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US-Africa trade program must be more than ’symbolic,’ US trade chief says
21-Nov-2023 Reuters
The United States is looking for a "more useful and effective" trade programme with Africa, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said on Saturday, as talks are underway to update a two decade-old duty free initiative.
AGOA must not undermine African free trade, says AfCFTA secretary general
21-Nov-2023 Mail and Guardian
The secretary general of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, has cautioned that trade ties with the United States should not infringe on efforts to boost regional trade on the continent.
AGOA has not addressed structural issues
21-Nov-2023 DFA
IN A GLOBALLY competitive post-Covid world, fractured by geopolitics and multiple wars, the Global South and Africa face increased interest from global powers.
US, Indo-Pacific partners need to ’recalibrate’ trade talks -USTR’s Bianchi
17-Nov-2023 Reuters
Some countries, including Vietnam and Indonesia, rejected US demands for labor rights standards to be enforced through a dispute settlement system similar to that in the US-Canada-Mexico agreement on trade.
IPEF progress boosts diversified investment, supply chains and economic distribution
16-Nov-2023 The Jakarta Post
During the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Ministerial Meeting (IPEF-MM) on Nov. 14, all IPEF member countries agreed to announce the substantive completion of Pillars III (Clean Economy) and IV (Fair Economy). Pillar II (Supply Chains) had already been completed at the Second Ministerial Level Meeting in Detroit, the United States.
UK signs agreement to boost trade with Florida
15-Nov-2023 The Guardian
The UK’s trade secretary has sought state-level accords post-Brexit but only national trade deal with US would reduce tariffs.
US commerce secretary says closed three ’pillars’ of Indo-Pacific talks
15-Nov-2023 Yahoo
IPEF member countries have agreed on terms of the clean energy pillar and on the anti-corruption chapter.
No trade deal struck at US-led Indo-Pacific economic meeting
14-Nov-2023 Kyodo
The United States and other Indo-Pacific countries participating in its economic initiative were unable to strike a substantial trade deal during ministerial talks.
PHL picks negotiators for trade pillar of IPEF accord
13-Nov-2023 Business Mirror
The Philippines has chosen its negotiators to champion the country’s interests under the trade pillar of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).
Exclusive: US, Indonesia to discuss potential for deal on EV minerals
13-Nov-2023 Reuters
Indonesia, which has the world’s biggest nickel ore reserves, in September asked the United States to begin discussions for a trade deal for critical minerals so that exports from the Southeast Asian country can be covered under the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Biden commits to making Kenya an investment beacon for Africa
8-Nov-2023 Business Insider Africa
The Biden administration has committed to enhancing Kenya’s investment environment to serve as a blueprint for other African nations under the ongoing bilateral trade negotiations.
South Africa hosts AGOA forum aims at strengthening US-Africa trade relations
8-Nov-2023 Modern Diplomacy
South Africa prepares to host the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) forum to review critical challenges and obstacles adversely impacting trade opportunities and economic cooperation between the United States and Africa.
US suspends Indo-Pacific talks on key aspects of digital trade -lawmakers
8-Nov-2023 Reuters
The Biden administration has suspended talks on some key digital trade aspects of its Indo-Pacific Economic Framework initiative, Democratic lawmakers said on Tuesday as negotiators from 14 countries race to finish some agreements ahead of a major Pacific Rim summit next week.
US to host IPEF ministerial meeting in San Francisco next week
7-Nov-2023 NHK
The administration of US President Joe Biden has announced it will host a ministerial meeting of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, or IPEF, on November 13 and 14.
Arbitration court favors Bolivia in dispute with mining company
7-Nov-2023 teleSUR
The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of Bolivia, denying any compensation to the American mining company Orlandini for the revocation of concessions.
Mauritania set for AGOA return as Uganda, Gabon, Niger and CAR get the boot from US
6-Nov-2023 News24
While Gabon, Niger, the Central African Republic (CAR) and Uganda have been kicked out of an American trade preference scheme for the continent, Mauritania will be making a return.
AGOA: Africa calling for another 10 years
6-Nov-2023 Mail and Guardian
African countries who benefit from the African Growth and Opportunities Act will push for a 10 year extension of the agreement, the African Union (AU) commissioner for trade and industry Albert Muchanga said on the first day of a summit in Johannesburg.
Uganda denounces US plan to exclude it from duty-free trade programme
6-Nov-2023 Reuters
Uganda on Wednesday criticised a U.S. move to eject it and other African countries from accessing a tariff-free trade programme, saying the action was to punish African countries that are resisting the imposition of the West’s cultural values.
It’s time to exit ISDS: 200+ labor, environment, and other civil society groups urge Biden to eliminate extreme corporate powers from existing trade pacts
3-Nov-2023 Public Citizen
The groups argue that removing ISDS — which has prioritized corporate rights over those of governments, people, and the planet — is needed to protect policies necessary for a clean energy transition.
US senators oppose Indonesia FTA that paves way for nickel subsidies
3-Nov-2023 Nikkei Asia
US lawmakers have expressed concern about signing a limited free trade agreement with Indonesia, as the country’s mining and refining industry is dominated by companies from China.