WAEMU has updated its rules of origin product list to align with HS 2022, resolving inconsistencies that arose after member states adopted the new nomenclature. Previously, the WAEMU Treaty referenced older HS editions for determining originating goods, undermining preferential treatment and trader compliance. The alignment ensures consistent application of preferential rules across the bloc.
Topic Archives:Fta
UK-New Zealand FTA Joint Public Session Minutes, 16 March 2026
The UK and New Zealand held their second joint public session under the Environment and Labour chapters of their FTA. Minutes from the 16 March 2026 session have been published as transparency data. The session covers implementation of sustainability-related commitments in the bilateral agreement.
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-Morocco Economic Cooperation Accelerated: Director-General Working Group Established, CEPA Negotiations Targeted
Korea’s Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo visited Morocco on June 11-12, 2026, meeting with Morocco’s Minister of State for Trade Omar Hejira. The two sides agreed to establish a director-general level working group to advance trade and investment cooperation, with the explicit goal of launching negotiations for a Korea-Morocco Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as soon […]
Korea-Bangladesh CEPA 4th Round of Formal Negotiations Held
The 4th round of formal negotiations for a Korea-Bangladesh Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is being held in Dhaka, Bangladesh from June 14–19, 2026. Eleven working groups are meeting on topics including goods concessions, services, and rules of origin. Korea is seeking to diversify export markets amid a rapidly changing global trade environment.
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 […]
Korea-Saudi Arabia Sign MOU on Crude Oil and Gas Cooperation, Strengthening Resource and Industrial Partnership
South Korea and Saudi Arabia signed an MOU on crude oil and gas cooperation to establish a mid-to-long-term resource cooperation framework. Saudi Arabia, Korea’s top crude oil supplier, previously committed to prioritizing crude and naphtha supply to Korea. The visit also advanced cooperation on manufacturing infrastructure (automotive, shipbuilding) and minerals/advanced industries.
Korea’s Trade Promotion Committee Discusses FTA Progress and US Section 301 Response
Korea’s 57th Trade Promotion Committee, chaired by Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, reviewed ongoing FTA negotiations including the Korea-Mongolia CEPA (resuming June 2025), Korea-China FTA services/investment follow-up talks, and Korea-Morocco CEPA. The meeting also addressed the status of and response plans to US Section 301 trade investigations against Korea.