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.
Topic Archives:Sustainability
UK-New Zealand FTA Environment and Climate Change and Labour Subcommittees – Joint Minutes, 24 March 2026
Official joint minutes from the third UK-New Zealand FTA Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee and second Labour Subcommittee meeting held on 24 March 2026. The document covers discussions, main points, and recommendations from both subcommittees operating under the bilateral FTA framework.
Fish Fund supports Tonga’s first WTO fisheries subsidies notification
Tonga submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO under the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 3 June 2026, facilitated by the WTO Fish Fund. The notification was prepared during a May workshop in Nuku’alofa as part of a funded project, marking a milestone for Pacific developing nations in implementing the agreement.
WTO Members Advance Discussions on Key Issues for Unlocking Services Trade
The WTO Council for Trade in Services met June 2-4 to discuss future work areas including e-commerce services, green services economy, and LDC participation in services trade. Members agreed to hold a dedicated workshop on recognition of foreign professionals’ qualifications. Discussions also covered facilitating greater LDC integration into global services trade.
Philippines and New Zealand Sign Landmark Economic Deal Covering Trade and Green Energy
The Philippines and New Zealand finalized a bilateral economic agreement aimed at boosting trade and cooperation in green energy. The deal represents a named, signed outcome from bilateral negotiations between the two countries. Specific provisions appear to cover trade facilitation and sustainability-linked energy sectors.
India Amends Export Policy for Wood Pellets (HS 44013100) and Wood Briquettes (HS 44013200)
India’s DGFT has amended the export policy and policy conditions for wood pellets and wood briquettes under Chapter 44 of ITC(HS) 2022 Schedule-2. The amendment modifies the export policy classification or conditions applicable to these two HS codes. This affects exporters of these biomass products from India.
MOFCOM Announcement No. 18 (2026): Initiation of Trade Barrier Investigation into US Practices Impeding Trade in Green Products
China’s Ministry of Commerce has launched a formal trade barrier investigation into US practices and measures that allegedly impede trade in green products. The investigation is announced under MOFCOM Announcement 2026 No. 18, dated March 27, 2026. This marks a specific named trade remedy/market access action targeting US green trade restrictions.
DDG Nordquist calls for urgent action on fisheries subsidies at Monaco Blue Initiative
WTO Deputy Director-General Nordquist urged members to complete acceptance and implementation of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and advance negotiations on additional disciplines targeting overcapacity and overfishing. She warned that harmful fisheries subsidies undermine ocean sustainability and coastal livelihoods. The remarks were delivered at the Monaco Blue Initiative on 27 May 2026.
New Generalised Scheme of Preferences approved for application in 2027
The European Parliament has voted to approve the new EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP), completing the legislative process for the scheme’s entry into application on 1 January 2027. The GSP provides preferential tariff access to developing countries exporting to the EU. This represents a significant update to the EU’s unilateral trade preference framework.