What the EU does The European Union is the largest trading bloc in the world. The EU also has the world’s largest network of trade agreements. EU trade policy plays a critical role for the EU’s economic security in times of geopolitical crisis, economic challenge, and climate change.Open, rules-based trade with non-EU countries is essential for the EU’s economy, and for the prosperity and security of its people. Trade creates and supports jobs, and it benefits businesses, farmers and consumers. It also reduces the EU’s economic dependencies on non-EU countries and prevents disruption to global supply chains – helping to increase the EU’s economic security.The EU’s trade policy helps us to defend ourselves against unfair trade and to remain competitive in the face of global economic and geopolitical threats. Such risks may include threats to supply chains, to critical infrastructure, and to technology. Our trade policy also enables us to work more effectively with our international partners to achieve sustainability objectives around the world. Deepening and broadening our trade partnerships with third countries helps us toopen new markets for EU exports, supporting EU jobs and boosting competitivenessdiversify sources of supply, ensuring reliable access to things we need, including raw materialstackle security risks more effectively, andstrengthen sustainability in the EU and around the world EU trade in figures 44The EU boasts 44 preferential trade agreements with 76 countries630,000Over 630,000 European companies export outside the EU, including more than 600,000 small and medium-sized firms€24 billionEU trade agreements save Europeans €24 billion in customs duties every year Areas of actionTrade negotiations & agreementsUp-to-date information on current trade talks, and trade agreements already in placeAccess2MarketsHelping small firms make the most of EU trade dealsEU and WTOThe EU's role in the World Trade Organization and our ideas for reformTransparencySee the texts the EU has tabled in trade negotiationsEU sanctions against Russia following the invasion of UkraineThe EU has adopted a comprehensive and robust package of restrictive sanctionsEnforcement and protectionHow the EU enforces international rules and protects European businesses from unfair trade Key achievements The EU’s network of 44 preferential trade agreements with 76 partners worldwide provides opportunities for EU companies in foreign markets. It offers security of supply for EU value chains. It also supports the EU’s international commitments on trade and sustainable development.The EU is the world’s largest exporter of manufactured goods and services.More than 30 million people in the EU work in jobs related to EU exports.16 million European jobs depend on investment by non-EU companies in the EU.The EU makes up 16.3% of total world trade in goods and services, ahead of China and the United States.EU trade defence measures address unfair trade practices and thus protect over 550,000 European jobs.The EU-US trade deal has restored stability and predictability in EU-US trade and investment relations, benefitting citizens and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. In focus European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Prabowo Subianto, President of IndonesiaEU and Indonesia conclude negotiations on free trade agreement September 2025 - Following the political agreement in July 2025, the EU and Indonesia finalised negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and an Investment Protection Agreement. Both create new export opportunities for EU companies and more secure supply chains for energy and raw materials. The free trade agreement will result in export opportunities to a market of 280 million consumers in Indonesia. Read more Events 08Dec2025Partner meetingsCivil Society Dialogue on economic securityBrussels, BelgiumLive streaming availableSee all Related informationDirectorate-General for Trade and Economic Security
The European Union is the largest trading bloc in the world. The EU also has the world’s largest network of trade agreements. EU trade policy plays a critical role for the EU’s economic security in times of geopolitical crisis, economic challenge, and climate change.Open, rules-based trade with non-EU countries is essential for the EU’s economy, and for the prosperity and security of its people. Trade creates and supports jobs, and it benefits businesses, farmers and consumers. It also reduces the EU’s economic dependencies on non-EU countries and prevents disruption to global supply chains – helping to increase the EU’s economic security.The EU’s trade policy helps us to defend ourselves against unfair trade and to remain competitive in the face of global economic and geopolitical threats. Such risks may include threats to supply chains, to critical infrastructure, and to technology. Our trade policy also enables us to work more effectively with our international partners to achieve sustainability objectives around the world.
Trade negotiations & agreementsUp-to-date information on current trade talks, and trade agreements already in place
EU sanctions against Russia following the invasion of UkraineThe EU has adopted a comprehensive and robust package of restrictive sanctions
Enforcement and protectionHow the EU enforces international rules and protects European businesses from unfair trade
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Prabowo Subianto, President of IndonesiaEU and Indonesia conclude negotiations on free trade agreement September 2025 - Following the political agreement in July 2025, the EU and Indonesia finalised negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and an Investment Protection Agreement. Both create new export opportunities for EU companies and more secure supply chains for energy and raw materials. The free trade agreement will result in export opportunities to a market of 280 million consumers in Indonesia. Read more
08Dec2025Partner meetingsCivil Society Dialogue on economic securityBrussels, BelgiumLive streaming available
