The EU customs reform has come into force, marking the start of a better, smarter and simpler customs system across the EU. Following its formal adoption by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament, the reform was published in the Official Journal on 19 September and will be phased in from 21 […]
Substantial agreement reached on the EU–Philippines trade agreement
The EU and the Philippines have reached a substantial agreement in their negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is intended to strengthen economic ties between the EU and another fast-growing strategic partner in South-East Asia. Maros Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, the Philippines’ Secretary of Trade and […]
The Commission submits the landmark trade agreement with India to the Council for signature
The European Commission has submitted its proposals to the Council for the signing and conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and India, requesting the Council’s authorisation. If authorised by the Council, this will be the largest trade agreement ever signed between the EU and India. Once adopted and in force, […]
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 […]
The EU challenges China at the WTO over tariffs on the high-tech sector
The European Commission has requested consultations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) aiming to remove unfair and illegal trade practices by China in the sphere of intellectual property. China has empowered its courts to set binding worldwide royalty rates for EU standard essential patents, without the consent of the patent owner. This pressures innovative European high-tech companies […]
Eurobarometer shows most EU citizens benefit from international trade
According to the third Eurobarometer on international trade published today, over six in ten Europeans believe they benefit from international trade – an increase compared to the last such survey in 2019. The survey reveals that Europeans value the benefits brought by international trade, such as wider consumer choice and more affordable products. Furthermore, there is strong support […]
EU-New Zealand trade agreement enters into force, opening up new opportunities for EU exporters
EU businesses, producers and farmers are now able to take advantage of a host of new export opportunities with the entry into force of the EU-New Zealand trade agreement today. The deal is expected to cut €140 million a year in duties for EU companies. Thanks to this deal, EU-New Zealand trade is expected to […]
International trade in chocolate in 2023
In 2023, 867 000 tonnes of chocolate and chocolate bars were exported by EU members to countries outside the EU (extra-EU). This marks a 2% increase compared with 2022 (852 000 tonnes) and a 35% boost compared with 2013 (643 000 tonnes). The top chocolate and chocolate bar exporters to extra-EU countries were Germany, with 221 000 tonnes or 26% of the […]
EU strengthens protection to prevent “economic bullying”
The European Commission has proposed a new instrument for a new, more powerful and agile trade weapon to be able to impose sanctions quickly and decisively against third countries that are subjecting an EU member state to “economic coercion”. This legal instrument is a response to the deliberate economic pressure to which the EU and […]