EU trade policy digest April–June 2026

European Commission: Negotiations and agreements

Update

AGRINFO summary of progress in EU trade negotiations with low- and middle-income countries, and other policy developments that may impact on trade in agri-food products.

For detail see EU Trade Policy April–June 2026.

Recent developments

EU trade negotiations with low- and middle-income countries

Armenia: On 2 July the European Union (EU) announced a proposal for autonomous trade measures that liberalises almost 80% of Armenian exports to the EU, making these products tariff-free. The measure aims to support Armenia’s trade diversification amid economic pressure from Russia.

The Caribbean: The Fifth Meeting of the Joint CARIFORUM–EU Council, held on 19 June 2026, reviewed progress in the implementation of the CARIFORUM–EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

Eastern and Southern Africa: On 10 June 2026 the EU and four Eastern and Southern African (ESA4) States concluded negotiations on a modern and comprehensive free trade agreement that will deepen their existing interim EPA. The Agreement introduces new commitments in services, investment, digital trade, intellectual property, public procurement, and competition policy.

India: Negotiations on the EU and India Free Trade Agreement concluded on 27 January 2026. The Agreement is currently under legal review and is expected to be signed by 31 December 2026.

Indonesia: On 29 June 2026 the European Commission presented to the European Council its proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) with Indonesia. The Agreements aim to deepen EU and Indonesia trade relations by eliminating import duties on 98.5% of tariff lines and simplifying export procedures.

Malaysia: During the fourth round of negotiations, held in Kuala Lumpur in June, three additional chapters were concluded: Customs and Trade Facilitation, Trade Remedies, and Good Regulatory Practices. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for September 2026.

Mercosur: Provisional application of the EU–Mercosur Interim Agreement on Trade began on 1 May 2026. Mercosur countries remain divided over how to allocate preferential export quotas.

Mexico: The EU and Mexico signed the Modernised Global Agreement (MGA) and interim Trade Agreement (iTA) on 22 May 2026 during the eighth EU–Mexico Summit in Mexico City.

Philippines: The sixth round of negotiations on the EU–Philippines Free Trade Agreement was held in Manila in May 2026. Negotiations were concluded on the chapters covering digital trade and intellectual property.

Thailand: The ninth round of negotiations on an EU–Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) took place in June 2026 in Brussels. Both parties agree to pursue a balanced approach that protects public interest while maximising economic benefit.

Trade policy

Revised Generalised Scheme of Tariff Preferences (GSPs): The revised Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Regulation was signed on 18 June 2026, and will apply from 1 January 2027 for a period of 10 years. The new Regulation places greater emphasis on compliance with international standards on human rights, labour rights, environmental protection, climate action, and good governance.

Inward processing arrangements for raw sugar: On 30 April 2026 the EU suspended its use of the inward processing customs procedure for imports of raw cane sugar intended for refining into white sugar. Inward processing is a special customs procedure that allows non-EU goods, including raw cane sugar, to be imported into the EU for processing without the immediate payment of import duties.

EU Deforestation Regulation: On 4 May 2026 the European Commission published a report on the simplification of the revised EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

EU agri-food trade surplus rises in first 4 months of 2026: In April 2026, EU trade in agri-food products remained broadly stable, with exports valued at €20.3 billion and imports at €16.5 billion.

Sources