The EU has published updated rules on foreign investment screening, enhancing its capacity to identify and address security and public order risks from foreign investments. The revised framework represents a significant policy update to the EU’s inward investment control regime.
Topic Archives:Market Access
Commission presents Council with EU-Indonesia CEPA and Investment Protection Agreement for signature
The European Commission submitted proposals to the Council for signature and conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) with Indonesia. These agreements mark a significant step toward formalizing bilateral trade and investment relations between the EU and Indonesia.
New EU steel safeguard regulation enters into application to address global overcapacity
A new EU regulation aimed at protecting the steel sector from global overcapacity enters into application on 1 July 2026. The measure is designed to ensure the long-term viability of the strategically important European steel industry. No further details are available in the snippet regarding specific instruments used.
UK targets services exports in China trade talks
The UK is pursuing improved market access for services exports in bilateral trade talks with China. The discussions focus on specific services trade objectives, indicating a substantive policy dialogue. Further details on sectors or outcomes are not available from the snippet alone.
Taiwan BSMI Implements Mandatory Inspection Requirements for Nine Product Categories Including EV Charging Equipment from July 1, 2026
Taiwan’s Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) will enforce new mandatory inspection requirements for nine product categories effective July 1, 2026, including electric vehicle charging equipment (≤30 kW), power conversion systems (≤20 kW), and stationary lithium energy storage systems (≤20 kWh). These are new non-tariff conformity assessment measures affecting market access for imported and […]
United States and Uzbekistan Announce Early Harvest on Trade, Accelerate Reciprocal Trade and Investment Talks
During USTR Ambassador Greer’s visit to Tashkent, the US and Uzbekistan agreed to an ‘early harvest’ of trade commitments aimed at strengthening bilateral economic and investment ties and ensuring reciprocity and balance. The two countries also agreed to accelerate negotiations on a broader reciprocal trade and investment agreement.
USTR Initiates Section 301 Investigation into Germany’s Pharmaceutical Pricing Practices
USTR has initiated a Section 301 investigation into Germany’s persistent underpayment for innovative pharmaceutical products, with a comment docket opened June 25, 2026 and a deadline of August 10, 2026. The notice of initiation was published June 18, 2026. This investigation could lead to tariffs or other trade measures against Germany.
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 […]
US Stakeholders Applaud Trump Decision Not to Rubber-Stamp USMCA Renewal
President Trump declined to automatically renew the USMCA, keeping the agreement in effect while the US pursues renegotiation to address perceived shortcomings. The USTR press release highlights support from American farmers, manufacturers, ranchers, and service suppliers for this decision. The move signals a formal review/renegotiation process for the US-Mexico-Canada trade 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.