Background Tensions between the United States and the European Union have intensified after President Trump announced, in a January 17, 2026, social media post that the United States will impose tariffs of 10% from February 1 and 25% from June 1 on Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, unless a deal is reached for the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.” Tariffs Threatened by the United States The threatened…
On 13 November 2025, the European Commission confirmed that the €150 customs duty exemption (Low Value Consignment Relief) for goods purchased online from non-EU countries will be abolished. The measure is scheduled for implementation in November 2026 The reform aims to create a fairer and more transparent system for cross-border e-commerce, addressing loopholes that enable undervaluation and customs fraud. The current exemption has been criticised for giving non-EU sellers a competitive advantage and complicating enforcement.…
On 7 October 2025, the European Commission unveiled a proposal for a Regulation with reference COM(2025)726 introducing a new trade defense regime for steel imports (“Proposal”). These new measures deliver on the commitments set out in the EU Steel and Metal Action Plan of 7 March 2025 and seek to address persistent challenges of overcapacity and unfair trade practices. The measures are a result of a review of the current steel safeguard measures imposed back…
On August 21, 2025, the European Union and United States unveiled their Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade (“Framework”). The Framework follows, and provides further detail to, the July announcement that the European Union and United States had agreed on broad terms of a trade deal. The Framework outlines the key terms of the trade deal that will be negotiated between the parties, and is a first step in a process…
The European Commission has launched a comprehensive evaluation of the EU’s Rules of Origin (RoO), which is the legal framework that determines the “economic nationality” of goods crossing These rules play a pivotal role in customs classification, eligibility under trade agreements while also supporting broader EU policy objectives. In response to shifting geopolitical dynamics and changes in the multilateral trading system, the Commission is assessing whether the current framework remains effective, relevant, and aligned with today’s global trade…
On 27 July 2025, President Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new deal on tariffs and trade between the United States and the European Union. The agreement aims to stabilize EU – U.S. trade relations and prevent a broader tariff escalation. Early reporting on and statements about the new agreement indicates that a single tariff rate of 15% will apply to most imports into the United States as well as…
Days after announcing tariffs ranging from 20% to 50% against 22 countries (see our earlier commentary here and here), President Trump introduced tariffs of 35% on imports from Canada on July 10, and 30% tariffs on the E.U. and Mexico on July 12. The E.U., Mexico, and Canada represent the United States’ three largest export markets and together account for approximately 80% of U.S. exports. The new tariffs are due to commence on August 1.…
On 7 May 2025, the EU and Singapore took a step forward by signing a landmark Digital Trade Agreement (“DTA”). The DTA is a self-standing agreement – meaning it is separate to the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement and the EU-Singapore Investment Protection Agreement. This comprehensive agreement goes beyond traditional trade deals, focusing specifically on facilitating digital trade and addressing emerging challenges in the digital economy. Upon implementation, the DTA should bolster consumer confidence, guarantee reliable data…
On 30 April 2025, the European Court of Justice (“CJEU“) issued a judgment on the concept of repayment granted “in error” as laid down in Article 116(7) of the Union Customs Code (“UCC“). This article (116 (7) of the UCC) provides that if customs authorities have granted repayment or remission in error, the original customs debt shall be re-instated (insofar not time-barred). The CJEU ruled that the concept of repayment granted in ‘error’ should be…
Introduction Yesterday Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič at the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) held a press conference following the recent developments following Trump’s “Liberation Day” Tariffs Announcement (see our blog post on that topic here). Commissioner Šefčovič addressed the current trade landscape between the European Union (EU) and the United States (US), highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for strategic collaboration. The Impact of Tariffs on EU Exports Approximately €380 billion worth of EU exports to the US,…