The European Union is closing a series of trade deals with Southeast Asian countries after years of talks, according to German broadcaster DW. If current timelines hold, the bloc could have agreements with six of the 11 ASEAN states by mid-2027.

The EU and the Philippines have reached "substantial agreement" on a free trade deal, putting it on course for formal conclusion in the coming months. Negotiations with Indonesia have concluded, and Jakarta aims to sign the agreement in October, with implementation targeted for early 2027.

Talks with Thailand, relaunched in 2023, have reached nine negotiating rounds. Malaysia resumed negotiations in early 2025 after a 13-year pause. Both are expected to be finalized by the end of this year or early 2027.

Free trade agreements with Singapore and Vietnam are already in force. EU-Southeast Asia goods trade reached 274.9 billion euros last year, up about 6 percent from the previous year and more than 50 percent higher than the 177.9 billion euros recorded in 2016.

Sources: libertyunyielding.com.