About: EU trade

EU to strengthen sustainability enforcement in trade deals

Sustainability concerns should receive increased attention in trade deals and, if necessary, also be enforced through sanctions, according to a new approach presented by the EU Commission on Wednesday (22 June).

Supply Chains: From ‘just in time’ to ‘just in case’

The pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have sent shockwaves through global supply chains, leading companies and policymakers to rethink their priorities, from efficiency to resilience.

EU Commission wants to scrap import tariffs for Ukraine

The European Commission proposed on Wednesday (27 April) scrapping for one year all EU tariffs and quotas on products imported from Ukraine, in a bid to support the Ukrainian economy that is suffering heavy losses due to the ongoing Russian invasion.

‘Lithuania mania’ sweeps Taiwan as China spat sizzles

The tiny handful of Lithuanians living in Taiwan is suddenly in vogue among the island's residents after their small Baltic nation did something Taipei has long staked its identity on: stand up to China.

British trade with Ireland slumps following Brexit

Goods exports from Great Britain to Ireland have dropped by 20% since the United Kingdom left the single market, according to data published on Monday by Ireland’s Central Statistics Office.

The EU’s path to trade sustainability

As public support for EU free trade deals is waning, civil society groups are hoping to help tighten the bloc's standards on trade sustainability as part of an ongoing consultation.

Agrifood Brief, Special Edition: A closer look at EU agrifood trade 

Welcome to this EURACTIV special edition on agrifood trade, where we take a closer look at each member state's position on trade and their country's own specific issues.

China edges past US as Europe’s top trade partner

China pushed past the United States in the third quarter to become the European Union's top trade partner, as the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the US while Chinese activity rebounded.

EXCLUSIVE: Leaked memo reveals China’s detailed plans in Italy

China plans to cooperate with Italy in the development of “roads, railways, bridges, civil aviation, ports, energy, and telecommunications” as part of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, a confidential 'memorandum of understanding' obtained exclusively by EURACTIV reveals.

‘EU’s best asset’ needs to be safeguarded, not only improved

While celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Single Market last year, the Commission called it 'Europe’s best asset in a changing world'. But Single Market’s resilience to internal and external shocks still needs to be strengthened further.

Brexit panic reaches across the Channel to France

The French have finally realised that there may well be a no-deal Brexit. The Medef employers’ federation has said that French businesses are not prepared, the agricultural sector is waiting, while transporters are panicking. EURACTIV France reports.

No clarity on post-Brexit trade, concedes UK trade minister

Will the EU’s trade deals with countries around the world continue to apply in the UK after Brexit day on 29 March? The answer remains unclear after International Trade Secretary Liam Fox repeatedly was unable to confirm what their status will be.

EU-Swiss talks hit impasse, causing Brexit confusion

Talks between Brussels and Berne have been running since 2014 in a bid to formalise the 120 separate accords that have been negotiated between the EU and Switzerland since a 1992 referendum in the Alpine state rejected joining the European Economic Area. But the draft agreement, which was made public in early December, now seems unlikely to become reality.

Five things to expect from the EU summit on June 28-29

European Union leaders meet this week to deal with some of the most difficult issues they confront, with migration topping the list. German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s political survival may depend on Italy’s new anti-establishment government, whose interests clash with Germany’s...

EU dilemma on Morocco-Western Sahara conflict remains unsolved

Morocco is the EU’s most stable trading partner in North Africa and a reliable ally in Brussels’ efforts to control African migration across the Mediterranean. But two rulings by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) have revived political tensions in the region and complicated things for the Commission.

ASEAN countries unconvinced by EU trade pact

South East Asian countries are dragging their feet on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU, with officials saying that the countries still need to be convinced of the benefits of the region-to-region deal.

Lost trade will nullify Brexit dividend, UK government admits

A free trade agreement with the EU would still cost the UK 4.8% of its expected economic growth over the next 15 years, according to a confidential government ‘EU exit analysis’ published on Thursday (8 March).

Indian PM launches charm offensive in Davos

After last year’s push from China to champion itself as the saviour of globalisation and lure international investors, this year it was the turn of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to slam protectionism and showcase a 'new India' to global chief executives gathered in Davos.

EU trade in 2018: A preview

The year 2018 will offer a very narrow window of opportunity to bring key EU trade policy files forward.

Juncker’s trade push starts with Australia, New Zealand

As anticipated in recent weeks, trade topped the Juncker Commission’s priorities for the rest of its mandate.

UK finance sector fights to preserve ‘passporting’ rights

The UK's financial sector is seeking an "ambitious" trade pact between Britain and the EU to try to prevent a costly shift of jobs and business to the continent once the country leaves the bloc, according to a draft report seen by Reuters.

CETA start hits snag over cheese quota dispute with Canada

The EU's pending trade deal with Canada has hit an unexpected snag over quotas for cheese imported from Europe and EU officials said on Thursday (15 June) they were "hopeful" the two sides could overcome the differences and allow the deal to take effect.

SMEs are key to inclusive trade, say global experts

Trade has become a scapegoat for complex challenges and many countries, such as the US and the UK, have withdrawn into protectionism. Experts say SMEs should be the starting point for more inclusive global trade and more responsible supply chains.

Trudeau to MEPs: Trade has to work for people

The day after MEPs approved CETA, the landmark EU-Canada trade deal, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told MEPs in Strasbourg on Thursday (16 February) that trade had to work for people who are struggling to make ends meets and raise their families.