Global Tech & Trade Policy Update
Happy February! After a week of Arctic weather in Washington, DC, I’m especially grateful for the milder winter in our parts of the world. Here’s your latest briefing on key developments at the intersection of tech, trade and geopolitics.
1) U.S.–U.K. Critical Minerals Partnership
The United States and United Kingdom signed a Memorandum of Understanding on critical minerals in Washington, DC, aimed at securing resilient supply chains and driving investment into mining, processing, and refining projects that are essential for energy, defence, and advanced technology sectors.
This deal is part of a broader U.S.-led push to build a critical minerals alliance with partners including the EU, Japan, Mexico, Australia, South Korea and others to reduce reliance on China’s dominant position in rare earths and lithium.
Why it matters: Critical minerals are foundational to electric vehicles, AI hardware, semiconductors and clean energy - so strategic diversifications reverberate across tech and industrial policy.
2) EU–Singapore Digital Trade Agreement Now in Force
On 1 February 2026, the EU–Singapore Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) officially entered into force. This is the EU’s first standalone digital trade pact, setting rules that facilitate cross-border digital transactions, promote paperless trade, support consumer trust, and prohibit unjustified data localisation and forced code transfer requirements.
Key outcomes include:
Legal certainty for e-signatures, e-contracts and digital trade flows
Consumer protections for privacy and unsolicited communication
Enhanced predictability for businesses engaging in cross-border digital services
3) U.S. Executive Order on Iran-Related Tariffs
On Friday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order granting U.S. agencies authority to investigate and potentially raise tariffs on countries that continue to buy goods or services from Iran - with China being the largest purchaser of Iranian oil.
Rather than imposing tariffs immediately, the order triggers a Commerce Department investigation and subsequent State Department discretion on action. This follows earlier directives and heightens geopolitical pressure in the context of diplomatic talks with Tehran.
4) Prince William’s Gulf Visit & Gulf States’ AI Ambitions
The Prince of Wales is in Saudi Arabia this week, part of a diplomatic push to finally conclude a U.K.–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) free trade agreement after nearly four years of talks. Royal diplomatic engagement is expected to help nudge negotiations over the line and reinforce trust with GCC partners.
Separately, the Gulf states are aggressively building a full AI infrastructure stack - from compute capacity to data governance - positioning the region as a potential third global AI power center distinct from the U.S. and China.
5) EU Extends Suspension of Trade Retaliation Against the U.S.
The European Commission has extended the suspension of its trade retaliation measures against the United States until 6 August 2026 to maintain the political agreement anchored in the “Turnberry” framework. This decision follows consultations with member states and underscores tensions over U.S. tariffs and ongoing WTO concerns.
The Commission reaffirmed that U.S. tariffs remain incompatible with WTO law, even as both sides seek stability in transatlantic trade.
6) Opportunity for SMEs: Small Business Champions Competition
Deadline to apply: 16 March 2026.
The Small Business Champions 2026 competition - run by the ICC, ITC, WTO MSME Group, and ITU - is seeking innovative AI solutions that help micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) leverage AI to enhance global trade operations, reduce costs, and increase supply chain visibility. Winners will be announced on MSME Day (29 June 2026) at the WTO in Geneva, with opportunities to present at the AI for Good Global Summit. This is a big chance for tech-centric SMEs to amplify their international impact.
For more information on any of the above, please contact:
