THE EU AND SWITZERLAND REVAMP THEIR ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP WITH A NEW FRAMEWORK FOR DEEPER INTEGRATION (2 March 2026)
The European Union and the Swiss Confederation have formalised a package of agreements aimed at updating the legal framework of their bilateral relations, with the aim of adapting it to developments in the European internal market. This regulatory framework seeks to strengthen regulatory coherence and facilitate access to a more integrated economic area through the progressive harmonisation of rules in interrelated sectors. As a result, greater legal certainty and a simplification of trade are expected, particularly in areas such as medical devices, food products and the provision of cross-border services.
The package covers, on the one hand, the updating of existing agreements in areas such as transport, the free movement of persons and mutual recognition in the field of conformity assessment and, on the other, the incorporation of new instruments in strategic sectors, such as food safety, electricity, public health and the space sector. It also introduces strengthened dispute settlement mechanisms, alongside specific provisions on state aid, aimed at ensuring a level playing field.
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/es/ip_26_505
US SETS OUT ITS TRADE POLICY ROADMAP FOR 2026 AND OUTLINES ITS GLOBAL ECONOMIC STRATEGY (2 March 2026)
The Office of the United States Trade Representative has submitted the 2026 Trade Policy Agenda and the 2025 Annual Report to Congress, with the aim of setting the strategic priorities for US trade policy for the coming year. It highlights the reaffirmation of the ‘America First’ approach, aimed at consolidating the results achieved in 2025 by strengthening the competitiveness of the domestic economy, protecting domestic jobs and expanding access to foreign markets for US exporters.
The document confirms the continuation of a more active trade policy, characterised by the use of instruments designed to rebalance international trade relations and strengthen the United States’ position in global trade. The strategy centres on strengthening domestic production, removing structural barriers and opening up new markets.
With regard to the EU, the plan envisages, amongst other things, the removal of tariffs on US industrial goods and improved access to certain agricultural and fishery products, alongside a commitment to address significant non-tariff barriers, including sanitary requirements, regulatory burdens in sectors such as the automotive industry, and restrictions in the digital sphere. It also includes commitments on investment, procurement in strategic sectors such as energy and technology, as well as greater coordination on rules of origin and economic security against practices by third countries, in line with the objective of strengthening access for US exports to the European market.
The submission of these documents fulfils a legal obligation under US law, which requires the US Trade Representative to report annually to Congress on priorities and actions in this area.
JAPAN AND THE US STRENGTHEN THEIR ECONOMIC ALLIANCE IN STRATEGIC SECTORS (3 March 2026)
Japan and the United States held a new meeting of the Japan-U.S. Strategic Investment Initiative committee, aimed at strengthening cooperation in strategic sectors such as advanced technology, energy and critical manufacturing.
https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2026/0303_001.html
US AND MEXICO REOPEN THE USMCA AND PUT THE FUTURE OF NORTH AMERICAN TRADE TO THE TEST (5 March 2026)
The United States and Mexico have announced the start of the first round of bilateral talks in preparation for the joint review of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). The initiative, spearheaded by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, marks the start of a process aimed at assessing the agreement’s performance and its suitability for current regional economic dynamics.
THE EU AND CANADA PROMOTE A NEW GLOBAL STANDARD FOR DIGITAL TRADE (5 March 2026)
The European Union and Canada have launched negotiations for a Digital Trade Agreement (DTA), with the aim of deepening their economic relationship in this area.
The future instrument, which is intended to complement CETA, seeks to facilitate cross-border digital transactions, strengthen consumer protection and provide greater legal certainty for electronic transactions, at a time when digital trade is becoming increasingly important in the global economy.
The agreement will address key issues such as the protection of personal data, cybersecurity and the removal of barriers to e-commerce.
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_553
NIGERIA POSITIONS ITSELF AS AN AFRICAN TRADE HUB WITH THE IATF 2027 (11 March 2026)
Nigeria has formalised the agreement to host the fifth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair 2027 (IATF2027), to be held in Lagos in November 2027, consolidating its position as a key player in the promotion of intra-African trade. The initiative, driven in conjunction with Afreximbank, the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat, is positioned as a strategic platform to facilitate trade and investment agreements across the continent, following the success of previous editions which have generated significant volumes of business.
