EU trade
in the world
What is EU trade policy?
EU trade policy establishes how the EU
coordinates trade with the rest of the world.
Ensuring open markets and protecting the interests of EU businesses and consumers. It covers both the export of goods made in the EU and the imports of goods produced outside the EU and sold in the EU.
Key elements
Trade deals with non-EU countries
The EU makes trade deals with countries around the world to open up markets, reduce tariffs, and protect intellectual property rights. This helps European companies sell their goods and services abroad more easily.
Protection for European companies
The EU enforces anti-dumping measures to protect EU industries from unfair trade practices such as importing goods at below market prices.
Safety and standards
The EU sets strict rules for products to protect consumers, workers, and environment. These standards apply to both EU-made and imported goods.
Why does the EU
negotiate trade deals
instead of individual
Member States?
Why does the EU negotiate trade deals instead of individual Member States?
When negotiating trade, speaking with
one single voice brings many benefits.
Acting as a united bloc, the EU has more negotiating power than any individual EU country on its own and can secure better trade terms. With 450 million consumers, the EU is the world’s largest single market and the top trading partner for around 80 countries.
The EU has the exclusive competence to negotiate these types of trade deals, a power it has held since the Treaty of Rome in 1957.
For this reason, the EU also represents all EU countries in international trade forums, such as the World Trade Organization, where global trade issues and rules are discussed.
The European Commission negotiates trade agreements on behalf of all 27 Member States for two main reasons:
The European Union is a single market where goods, services, capital, and people can move freely between EU countries. Inside this market, there are no customs checks, no internal tariffs, and no different national trade rules. As a result, the EU must negotiate on behalf of all European countries to secure the best possible terms.
Outside the EU, EU-level trade deals are required as its single market has only one single customs border with the rest of the world. Access to the EU market for non-EU countries is managed at EU level.
Who benefits from trade deals?
Everyone.
©Getty Images | Maskot
©Getty Images | Maskot
Who benefits from trade deals?
Everyone.
©Getty Images | Maskot
©Getty Images | Maskot
Fairer prices and more choice
By negotiating trade agreements, the EU can lower tariffs and trade barriers making it easier and cheaper to trade. This expands product choice and helps keep prices down for consumers.
More jobs
More than 33 million jobs depend on EU exports. Trade agreements help companies sell their products abroad more easily, supporting employment, innovation, and growth.
In 2024, goods exports to the EU's 76 preferential trade partners grew twice as much as exports to countries not covered by a free trade agreement.
Simpler rules for business
A single trade policy means European companies do not have to deal with different national trade rules, which saves time, reduces costs, and creates more certainty – especially for those operating across borders.
Are imported products safe?
Yes.
All products sold in the EU must meet EU rules, without exception. From food and toys to cosmetics and electronics – whether bought online or in a shop – must comply with the same strict safety and quality standards as EU-made goods.
Any product, including food, that fails to meet EU standards cannot enter the EU market.
Importers are responsible for making sure products comply with EU law before they are sold.
©Adobe Stock | Viacheslav
©Adobe Stock | Viacheslav
Imported vegetables must meet EU limits on pesticides and contaminants, which are often stricter than in other parts of the world.
©Adobe Stock | Abbasy Kautsar
©Adobe Stock | Abbasy Kautsar
Consumer rights are also protected. Products sold in the EU must respect European consumer protection rules, such as the right to return a product and access to after-sales support.
©Adobe Stock | Pedro
©Adobe Stock | Pedro
Animal testing for cosmetics is banned in the EU. Consequently, cosmetics tested on animals cannot be sold on the EU market.
©Adobe Stock | icon
©Adobe Stock | icon
EU trade also promotes environmental protection, and labour rights. Products that do not meet these rules may be blocked, even if they are cheaper elsewhere.
©Adobe Stock | Viacheslav
©Adobe Stock | Viacheslav
Imported vegetables must meet EU limits on pesticides and contaminants, which are often stricter than in other parts of the world.
©Adobe Stock | Abbasy Kautsar
©Adobe Stock | Abbasy Kautsar
Consumer rights are also protected. Products sold in the EU must respect European consumer protection rules, such as the right to return a product and access to after-sales support.
©Adobe Stock | Pedro
©Adobe Stock | Pedro
Animal testing for cosmetics is banned in the EU. Consequently, cosmetics tested on animals cannot be sold on the EU market.
©Adobe Stock | icon
©Adobe Stock | icon
EU trade also promotes environmental protection, and labour rights. Products that do not meet these rules may be blocked, even if they are cheaper elsewhere.
Stories from European business
French lighting to Canada
A French maker of customised urban lighting saw Canadian customs duties drop from 7% to 0% thanks to the EU - Canada trade deal (CETA), making its products more competitive and boosting sales growth in Canada.
Cable cars go to Bogotá
An Austrian manufacturer of rope-based transport systems has expanded in South America, including building cable car projects in Bogotá, thanks to easier market access under the EU’s trade deal with Colombia and Peru.
Cremona’s violins in South Korea
Italian violin makers gained approved exporter status and reduced trade barriers after the EU - South Korea trade deal, helping them sell more instruments and grow exports to one of the world’s top markets.
With whom does the EU have trade agreements?
The EU has the world’s largest
network of trade agreements.
Europe stands for openness, cooperation and mutual economic prosperity. Through trade, it works with partners around the world to support sustainability, protect people and environment, and contribute to peace and security.