Indopacific – European Neighbourhood Monitor

EU Agrees New Trade Deal with Indonesia and Postpones Deforestation Rules

The European Union will delay launching its anti-deforestation law for a second time, Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall announced on Tuesday, postponing the ban on imports of commodities such as palm oil linked to forest destruction for another year. The regulation — initially due to take effect on December 30 — would require companies selling goods […]

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US Energy Secretary Flags Concerns Over India’s Russian Oil Imports

Indopacific / ENM

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has expressed concern about India’s continued imports of Russian oil, describing it as a “source of friction” in otherwise strong bilateral ties. Speaking at a press conference, Wright emphasized that India remains a key ally and an important partner for Washington, particularly in energy cooperation. “India is a fast-growing economy

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Controversy Over EU Deforestation Rules Continues

Indopacific / ENM

The European Union has recognised the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification as a credible standard to help companies comply with its new deforestation regulation, Malaysia’s certification body has announced. However, this recognition does not confer the “low risk” classification granted to U.S. commodities, leaving a two-tier system in place for the EU’s trading partners.

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EU Deforestation Regulation Faces Scrutiny Over Inconsistent Risk Classifications

Indopacific / ENM

The European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), designed to prevent deforestation through tighter controls on commodity imports, is encountering growing opposition from both corporate stakeholders and environmental analysts. Central to the criticism is a disparity between how the EU categorizes countries by deforestation risk and the actual deforestation trends observed through satellite and field data. A

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EU and Indonesia Reach Agreement in Principle on Free Trade Deal After a Decade of Talks

Indopacific / ENM

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced that the European Union and Indonesia have reached an agreement in principle on a long-awaited free trade deal. The milestone comes after nearly a decade of negotiations that began in 2016. “This agreement comes at the right time,” von der Leyen said during a joint press

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Malaysia Slams EU’s “Standard Risk” Deforestation Label

Indopacific / ENM

Malaysia has sharply criticized the European Union’s decision to classify it as a “standard risk” country under the EU’s new anti-deforestation regulation, arguing that the designation is based on outdated data and reflects a broader pattern of the EU using environmental policy to exert control over trade. Speaking at an event in Singapore, Malaysian Commodities

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Trump tariffs put India’s pharmaceuticals sector in the EU’s spotlight

Indopacific / ENM

U.S. Tariffs Propel EU-India Free Trade Agreement Talks Forward In the wake of escalating U.S. tariffs, the European Union (EU) and India have intensified efforts to finalize a long-pending free trade agreement (FTA), aiming to conclude negotiations by the end of 2025. This renewed vigor in discussions underscores both parties’ desire to bolster economic ties

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Asia is strongly impacted by Trump tariffs

Indopacific / ENM

President Donald Trump’s recent tariff impositions have significantly impacted the Asia-Pacific region, with varying effects across different nations. Vietnam faces one of the highest tariffs at 46%, reflecting its substantial trade surplus with the U.S. Similarly, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are subjected to tariffs of 49%, 44%, and 37% respectively, primarily targeting their exports

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EU and Malaysia Relaunch Trade Talks

Indopacific, Uncategorized / ENM

The European Union (EU) and Malaysia have officially resumed negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aiming to enhance economic cooperation and unlock new trade opportunities. The talks, which were previously suspended in 2012, are expected to address key issues such as market access, investment protection, and digital trade. Key Priorities of the Negotiations include

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Fate of EUDR remains uncertain as debate continues

Indopacific / ENM

The European Union’s pending anti-deforestation law presents both challenges and opportunities for Malaysia’s palm oil industry, Malaysia’s deputy commodities minister has stated at an industry conference. The country’s deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin explained it was crucial for the industry to understand the impact of the EU law so that domestic practices could be adapted and

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