Bibliographic Managers
RT Generic
T1 Preferential trade agreements trends and developments in Asia and the Pacific 2024/2025
A1 UN.ESCAP,
YR 2024-12
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12870/7546
PB UN.ESCAP
AB <p> - The Asia-Pacific region continues to be the largest contributor to the worldwide build-up of preferential trade agreements (PTAs), accounting for nearly 60% of PTAs in force worldwide. PTAs have become bigger, deeper, and increasingly covering issues related to digital trade and sustainable development. </p>
<p> - The Asia-Pacific region's "noodle bowl" of trade agreements now includes 374 PTAs with at least one party in the Asia-Pacific. Of these, 229 are in force, 27 have been signed but are awaiting ratification, 100 are under negotiation, and 18 have been suspended or terminated. </p>
<p> - Between January and December 2024, eight new PTAs were signed, while eleven were under negotiation. Most of these new PTAs are bilateral agreements with economies outside the region. The bilateral approach reflects a growing preference for tailored and flexible trade and investment terms, adding complexity to the existing noodle bowl of agreements. The choice of new partners highlights a strategic shift toward diversifying trade relationships aligned with the drive to seek more resilient supply chains. </p>
<p> - Trade among PTA partners accounts for about half of all trade by Asia and the Pacific economies – approximately 50 per cent of exports and 53 per cent of the total imports. Notably, this trend is significantly driven by economies in East and North-East Asia, and South-East Asia, which are actively engaged in negotiating trade agreements. </p>
<p> - Aside from tariff preferences, the most commonly included provisions in Asia-Pacific PTAs are ‘trade facilitation and customs cooperation’, followed by ‘competition policy’, and ‘intellectual property’. These provisions are present in more than 50 per cent of the signed and enforced PTAs. Since 2003, the inclusion of provisions surrounding sustainable development and digital trade in Asia-Pacific PTAs has also accelerated. </p>
<p> - The 2030 Agenda emphasizes the integration of economic, social, and environmental dimensions in achieving sustainable development. Sustainable development provisions in trade agreements are aligned with these goals, addressing issues such as labor rights, gender equality, and poverty reduction alongside environmental concerns. As of December 2024, of the 256 signed and in force PTAs, there are 150 PTAs that have sustainable development-related provisions (including provisions related to labour protection, human rights, gender, health, education, environment and SMEs). A new type of trade agreements is emerging, integrating elements of trade, investment and environmental sustainability. This includes the ‘Green Economy Agreement’ (GEA)” and ‘Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability’ (ACCTS), signed in 2022 and in 2024, respectively. </p>
<p> - Meanwhile, 120 PTAs have digital trade (e-commerce) provisions. Increasingly, these agreements incorporate provisions addressing emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoTs). The number of stand-alone ‘digital trade agreements’ (DTA) or ‘digital economy agreements’ (DEA) in the Asia-Pacific region also increased to eight in 2024. Memberships in the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), established by Chile, New Zealand and Singapore, is expanding, potentially reducing the risk of creating a new “digital noodle bowl.” Additionally, ASEAN member states are negotiating the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), aiming to establish the first comprehensive digital economy agreement within the ASEAN region. </p>
<p> - As of December 2024, the WTO Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on Electronic Commerce finalized a "stabilized text" for the Agreement on Electronic Commerce, marking significant progress after five years of negotiations. This could provide a useful common basis for future DTAs and DEAs. However, key JSI participants, including the United States, Brazil, Indonesia, and Türkiye, have raised concerns on this text. Integrating the agreement into the WTO's legal framework also poses challenges, as it requires consensus from all WTO members, including non-participants in the JSI. </p>
<p> - Meanwhile, alternative approaches to trade and economic cooperation have also grown significantly. Specifically, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) has made progress, while BRICS membership continues to expand. These and other regional trade initiatives are likely to play an increasingly important role as the multilateral trading system continues to face headwinds. </p>
OL English(30)
TY - GEN
T1 - Preferential trade agreements trends and developments in Asia and the Pacific 2024/2025
AU - UN.ESCAP
Y1 - 2024-12
UR - https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12870/7546
PB - UN.ESCAP
AB - - The Asia-Pacific region continues to be the largest contributor to the worldwide build-up of preferential trade agreements (PTAs), accounting for nearly 60% of PTAs in force worldwide. PTAs have become bigger, deeper, and increasingly covering issues related to digital trade and sustainable development.
- The Asia-Pacific region's "noodle bowl" of trade agreements now includes 374 PTAs with at least one party in the Asia-Pacific. Of these, 229 are in force, 27 have been signed but are awaiting ratification, 100 are under negotiation, and 18 have been suspended or terminated.
