The UK government has published a conclusion summary outlining the provisions and chapters of the newly concluded UK-GCC free trade agreement. The document covers the full scope of the deal’s trade policy content across multiple chapters. This marks a significant bilateral trade agreement between the UK and the six GCC member states.
Topic Archives:Market Access
Japan Resumes Poultry Product Exports to Hong Kong from Aomori Prefecture
Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced the resumption of poultry-derived product exports to Hong Kong from Aomori Prefecture. The resumption follows a previous suspension, likely related to avian influenza controls. This represents a specific market access restoration for Japanese poultry products.
Indonesia-Philippines Agree on Counter-Trade MoUs Worth IDR 6.29 Trillion (USD 350 Million)
Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso witnessed the signing of two tripartite counter-trade MoUs between Indonesian and Philippine businesses, with potential transactions of USD 350 million (IDR 6.29 trillion). The counter-trade arrangement is positioned as a strategic measure to address trade fluctuations. The deal represents a concrete bilateral trade policy outcome between Indonesia and the Philippines.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade Issues Three Ministerial Regulations on Export Governance of Strategic Natural Resources (Coal, Palm Oil, Iron Alloys)
Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade issued three new ministerial regulations (Permendag Nos. 15, 16, and 17 of 2026) governing exports of coal, palm oil, and iron alloys, effective 1 June 2026. The regulations implement Government Regulation No. 24 of 2026 and aim to strengthen export governance of strategic natural resource commodities and support domestic downstream industrialization.
India Secures Continued Market Access for Aquaculture, Honey, Eggs and Animal Casings Exports to the EU Beyond September 2026
India has secured continued market access to the European Union for aquaculture products, honey, eggs, and animal casings beyond September 2026. The announcement indicates a bilateral regulatory or SPS-related agreement maintaining export eligibility for these animal-origin products. This preserves a key trade channel for Indian exporters in the EU market.
WTO Import Licensing Committee holds experience-sharing session on transparency and notification compliance
The WTO Committee on Import Licensing held its second experience-sharing session on 4 June 2026, with representatives from Cambodia, the EU, Myanmar, Thailand, and the United States presenting practices on notifications, public-private cooperation, and digitalization of licensing procedures. The Committee reviewed recent notifications and addressed 12 specific trade concerns. Focus was on improving transparency and […]
South Africa’s Trade Minister Notes US USTR Section 301 Investigation Preliminary Findings
South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau acknowledged the USTR’s preliminary findings from a Section 301 investigation affecting South Africa. The findings are subject to a public hearing in July 2026 before a final US decision. No specific retaliatory measures or tariff rates were mentioned in the snippet.
EU Steel Regulation: Commission consults on ‘melt and pour’ country-of-origin evidence requirements
The European Commission launched a targeted consultation on documentation requirements for the ‘melt and pour’ traceability rules under the EU Steel Regulation. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on what evidence should be required to identify the country where steel was melted and poured. This directly affects customs and rules-of-origin compliance for steel imports into […]
Verification of Import Quota Quantities for Butter and Skimmed Milk Powder for FY2026
Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture announced the verification of import quota quantities for butter and skimmed milk powder for fiscal year 2026. This relates to Japan’s tariff-rate quota system governing dairy imports. The review determines the volume of product that may be imported under preferential tariff conditions.
Indonesia’s Trade Minister Signs Revised Regulation on Electronic Commerce Business (Permendag 31/2023 Revision)
Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso signed a revised ministerial regulation on Electronic Commerce (e-commerce) business activities, replacing Permendag No. 31/2023 which covered licensing, advertising, and oversight of e-commerce operators. The revision focuses on strengthening the digital trade ecosystem and competitiveness of local products.