It’s been one of those weeks again. On trade: a round of talks with Indonesia, discussions on Mercosur, packed meetings in the European Parliament, Brexit and transatlantic issues all over. The EU Japan EPA’s signature ceremony was postponed to next Tuesday in Tokyo. Below other highlights. Juncker meeting with Donald …
EU FTAs & bilateral ties
FTAs and digital: EU tables first data-flow text to Indonesia
The European Commission is expected to table its first text on data flows in a bilateral free trade negotiation on Friday. The commission will submit a text to the Indonesian government as part of ongoing trade talks. The move comes even though most EU member states are unhappy with the …
For United States investors, Canada ‘dry’ won’t do for future EU-UK deal
AmChamEU, the association representing US businesses invested in the European Union, is urging Brussels and London to step up their efforts to establish a working future economic relationship after Brexit. The moves comes as Britain prepares to release its long-awaited ‘white paper’ on its future relationship with the bloc. The …
Week ahead in EU trade: INTA, trilogue, Japan, TRQs, China, Indonesia
The next two weeks are notable for all the rounds of trade negotiations: the EU will hold talks with China and Indonesia this week and then with Mercosur and New Zealand next week. In between, EU and Japanese officials will sign their economic partnership and strategic partnership agreements. But perhaps …
Beyond Brussels: As WTO sounds the alarm about protectionism, new US and Chinese tariffs kick in
US tariffs on Chinese goods kicked in today. So did Chinese duties on US products. Chalk up at least another two trade restrictions that will be added to the World Trade Organization’s next semi-annual listing of barriers erected by Group of 20 economies. Earlier this week, the WTO issued …
A week in Brussels: Australia, Gattaz, Brexit parachute
The EU is transfixed by the trade war with the United States. This week was comparatively quiet in terms of trade meetings or negotiations – but the next couple of weeks will be packed. This week we’ve written on what World Trade Organization members have been telling the US …
Comment: What are the EU’s options in auto trade spat with the United States?
The political drama unfolding over planned US auto duties looks like a replay of this spring’s steel and aluminium tariff saga, just on a much grander scale. Let’s not expect a resolution of the transatlantic trade crisis so soon, comments Iana Dreyer. The US, the EU and (mainly) Germany …
US auto tariffs: EU vows to defend its interests in heated WTO meeting
The EU joined more than a dozen World Trade Organization members in denouncing the Trump administration’s threat to impose import duties on vehicles and car parts, saying such a move would seriously disrupt the world market and harm global commerce. Japan also suggested that such tariffs – which the …
Week ahead in EU trade: Trump threat, Austrian presidency, TPC
This is one of those weeks when it looks like little is happening on the European trade agenda. Don’t be fooled, it’s not time to go fishing – especially in light of the EU’s warning that US tariffs on foreign cars could lead to global retaliation against up to $300 …
Beyond Brussels: WTO ruling on tobacco packaging may have domino effect on food, drinks
Australia’s landmark win over Big Tobacco at the World Trade Organization paves the way for other countries to roll out similar laws requiring plain packaging for cigarettes and cigars. Yesterday’s ruling could also have implications for alcohol, sugary drinks and junk food packaging. WTO judges concluded in an 800-page …