- Between January and December 2024, eight new PTAs were signed, while eleven were under negotiation. Most of these new PTAs are bilateral agreements with economies outside the region. The bilateral approach reflects a growing preference for tailored and flexible trade and investment terms, adding complexity to the existing noodle bowl of agreements. The choice of new partners highlights a strategic shift toward diversifying trade relationships aligned with the drive to seek more resilient supply chains.
- Trade among PTA partners accounts for about half of all trade by Asia and the Pacific economies – approximately 50 per cent of exports and 53 per cent of the total imports. Notably, this trend is significantly driven by economies in East and North-East Asia, and South-East Asia, which are actively engaged in negotiating trade agreements.
- Aside from tariff preferences, the most commonly included provisions in Asia-Pacific PTAs are ‘trade facilitation and customs cooperation’, followed by ‘competition policy’, and ‘intellectual property’. These provisions are present in more than 50 per cent of the signed and enforced PTAs. Since 2003, the inclusion of provisions surrounding sustainable development and digital trade in Asia-Pacific PTAs has also accelerated.
- The 2030 Agenda emphasizes the integration of economic, social, and environmental dimensions in achieving sustainable development. Sustainable development provisions in trade agreements are aligned with these goals, addressing issues such as labor rights, gender equality, and poverty reduction alongside environmental concerns. As of December 2024, of the 256 signed and in force PTAs, there are 150 PTAs that have sustainable development-related provisions (including provisions related to labour protection, human rights, gender, health, education, environment and SMEs). A new type of trade agreements is emerging, integrating elements of trade, investment and environmental sustainability. This includes the ‘Green Economy Agreement’ (GEA)” and ‘Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability’ (ACCTS), signed in 2022 and in 2024, respectively.
- Meanwhile, 120 PTAs have digital trade (e-commerce) provisions. Increasingly, these agreements incorporate provisions addressing emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoTs). The number of stand-alone ‘digital trade agreements’ (DTA) or ‘digital economy agreements’ (DEA) in the Asia-Pacific region also increased to eight in 2024. Memberships in the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), established by Chile, New Zealand and Singapore, is expanding, potentially reducing the risk of creating a new “digital noodle bowl.” Additionally, ASEAN member states are negotiating the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), aiming to establish the first comprehensive digital economy agreement within the ASEAN region.
- As of December 2024, the WTO Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on Electronic Commerce finalized a "stabilized text" for the Agreement on Electronic Commerce, marking significant progress after five years of negotiations. This could provide a useful common basis for future DTAs and DEAs. However, key JSI participants, including the United States, Brazil, Indonesia, and Türkiye, have raised concerns on this text. Integrating the agreement into the WTO's legal framework also poses challenges, as it requires consensus from all WTO members, including non-participants in the JSI.
- Meanwhile, alternative approaches to trade and economic cooperation have also grown significantly. Specifically, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) has made progress, while BRICS membership continues to expand. These and other regional trade initiatives are likely to play an increasingly important role as the multilateral trading system continues to face headwinds.
@misc{20.500.12870_7546
author = {UN.ESCAP},
title = {Preferential trade agreements trends and developments in Asia and the Pacific 2024/2025},
year = {2024-12},
abstract = { - The Asia-Pacific region continues to be the largest contributor to the worldwide build-up of preferential trade agreements (PTAs), accounting for nearly 60% of PTAs in force worldwide. PTAs have become bigger, deeper, and increasingly covering issues related to digital trade and sustainable development.
- The Asia-Pacific region's "noodle bowl" of trade agreements now includes 374 PTAs with at least one party in the Asia-Pacific. Of these, 229 are in force, 27 have been signed but are awaiting ratification, 100 are under negotiation, and 18 have been suspended or terminated.
- Between January and December 2024, eight new PTAs were signed, while eleven were under negotiation. Most of these new PTAs are bilateral agreements with economies outside the region. The bilateral approach reflects a growing preference for tailored and flexible trade and investment terms, adding complexity to the existing noodle bowl of agreements. The choice of new partners highlights a strategic shift toward diversifying trade relationships aligned with the drive to seek more resilient supply chains.
- Trade among PTA partners accounts for about half of all trade by Asia and the Pacific economies – approximately 50 per cent of exports and 53 per cent of the total imports. Notably, this trend is significantly driven by economies in East and North-East Asia, and South-East Asia, which are actively engaged in negotiating trade agreements.
- Aside from tariff preferences, the most commonly included provisions in Asia-Pacific PTAs are ‘trade facilitation and customs cooperation’, followed by ‘competition policy’, and ‘intellectual property’. These provisions are present in more than 50 per cent of the signed and enforced PTAs. Since 2003, the inclusion of provisions surrounding sustainable development and digital trade in Asia-Pacific PTAs has also accelerated.
