This Newsletter is the flagship product of the CUTS Centre for International Trade, Economics & Environment. It highlights important news and views on economic issues from different parts of the world with a view to keep the trade and development community abreast of the latest.

Broadly, it covers Trade Winds, Economic Issues; Environment & Economics and Development Dimensions. It also contains articles of well-known researchers and policy influencers.

This was published as a quarterly until 2018 and now it will be a fortnightly news wrap.

US-China Trade Time-out; Asia’s Trade Ascendancy

    The second half of October saw Asia emerge as the focal point of global trade diplomacy. The US-China trade truce, suspending new restrictions on rare earths and chips and offering limited tariff relief, set a constructive tone. The US also signed new trade framework deals with Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Viet Nam, though these remain largely non-binding. Alongside, the upgraded ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement was signed, and the 5th RCEP Summit reaffirmed members’ commitment to deepen implementation and prepare for a 2027 review. Notably, ASEAN leaders and partners reiterated support for a rules-based multilateral trading system centred on the WTO. India’s trade engagement with the US continues to evolve, maintaining balance amid tariff tensions. Meanwhile, India-EU FTA negotiations have gained strong momentum, supported by frequent high-level exchanges and domestic policy discussions. Together, these developments underscore Asia’s growing centrality in shaping the future of global trade and the positive momentum toward regional and multilateral cooperation.