From a legal and commercial perspective, the IATF is a key instrument for the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as it contributes to the development of regional value chains, the strengthening of the business sector and the improvement of economic integration. Against a backdrop of challenges facing the international trading system, initiatives of this kind reinforce Africa’s approach towards more intra-regional, structured and rules-based trade, with the aim of boosting the continent’s industrialisation and economic resilience.
THE US AND ECUADOR STRENGTHEN THEIR ECONOMIC TIES WITH A NEW TRADE AGREEMENT (12 March 2026)
The United States and Ecuador have signed a reciprocal trade agreement with the aim of expanding and diversifying bilateral trade. The agreement provides for the application of preferential tariffs on certain US products and the removal of restrictions affecting the trade in goods and services, with the aim of improving access to the Ecuadorian market and promoting exports.
The agreement also includes commitments on intellectual property, technical standards and digital trade, alongside measures for customs facilitation and cooperation on investment, the environment and labour. These provisions aim to foster a more predictable environment for businesses and strengthen collaboration in strategic sectors such as energy, telecommunications and agriculture.
THE EU AND AUSTRALIA SEAL A HISTORIC FREE TRADE AGREEMENT AFTER YEARS OF NEGOTIATIONS (24 March 2026)
The European Union and Australia have announced the conclusion of negotiations on a free trade agreement, alongside the adoption of a security and defence partnership, against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical complexity. The trade agreement provides for the elimination of more than 99% of tariffs on European exports, the opening up of the Australian market in key sectors such as financial services and telecommunications, as well as greater access to public procurement. It also incorporates provisions on data flows, access to critical raw materials and commitments on sustainability, with the aim of strengthening the resilience of supply chains and diversifying trade relations in the Indo-Pacific region.
For its part, the security and defence partnership establishes a structured cooperation framework to intensify coordination in areas such as cybersecurity, maritime security, crisis management and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and space. This dual progress, on both the economic and strategic fronts, consolidates the bilateral relationship and strengthens the position of both parties within the international system, based on an approach focused on cooperation, stability and respect for a rules-based international order.
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_645
SPAIN AND ALGERIA STRENGTHEN THEIR STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH A NEW POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC AGENDA (25 March 2026)
Spain and Algeria have revitalised their bilateral relationship with an official visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, to Algiers, aimed at advancing the political, economic and energy agenda between the two countries. According to the Spanish Government, Algeria remains a key partner for Spain, particularly as its main supplier of natural gas. For this reason, the head of Spanish diplomacy will hold a strategic meeting with the Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab. It is worth noting that, during the 2025 financial year, Algeria has consolidated its position for the third consecutive year as Spain’s leading supplier of natural gas.
It is also worth highlighting the sharp increase in Spanish exports to Algeria during 2025, which reached €2,133 billion, a 270% rise compared to 2024. Furthermore, the visit by the head of Spanish diplomacy also has a cultural and symbolic dimension, as the Cervantes Institute in Algeria will be inaugurated and a ceremony honouring the Republican exiles will be held.
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT APPROVES THE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES (26 March 2026)
The European Parliament has backed, with 411 votes in favour, 154 against and 71 abstentions, the trade agreement reached between the European Commission and the US Government in August last year, known as the Turnberry Agreement (Scotland), which brings an end to the tariff war between the EU and the United States. The vote comes after months of delays caused by Trump’s threats of new tariffs and the uncertainty created by the US Supreme Court.
The agreement, which has been in provisional force since the summer, maintains tariffs of 15% on most European exports. Certain goods, such as steel and aluminium, will be subject to a higher tariff of 50%. Meanwhile, the EU must remove all its tariffs.
Furthermore, the European Parliament has introduced a clause for the automatic suspension of the agreement, which would be triggered in the event of further coercive measures by the US. Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for the Economy, defends the agreement as a means of strengthening trade flows and stability within the European Union.
https://www.expansion.com/economia/2026/03/26/69c5106be5fdea22378b45b5.html
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In Madrid, 31 March 2026
International Trade and Sanctions Department
Lupicinio International Law Firm