- The 2030 Agenda emphasizes the integration of economic, social, and environmental dimensions in achieving sustainable development. Sustainable development provisions in trade agreements are aligned with these goals, addressing issues such as labor rights, gender equality, and poverty reduction alongside environmental concerns. As of December 2024, of the 256 signed and in force PTAs, there are 150 PTAs that have sustainable development-related provisions (including provisions related to labour protection, human rights, gender, health, education, environment and SMEs). A new type of trade agreements is emerging, integrating elements of trade, investment and environmental sustainability. This includes the ‘Green Economy Agreement’ (GEA)” and ‘Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability’ (ACCTS), signed in 2022 and in 2024, respectively.
- Meanwhile, 120 PTAs have digital trade (e-commerce) provisions. Increasingly, these agreements incorporate provisions addressing emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoTs). The number of stand-alone ‘digital trade agreements’ (DTA) or ‘digital economy agreements’ (DEA) in the Asia-Pacific region also increased to eight in 2024. Memberships in the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), established by Chile, New Zealand and Singapore, is expanding, potentially reducing the risk of creating a new “digital noodle bowl.” Additionally, ASEAN member states are negotiating the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), aiming to establish the first comprehensive digital economy agreement within the ASEAN region.
- As of December 2024, the WTO Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on Electronic Commerce finalized a "stabilized text" for the Agreement on Electronic Commerce, marking significant progress after five years of negotiations. This could provide a useful common basis for future DTAs and DEAs. However, key JSI participants, including the United States, Brazil, Indonesia, and Türkiye, have raised concerns on this text. Integrating the agreement into the WTO's legal framework also poses challenges, as it requires consensus from all WTO members, including non-participants in the JSI.
- Meanwhile, alternative approaches to trade and economic cooperation have also grown significantly. Specifically, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) has made progress, while BRICS membership continues to expand. These and other regional trade initiatives are likely to play an increasingly important role as the multilateral trading system continues to face headwinds.
},
url = {https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12870/7546}
}
@misc{20.500.12870_7546
author = {UN.ESCAP},
title = {Preferential trade agreements trends and developments in Asia and the Pacific 2024/2025},
year = {2024-12},
abstract = { - The Asia-Pacific region continues to be the largest contributor to the worldwide build-up of preferential trade agreements (PTAs), accounting for nearly 60% of PTAs in force worldwide. PTAs have become bigger, deeper, and increasingly covering issues related to digital trade and sustainable development.
- The Asia-Pacific region's "noodle bowl" of trade agreements now includes 374 PTAs with at least one party in the Asia-Pacific. Of these, 229 are in force, 27 have been signed but are awaiting ratification, 100 are under negotiation, and 18 have been suspended or terminated.
- Between January and December 2024, eight new PTAs were signed, while eleven were under negotiation. Most of these new PTAs are bilateral agreements with economies outside the region. The bilateral approach reflects a growing preference for tailored and flexible trade and investment terms, adding complexity to the existing noodle bowl of agreements. The choice of new partners highlights a strategic shift toward diversifying trade relationships aligned with the drive to seek more resilient supply chains.
- Trade among PTA partners accounts for about half of all trade by Asia and the Pacific economies – approximately 50 per cent of exports and 53 per cent of the total imports. Notably, this trend is significantly driven by economies in East and North-East Asia, and South-East Asia, which are actively engaged in negotiating trade agreements.
- Aside from tariff preferences, the most commonly included provisions in Asia-Pacific PTAs are ‘trade facilitation and customs cooperation’, followed by ‘competition policy’, and ‘intellectual property’. These provisions are present in more than 50 per cent of the signed and enforced PTAs. Since 2003, the inclusion of provisions surrounding sustainable development and digital trade in Asia-Pacific PTAs has also accelerated.
- The 2030 Agenda emphasizes the integration of economic, social, and environmental dimensions in achieving sustainable development. Sustainable development provisions in trade agreements are aligned with these goals, addressing issues such as labor rights, gender equality, and poverty reduction alongside environmental concerns. As of December 2024, of the 256 signed and in force PTAs, there are 150 PTAs that have sustainable development-related provisions (including provisions related to labour protection, human rights, gender, health, education, environment and SMEs). A new type of trade agreements is emerging, integrating elements of trade, investment and environmental sustainability. This includes the ‘Green Economy Agreement’ (GEA)” and ‘Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability’ (ACCTS), signed in 2022 and in 2024, respectively.
- Meanwhile, 120 PTAs have digital trade (e-commerce) provisions. Increasingly, these agreements incorporate provisions addressing emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoTs). The number of stand-alone ‘digital trade agreements’ (DTA) or ‘digital economy agreements’ (DEA) in the Asia-Pacific region also increased to eight in 2024. Memberships in the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), established by Chile, New Zealand and Singapore, is expanding, potentially reducing the risk of creating a new “digital noodle bowl.” Additionally, ASEAN member states are negotiating the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), aiming to establish the first comprehensive digital economy agreement within the ASEAN region.
