Free Trade Agreements Course

Lesson 1 • Trade Policy Instruments

Covers tariffs, quotas, subsidies, and non-tariff barriers as the main levers of trade policy. Connects each instrument to negotiating objectives in FTA contexts.

Lesson 2 • Global Trade Governance Architecture

Maps the multilateral rules-based system and its dispute mechanisms. Shows how bilateral and regional agreements fit within the broader governance structure.

Lesson 3 • Key Actors in International Trade

Identifies governments, multinational firms, trade blocs, and intergovernmental bodies as primary actors. Clarifies how each actor shapes negotiation priorities.

Lesson 1 • Standard Agreement Architecture

Breaks down preambles, operative chapters, annexes, and side letters as structural components. Teaches how to navigate a full agreement text efficiently.

Lesson 2 • Types and Scope of FTAs

Distinguishes preferential agreements, customs unions, common markets, and economic unions by depth and coverage. Frames scope decisions as strategic choices.

Lesson 3 • Beyond Goods: Services and Investment

Surveys services trade modes, investment protection standards, and intellectual property chapters. Broadens the student's view of modern comprehensive agreements.

Lesson 4 • Rules of Origin Fundamentals

Introduces origin criteria, cumulation, and certification methods as gatekeepers to preferential tariffs. Establishes why origin rules are central to FTA utilisation.

Lesson 1 • Applying Classification to FTA Schedules

Links HS codes to preferential tariff schedules and product-specific origin rules. Shows how misclassification creates both duty and origin compliance failures.

Lesson 2 • Customs Valuation Principles

Covers the transaction value method and its five fallback methods in hierarchical order. Establishes valuation as the second key variable in duty calculation.

Lesson 3 • Valuation Disputes and Rulings

Addresses customs challenges to declared values, advance valuation rulings, and appeal procedures. Prepares students to defend valuations and advise clients proactively.

Lesson 1 • Cumulation and Accumulation Strategies

Examines bilateral, diagonal, and full cumulation as tools to maximise origin qualification. Connects cumulation strategy to sourcing and production decisions.

Lesson 2 • Origin Verification and Compliance

Covers verification procedures, documentary requirements, and penalties for false origin claims. Prepares students to build defensible compliance programmes.

Lesson 3 • Supply Chain Mapping for Origin

Applies origin rules to multi-tier supply chains with inputs from multiple countries. Teaches how to trace value addition and identify qualifying operations.

Lesson 4 • Product-Specific Rules Deep Dive

Analyses tariff-shift rules, regional value content thresholds, and technical requirements by product category. Builds skill in reading product-specific rule annexes.

Lesson 1 • Negotiating Rounds and Modalities

Explains the structure of negotiating rounds, working groups, and text-based negotiations. Connects procedural knowledge to the advisor's role in supporting delegations.

Lesson 2 • Offensive and Defensive Interests

Teaches how to identify a country's or firm's offensive market access goals and defensive sensitivities. Frames negotiation as a balance of competing interests.

Lesson 3 • Legal Scrubbing and Finalisation

Covers legal review, translation, authentication, and domestic approval processes before signature. Ensures students understand the path from agreed text to binding treaty.

Lesson 4 • Pre-Negotiation Phase

Covers feasibility studies, stakeholder consultations, and negotiating mandate development. Establishes the groundwork that shapes all subsequent negotiating positions.

Lesson 1 • Post-Entry Audit and Correction

Addresses post-importation audits, voluntary self-disclosures, and duty recovery procedures. Prepares students to manage compliance failures and minimise penalties.

Lesson 2 • FTA Utilisation Rate Analysis

Teaches how to measure and benchmark FTA utilisation rates at the firm and sector level. Low utilisation is diagnosed as a compliance knowledge gap or cost barrier.

Lesson 3 • Internal Compliance Programme Design

Guides students in building FTA compliance frameworks covering policies, controls, training, and recordkeeping. Positions compliance as a risk management function.

Lesson 4 • Technology Tools for FTA Compliance

Surveys trade management software, automated origin determination, and data integration with customs systems. Connects technology adoption to scalable compliance operations.

Lesson 1 • Anti-Dumping Investigations

Explains dumping margin calculations, injury determinations, and investigation procedures. Connects anti-dumping risk to pricing and export strategy decisions.

Lesson 2 • Safeguard Measures Under FTAs

Examines bilateral and global safeguard mechanisms, serious injury standards, and compensation obligations. Addresses how FTA safeguards differ from multilateral safeguards.

Lesson 3 • Countervailing Duty Proceedings

Covers actionable subsidies, benefit calculations, and countervailing duty procedures. Distinguishes countervailing duties from anti-dumping as a separate remedy track.

Lesson 4 • Investor-State Dispute Strategy

Covers investment treaty arbitration, claim assessment, and strategic considerations for investor clients. Connects investment chapter provisions to dispute risk management.

Lesson 1 • Managing Complex Multi-Agreement Scenarios

Addresses spaghetti bowl effects, conflicting obligations, and agreement selection strategies for firms operating under multiple FTAs. Develops advanced analytical judgment.

Lesson 2 • Building and Delivering Advisory Reports

Guides students in structuring, writing, and presenting professional FTA advisory reports. Connects analytical rigour to clear, decision-ready client communication.

Lesson 3 • Advising Exporters and Importers

Applies FTA knowledge to practical exporter and importer advisory scenarios across goods and services. Builds the skill of translating technical rules into actionable business guidance.

Lesson 4 • FTA Opportunity and Risk Assessment

Teaches systematic frameworks for evaluating FTA benefits, risks, and readiness at the firm level. Positions the advisor as a strategic partner, not just a compliance technician.