From 1 July 2026, the EU will introduce a temporary €3 customs duty on low-value parcels imported from outside the EU, mainly through e-commerce. This includes a wide range of products commonly bought online, such as clothing, toys, electronics, and other consumer goods worth up to €150. Every day, millions of low-value parcels enter the EU. Many contain products that do not meet EU safety standards or are undervalued or falsely declared to avoid customs duties. At the same time, the current customs duty exemption gives non-EU sellers an unfair advantage over businesses that manufacture...

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Today, the Council formally adopted two regulations implementing the tariff-related commitments set out in the EU-US Joint Statement of 21 August 2025. The adoption completes the legislative process and confirms the EU’s commitment to a stable, predictable and mutually beneficial transatlantic trade relationship, while preserving the necessary guardrails to protect European economic interests. "We are committed to a strong and open transatlantic partnership with our historic ally, but openness must go hand in hand with safeguarding our interests. These measures achieve both, supporting...

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On Tuesday, MEPs gave their final approval to two pieces of legislation implementing EU tariff commitments under the August 2025 EU-US joint statement. Sunset clause: tariff preferences set to expire on 31 December 2029, unless renewed Clear conditions set on tariff reductions on steel and aluminium derivatives Safeguard mechanism to protect EU industry and agricultural sector Sunset clause The main regulation on industrial and agri-food imports will expire on 31 December 2029. By 30 June 2029, the Commission will make a...

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The Council today agreed its position on strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), the EU’s tool to fight carbon leakage and promote global decarbonisation, ahead of negotiations with the European Parliament. The new framework would extend the CBAM’s scope to new products and close loopholes that may be used to circumvent the system " The EU remains committed to reducing climate emissions both within the Union and globally. Strengthening the CBAM and closing loopholes that can circumvent our rules is...

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Global steel excess capacity continues to grow, driven by increasing subsidies in some major non-OECD steel-producing economies, while efforts to restore fair competition are increasingly undermined by circumvention of trade measures aimed at levelling the playing field, according to a new OECD report. The OECD Steel Outlook 2026 projects global steel excess capacity to reach 745 million tonnes by 2028, exceeding the OECD’s current steel production by 319 million tonnes. Planned capacity additions of up to 139 million tonnes through 2028 represent...

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The Council today adopted a regulation establishing a new framework to protect the EU steel market from the negative trade-related effects of global overcapacity, as outlined in the Steel and Metals Action Plan of 2025. The new rules will replace the current EU steel safeguard measure, which expires on 30 June 2026, ensuring continued protection for the EU steel sector. " Steel is indispensable to Europe's industrial base, its green transition and its security. With today's adoption, the EU is putting...

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