The EU and India concluded negotiations for a historic, ambitious and commercially significant free trade agreement (FTA), the largest such deal ever concluded by either side. It will strengthen economic and political ties between the world’s second and fourth largest economies, at a time of rising geopolitical tensions and global economic challenges, highlighting their joint commitment […]
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EU introduces customs duties on low-value e-commerce packages
The Commission welcomed last December 12’s decision by EU Member States to introduce a €3 customs duty per item on e-commerce parcels valued below €150, starting in July 2026. The new duty will help protect the competitiveness of European businesses by levelling the playing field between e-commerce and traditional retail. Given the rapid increase in e-commerce goods being imported into the EU, the Commission and Member States have together acknowledged the need for an urgent […]
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Commission announces reinforcement of controls on products imported into the EU
Last December 9, the European Commission announced a reinforcement of controls on food, animal and plant products entering the EU. At the conclusion of an Implementation Dialogue on import controls with stakeholders, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi, set out various measures to strengthen controls at EU borders and in third countries. These measures will ensure […]
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EU trade agreements accelerate EU export growth and support diversification
According to the fifth Annual Report on Implementation and Enforcement of EU Trade Policy published last November 3, the EU’s large network of trade agreements helps companies find alternative markets for their exports, while reducing dependencies in a challenging geopolitical environment. The report, covering 2024 and the first half of 2025, concludes that EU trade […]
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European Parliament proposes measures to tackle the increase in non-compliant products imported from outside the EU
On Wednesday, Parliament proposed measures to manage the influx and risks associated with cheap, poor-quality products bought on platforms outside the EU. The report, adopted with 619 votes in favour, 26 against and 46 abstentions, identifies ways to ease the pressure on customs and market surveillance authorities, which struggle to monitor and ensure that […]
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New import surveillance tool to help EU prevent harmful trade diversion
The European Commission has set up a new surveillance tool to help protect the EU against sudden and potentially disruptive surges in imports. This system aims to prevent harmful trade diversion, which occurs when a significant amount of goods that cannot enter other markets due to high tariffs and other restrictions are redirected into the […]
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Statement on the US reciprocal tariff policy
“The European Commission views President Trump’s proposed “reciprocal” trade policy as a step in the wrong direction. The EU remains committed to an open and predictable global trading system that benefits all partners. The EU maintains some of the lowest tariffs in the world and sees no justification for increased US tariffs on its exports. […]
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Commission authorizes the acquisition of BISA by Repsol and Bunge
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of BISA (from Spain) by Repsol (from Spain) and Bunge (from Switzerland). The transaction mainly relates to the processing of oilseeds and the production of biodiesel. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given its […]
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Commission challenges China’s anti-dumping tariffs on EU brandy at the WTO
Yesterday, the European Commission has formally requested consultations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the provisional anti-dumping measures imposed by China on imports of EU brandy. This step reflects the EU’s firmly held view that China’s provisional measures on EU brandy are not in line with WTO rules. China has not proven that there is any threat of […]
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