- As of December 2024, the WTO Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on Electronic Commerce finalized a "stabilized text" for the Agreement on Electronic Commerce, marking significant progress after five years of negotiations. This could provide a useful common basis for future DTAs and DEAs. However, key JSI participants, including the United States, Brazil, Indonesia, and Türkiye, have raised concerns on this text. Integrating the agreement into the WTO's legal framework also poses challenges, as it requires consensus from all WTO members, including non-participants in the JSI.
- Meanwhile, alternative approaches to trade and economic cooperation have also grown significantly. Specifically, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) has made progress, while BRICS membership continues to expand. These and other regional trade initiatives are likely to play an increasingly important role as the multilateral trading system continues to face headwinds.
},
url = {https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12870/7546}
}
TY - GEN
T1 - Preferential trade agreements trends and developments in Asia and the Pacific 2024/2025
AU - UN.ESCAP
UR - https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12870/7546
PB - UN.ESCAP
AB - - The Asia-Pacific region continues to be the largest contributor to the worldwide build-up of preferential trade agreements (PTAs), accounting for nearly 60% of PTAs in force worldwide. PTAs have become bigger, deeper, and increasingly covering issues related to digital trade and sustainable development.
- The Asia-Pacific region's "noodle bowl" of trade agreements now includes 374 PTAs with at least one party in the Asia-Pacific. Of these, 229 are in force, 27 have been signed but are awaiting ratification, 100 are under negotiation, and 18 have been suspended or terminated.
- Between January and December 2024, eight new PTAs were signed, while eleven were under negotiation. Most of these new PTAs are bilateral agreements with economies outside the region. The bilateral approach reflects a growing preference for tailored and flexible trade and investment terms, adding complexity to the existing noodle bowl of agreements. The choice of new partners highlights a strategic shift toward diversifying trade relationships aligned with the drive to seek more resilient supply chains.
- Trade among PTA partners accounts for about half of all trade by Asia and the Pacific economies – approximately 50 per cent of exports and 53 per cent of the total imports. Notably, this trend is significantly driven by economies in East and North-East Asia, and South-East Asia, which are actively engaged in negotiating trade agreements.
- Aside from tariff preferences, the most commonly included provisions in Asia-Pacific PTAs are ‘trade facilitation and customs cooperation’, followed by ‘competition policy’, and ‘intellectual property’. These provisions are present in more than 50 per cent of the signed and enforced PTAs. Since 2003, the inclusion of provisions surrounding sustainable development and digital trade in Asia-Pacific PTAs has also accelerated.
- The 2030 Agenda emphasizes the integration of economic, social, and environmental dimensions in achieving sustainable development. Sustainable development provisions in trade agreements are aligned with these goals, addressing issues such as labor rights, gender equality, and poverty reduction alongside environmental concerns. As of December 2024, of the 256 signed and in force PTAs, there are 150 PTAs that have sustainable development-related provisions (including provisions related to labour protection, human rights, gender, health, education, environment and SMEs). A new type of trade agreements is emerging, integrating elements of trade, investment and environmental sustainability. This includes the ‘Green Economy Agreement’ (GEA)” and ‘Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability’ (ACCTS), signed in 2022 and in 2024, respectively.
- Meanwhile, 120 PTAs have digital trade (e-commerce) provisions. Increasingly, these agreements incorporate provisions addressing emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoTs). The number of stand-alone ‘digital trade agreements’ (DTA) or ‘digital economy agreements’ (DEA) in the Asia-Pacific region also increased to eight in 2024. Memberships in the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), established by Chile, New Zealand and Singapore, is expanding, potentially reducing the risk of creating a new “digital noodle bowl.” Additionally, ASEAN member states are negotiating the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), aiming to establish the first comprehensive digital economy agreement within the ASEAN region.
- As of December 2024, the WTO Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on Electronic Commerce finalized a "stabilized text" for the Agreement on Electronic Commerce, marking significant progress after five years of negotiations. This could provide a useful common basis for future DTAs and DEAs. However, key JSI participants, including the United States, Brazil, Indonesia, and Türkiye, have raised concerns on this text. Integrating the agreement into the WTO's legal framework also poses challenges, as it requires consensus from all WTO members, including non-participants in the JSI.
- Meanwhile, alternative approaches to trade and economic cooperation have also grown significantly. Specifically, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) has made progress, while BRICS membership continues to expand. These and other regional trade initiatives are likely to play an increasingly important role as the multilateral trading system continues to face headwinds.
