1. Proposed - parties are considering a free trade agreement, establishing joint study groups or joint task force , and conducting feasibility studies to determine the desirability of entering into an FTA.
2a. Framework Agreement Signed/Under Negotiation - parties initially negotiate the contents of a framework agreement (FA), which serves as a framework for future negotiations.
2b. Under Negotiation - parties begin negotiations without a framework agreement (FA).
3a. Signed - parties sign the agreement after negotiations have been completed. Some FTAs would require legislative or executive ratification.
3b. Under Implementation - when the provisions of an FTA becomes effective, e.g., when tariff cuts begin.