Trade

All news and posts of our editorial team on the topic

TSMC confirms plans for Europe plant
Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer TSMC has spoken publicly for the first time about a possible plant in the EU. TSMC CEO C.C. Wei mentioned microchips for use in cars in particular in this context. Wei told analysts that in Europe “we’re engaging with customers and partners to evaluate the possibility of building a specialty fab, focusing […] continue reading →
BDI: EU trade policy must become more proactive
German industry is calling on the EU to come up with a “smart industrial policy response” to the US government’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The focus should not be on confrontation but on innovations and future technologies, BDI President Siegfried Russwurm said in Berlin on Tuesday. “In the current world situation, transatlantic cooperation is more […] continue reading →
EU and ASEAN strengthen cooperation at first summit meeting
The European Union has held its first joint summit with the heads of state and government of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The two organizations agreed on a joint final declaration on Wednesday, which emphasizes closer economic cooperation. The EU relies on Asean nations such as Vietnam and Indonesia, not least to make […] continue reading →
EU secures access to raw materials from Chile
The EU and Chile have agreed to further liberalize trade and give European companies better access to raw materials including lithium, copper and, in the future, hydrogen. “This is certainly going to be an agreement that helps us to diversify our resources and move out of dependence on China, in particular at this stage about […] continue reading →
Due diligence: Council to weaken Commission text
Tomorrow, Thursday, the Council will vote on its position on corporate due diligence. Although the text lags behind the Commission's proposal in terms of ambition, France is blocking it. Paris is pushing for financial services to be exempt from the law. continue reading →
EU negotiations on Anti-Coercion Instrument begin
The European Parliament, the EU Council and the EU Commission start their negotiation talks on the planned trade instrument against economic coercion today, Monday. Great hopes are placed on the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI): It is designed to give the European Union the opportunity to better defend itself against coercive economic measures by third countries – […] continue reading →
EU states warn against subsidy race
At the meeting of EU trade ministers, several member states warned against a subsidy race with the USA. That would be a “dangerous game,” Czech Industry Minister and current Council President Jozef Síkela said Friday. “The winner might then sit on another continent, not in Europe and not the American one.” At the same time, […] continue reading →
Trade ministers seek response to IRA
Today, EU trade ministers will discuss a response to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). France and Germany, in particular, are pushing for a European response: “We have to be aware that there is a risk that industrial jobs could disappear from Germany and Europe, which then won’t come back so quickly,” said SPD Chairman Lars […] continue reading →
EU sets anti-dumping duties on coated steel imports
The European Commission imposed anti-dumping duties on imports of electrolytic chromium coated steel (ECCS) originating in China and Brazil. This type of coated steel is used in beverage cans and household appliances, among other things. The products are sold at unreasonably low prices within the EU, harming European manufacturers, the Brussels-based authority said. The Chinese […] continue reading →
Grain agreement extended by 120 days
A few days before the expiration of the Ukrainian grain agreement, the agreement, which is important for global food exports, has been extended. The agreement with Russia, reached in July under the mediation of the United Nations and Turkey, will be continued for 120 days, all parties confirmed on Thursday. Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine […] continue reading →
Anti-coercion: Council wants to decide for itself
Member states are expected to adopt their position on the anti-coercion instrument today, paving the way for final negotiations with the European Parliament. The latest compromise proposal of the Czech Council Presidency has been met with approval at expert level and is now to be adopted by the EU ambassadors, according to the draft decision […] continue reading →
Due diligence: Trade committee wants to tighten up
After Lara Wolters (S&D) released her report on corporate due diligence last week, the issue was on the agenda of the International Trademark Association (INTA) yesterday. “We need radical action to change the way companies do business. Companies are not sustainable per se,” Barry Andrews stressed. The Renew MEP is rapporteur for the opinion on […] continue reading →
Due diligence obligations: Wolters goes far beyond Commission proposal
Yesterday, Lara Wolters (S&D) published her report on corporate due diligence. As expected, the text is significantly stricter than the proposal presented by the Commission in February. This means Wolters is in for some difficult negotiations: Discussions in the Council are going in the opposite direction. continue reading →
EU and Kazakhstan sign raw materials partnership
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Kazakh Prime Minister Alichan Smailov yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding for a strategic partnership for raw materials, batteries and green hydrogen at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh. Together, they want to better integrate strategic value chains in these areas, von der Leyen said. In the coming months, […] continue reading →
UN: Grain agreement remains in force
Despite a suspension of the grain deal with Ukraine announced by Russia, the United Nations reads that exports can continue. “Our understanding is that the initiative and commitments remain in force, even during the suspension of Russia’s participation,” UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths said Monday at a UN Security Council meeting in New York. […] continue reading →
Fixing the food trade
Trade has an important role to play in the fight for food security. That is why, especially in times of crisis, a holistic approach is needed to regulate the way food is produced, distributed and consumed. continue reading →
How critical is the takeover of Elmos?
After the debate is before the debate: The next stake by a Chinese investor in Germany already sparks debates. According to reports, the government wants to approve the acquisition of a factory owned by Dortmund chip manufacturer Elmos. Since the Ukraine invasion and Cosco's entry, deals that previously would have flown under the radar are now attracting public interest. continue reading →
Ministry of Finance in favor of Foreign Trade and Payments Act reform
As a result of the controversial Chinese entry into a container terminal at the Port of Hamburg, the Federal Ministry of Finance has called for a reform of the Foreign Trade and Payments Act. An amendment must be examined and implemented “in a timely manner”, according to a letter from State Finance Secretary Steffen Saebisch […] continue reading →