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Global Trade Agreements and Partnerships: Key Takeaways

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The month of August saw significant developments in global trade agreements and partnerships, with various countries signing or reviewing agreements that aim to enhance economic cooperation and trade. Key partners include India, Australia, the Eurasian Economic Union, ASEAN, the Philippines, Angola, the UAE, Japan, New Zealand, and the European Union.

Key Takeaways:

  • India and Australia concluded the 11th round of the India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) on 23rd August 2025, focusing on trade in goods and services, mobility, digital trade, and environment.
  • India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) signed the Terms of Reference to formally begin negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 20th August 2025, aiming to enhance market access for Indian exporters and support MSMEs.
  • India and ASEAN held the tenth round of the review meeting of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) on 20th August 2025, discussing Customs procedures, rules of origin, trade remedies, and market access.
  • India and the Philippines officially began negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement on 5th August 2025, aiming to enhance bilateral trade and strategic cooperation, with the Philippines seeking greater access for its agricultural exports and Indian technologies for seaweed cultivation.
  • Angola and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement on 20th August 2025, prioritizing sectors like gemstones, minerals, mining, digital trade, and agri-tech, and aiming to contribute a billion USD to each economy and generate 30,000 jobs.
  • The Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) is set to enter into force on 11th September 2025, enhancing interoperability between the forces of the two countries and providing legal and procedural framework for entry and departure of defence forces and equipment.
  • The UAE-New Zealand Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) entered into force on 27th August 2025, providing preferential access on multiple goods and promoting collaboration in sectors like food production, renewable energy, education, and advanced technologies.

Statistics:

  • The proposed FTA between India and the Eurasian Economic Union aims to enhance market access for Indian exporters and support MSMEs.
  • The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) has been in effect since 2009.
  • The Preferential Trade Agreement between India and the Philippines aims to enhance bilateral trade and strategic cooperation.
  • The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Angola and the UAE is projected to contribute a billion USD to each economy and generate 30,000 jobs.
  • The Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) is set to enter into force on 11th September 2025.
  • The UAE-New Zealand Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) entered into force on 27th August 2025, providing preferential access on multiple goods.

Sources:

  • [1] India and Australia conclude the 11th round of the India-Australia CECA.
  • [2] India and the Eurasian Economic Union sign the Terms of Reference for FTA negotiations.
  • [3] India and ASEAN hold the tenth round of review meeting of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement.
  • [4] India and the Philippines begin negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement.
  • [5] Angola and the UAE sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

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