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 PlayPauseEU trade in the worldRead the feature story Trending topicsEU-India trade agreementEU-Mercosur trade agreementEU-US trade deal EU trade in figures 44 The EU boasts 44 preferential trade agreements with 76 countries630,000 Over 630,000 European companies export outside the EU, including more than 600,000 small and medium-sized firms€24 billion EU 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 placeTrade relations per countryThe EU’s trade relationships with countries and regions across the worldAccess2MarketsHelping 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 EU and Australia strengthen ties with trade agreement24 March 2026 – After eight years, the EU and Australia have concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement. The deal is part of the EU’s strategy to diversify global trade partnerships and strengthen supply chains. It will remove over 99% of tariffs on EU exports to Australia, improve access to critical raw materials, and strengthen strategic ties with the Indo-Pacific. Alongside the agreement, the EU and Australia also signed a Security and Defence Partnership, which provides a framework for enhanced cooperation on shared security challenges, including defence industry cooperation, cyber and economic security, and counterterrorism. Read more Events 15Apr2026Partner meetingsCivil Society Dialogue on EU-US trade relations – State-of-play and outlookOnline onlyLive streaming available13May2026Partner meetingsCivil Society Dialogue meeting on EU trade policy and economic security with DG Sabine WeyandBrussels, BelgiumLive streaming availableSee all Related informationDirectorate-General for Trade and Economic Security This page was last updated on 29 January 2026
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
EU and Australia strengthen ties with trade agreement24 March 2026 – After eight years, the EU and Australia have concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement. The deal is part of the EU’s strategy to diversify global trade partnerships and strengthen supply chains. It will remove over 99% of tariffs on EU exports to Australia, improve access to critical raw materials, and strengthen strategic ties with the Indo-Pacific. Alongside the agreement, the EU and Australia also signed a Security and Defence Partnership, which provides a framework for enhanced cooperation on shared security challenges, including defence industry cooperation, cyber and economic security, and counterterrorism. Read more
15Apr2026Partner meetingsCivil Society Dialogue on EU-US trade relations – State-of-play and outlookOnline onlyLive streaming available
13May2026Partner meetingsCivil Society Dialogue meeting on EU trade policy and economic security with DG Sabine WeyandBrussels, BelgiumLive streaming available
