EU trade policy & agreements stories

Sep 22, 2026

EU and Philippines reach breakthrough in free trade deal negotiations

The European Union and the Philippines announced a substantial breakthrough in free trade negotiations, with both sides agreeing to liberalize more than 94% of tariff lines covering over 97% of trade. The deal, announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, aims to be concluded in the coming months and represents the EU's latest effort to diversify trade ties amid global tensions and US tariffs.

Sep 22, 20265 sources

Sep 14, 2026

Canada to pursue 'unique alliance' with EU amid US trade tensions

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to begin discussions with the European Union for a 'unique alliance' — stopping short of membership — as Canada seeks to reduce economic dependence on the United States. Carney is set to address the European Parliament this week.

Sep 14, 20263 sources

Sep 7, 2026

Europe tightens restrictions on Chinese investment amid chip theft arrest and security concerns

The European Parliament is moving to close EU markets to Chinese investment in strategic sectors, as Belgium arrests a Chinese citizen for allegedly stealing advanced microchip technology. The developments reflect growing European anxiety about Beijing's industrial espionage and trade practices.

Sep 7, 20263 sources

Jul 24, 2026

China imposes export controls on 14 EU entities in retaliation for Russia-related sanctions

China announced it is banning exports of dual-use items to 14 European Union entities, including German defense company Rheinmetall, effective immediately. The move is in direct retaliation for the EU's latest round of sanctions against Russia that penalized 14 Chinese enterprises.

Jul 24, 20267 sources

Jun 30, 2026

EU cuts overall steel import quotas in half while negotiating higher allocations for dozen trading partners

The European Union has halved its duty-free steel import quota to address overcapacity concerns, but reached agreements with more than a dozen countries including the UK for better individual rates than the baseline reduction.

Jun 30, 20263 sources

Jun 29, 2026

EU and China launch three-month trade talks to address €360bn deficit and avert trade war

The European Union and China have agreed to enter three months of negotiations aimed at resolving their massive trade imbalance and avoiding escalating trade tensions. The talks, formalized in their first joint statement in seven years, will focus on the bloc's €360bn annual import/export deficit with China, with an October deadline set for tangible results.

Jun 29, 20263 sources

EU implements €3 customs duty on low-value imports from Chinese e-commerce platforms

The European Union introduced a €3 customs charge on small parcels and low-value e-commerce imports effective July 1, 2026, ending the tax-free exemption for purchases from platforms like SHEIN, Temu, and AliExpress. The European Commission says the measure aims to prevent the 'desertification' of European high streets and address unfair competition from Chinese online retailers.

Jun 29, 20263 sources

Jun 21, 2026

Britain marks 10 years since Brexit vote amid economic struggles and calls for closer EU ties

A decade after the UK voted 52%-48% to leave the European Union on June 23, 2016, the country faces economic headwinds and political instability, with economists agreeing Brexit has weighed on growth. New surveys show two-thirds of EU citizens would support Britain rejoining, while most UK voters say Brexit has been bad for issues they care about.

Jun 21, 20267 sources

Jun 15, 2026

Europe and G7 brace for 'China Shock 2.0' as surge in Chinese exports threatens manufacturing sectors

European leaders and G7 nations are responding to concerns about a flood of cheap Chinese exports threatening key industries, echoing fears of the original 'China shock' that disrupted Western manufacturing. The issue has become a central topic at the G7 summit as countries weigh policy responses to growing trade imbalances.

Jun 15, 20263 sources

Jun 11, 2026

China's Vice Premier to Join Macron-Led G7 Video Call on Trade Imbalances

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing will participate in a rare video conference hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron with G7 countries on Thursday to discuss global trade imbalances and low-priced Chinese exports, as Germany signals potential tougher trade measures.

Jun 11, 20263 sources

May 23, 2026

UK Government Proposed Single Market for Goods with EU, Brussels Rejects Offer

The British government, led by Sir Keir Starmer, proposed creating a single market for goods with the European Union as part of Brexit reset negotiations, but the EU rejected the idea. The proposal was made by Britain's chief negotiator Michael Ellam and would have represented a significant shift in post-Brexit relations.

May 23, 20264 sources

May 2, 2026

Trump Announces 25% Tariffs on European Union Cars and Trucks

President Trump announced he will increase tariffs on vehicles from the European Union to 25% next week, accusing the bloc of non-compliance with the 2025 trade deal and escalating trade tensions.

May 2, 20264 sources

Apr 14, 2026

EU Doubles Steel Tariffs to 50% to Counter Chinese Imports

EU lawmakers and member states agreed to double tariffs on foreign steel to 50%, aiming to protect the bloc's struggling steel industry from a surge in cheap Chinese imports. The deal also includes cuts to duties on other products.

Apr 14, 20261 source

Mar 4, 2026

Trump orders halt to all US trade with Spain over NATO spending and Iran war tensions

President Donald Trump ordered an immediate end to all trade with NATO ally Spain during the alliance's summit in Ankara, Turkey, citing inadequate defense spending and Spain's blocking of US military bases for Iran bombing operations. US officials are compiling a list of Spanish goods for potential embargo, a move that would affect billions in bilateral trade despite EU rules requiring bloc-wide trade negotiations.

Mar 4, 20267 sources