MTI public consultation on ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA)

25 August 2023

In July and August 2023, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (“MTI”) sought feedback on the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (“ATIGA”). The public consultation closed on 16 August 2023.

Background

The ATIGA is a central component of ASEAN’s economic integration with the primary goal of facilitating the flow of goods within the ASEAN region by providing a comprehensive framework aimed at reducing trade barriers among ASEAN Member States (“AMS”).

ATIGA upgrade

The ATIGA upgrade negotiations were launched by the ASEAN Economic Ministers at the 54th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting in September 2022. An upgraded ATIGA will ensure its continued relevance amid emerging trends, and better facilitate ASEAN trade flows, advance regional economic integration, as well as maintain ASEAN centrality in a shifting global environment. AMS are targeting to substantially conclude negotiations by end-2024.

The ATIGA’s existing chapters cover matters including tariff liberalisation, rules of origin, non-tariff measures, trade facilitation, customs, trade remedy measures, and institutional provisions. In addition to a comprehensive review of all the provisions found in the existing chapters, the ATIGA upgrade will also look at addressing trends such as supply chain resilience, digitalisation, and sustainability, including elements of the circular economy.

Reference materials

The public consultation is available on the MTI website www.mti.gov.sg.

More information on the legal text of the ATIGA is available from the Enterprise Singapore ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) Legal Text document.