue Concludes with Seven Key Agreements
Taiwan and the U.S. held their 6th Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue (EPPD) on January 27, 2026, the first in-person meeting since the dialogue launched in 2020. The two sides signed a Joint Statement and reached seven key agreements covering areas of bilateral economic cooperation. Specific policy outcomes were recorded across multiple trade and economic domains.
USTR Section 301 Determination on Brazil’s Unreasonable Acts, Policies, and Practices
USTR has made a formal Section 301 determination that Brazil’s acts, policies, and practices are unreasonable, covering digital trade and electronic payment services, preferential tariffs, anti-corruption enforcement, IP protection, ethanol market access, and illegal deforestation. This determination under the Trade Act of 1974 could lead to retaliatory trade measures against Brazil. The action spans multiple […]