EU trade policy digest July–September 2026
- Tariffs & quotas
- Trade
- Trade negotiations
- Trade policy
Summary
AGRINFO summary of progress in European Union (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 July–September 2026.
Recent developments in EU trade policy
European Commission: Negotiations and agreements
Update
AGRINFO summary of progress in European Union (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 July–September 2026.
Recent developments
EU trade negotiations with low- and middle-income countries
Armenia: The EU has approved temporary trade liberalisation measures for Armenian products in response to recent Russian trade restrictions.
Côte d’Ivoire: The European Commission has launched negotiations for a bilateral Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement (SIFA) between the EU and Côte d’Ivoire. Building on the joint Sustainable Cocoa Initiative, discussions under the SIFA will also aim to strengthen cooperation on sustainable investment, traceability, and resilient cocoa value chains.
India: The European Commission has submitted proposals, including details of tariff reductions and tariff rate quotas, to EU Member States for formal approval of the EU–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Philippines: The EU and the Philippines have now reached substantial agreement in their negotiations for an FTA.
Trade policy
Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) procedures: The European Commission has adopted two Regulations setting out procedures for countries to apply for GSP+ status, and procedures for withdrawing preferences and establishing safeguards under the new GSP Regulation 2026/1395.
GSP review: A Commission report on trade under the GSP shows that in 2024, 88.8% of trade was carried out making use of preferential tariffs. The rate was higher for less developed countries benefiting from zero tariffs under the Everything But Arms (EBA) Agreement, at 94.5%. For countries with GSP+ status, the rate was 87.3%.
EU forced labour product ban: The European Commission has published new Guidelines to help stakeholders implement the Forced Labour Regulation 2024/3015, which will apply from 14 December 2027.
Public procurement: The Commission has adopted a proposal to modernise and simplify the EU’s public procurement framework, including rules on participation in public procurement by non-EU stakeholders.
Sources
European Commission: Negotiations and agreements
Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall COLEAD be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered that is claimed to have resulted from the use of information available on this website or any link to external sites. The use of the website is at the user’s sole risk and responsibility. This information platform was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents do not, however, reflect the views of the European Union.