On 4 May 2026, the European Commission published what is expected to be the final simplification package for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), before it starts to apply on 30 December 2026 for most companies. The EUDR requires that seven key commodities (cattle, wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil, coffee, and rubber) and their derived products
EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act unveils “Made in EU” and low-carbon push, reshaping trade relations
- Industrial Accelerator Act introduces Union origin and low-carbon requirements for public procurement (from January 2029) and support schemes in strategic sectors.
- Energy-intensive industries face low-carbon and Union origin requirements; electric vehicles require EU assembly, 70% EU content, and phased-in battery/powertrain rules; net-zero technologies face tightening thresholds.
- Businesses must assess Union origin under customs
The upcoming EU Customs Reform: a strategic perspective
In May 2023, the European Commission published its proposal for a reform of EU Customs, describing it as “the most ambitious and comprehensive reform of the EU Customs Union since its establishment in 1968”. Since the launch, significant developments have reshaped the debate: e-commerce volumes have continued to surge beyond levels of customs
Temporary U.S. sanctions relief for Russian seaborne oil products
The U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) issued Russia-related General License 134 (“GL 134”) yesterday, which temporarily authorizes the delivery and sale of Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products that are already on the water as of March 12, 2026. It is understood the policy intent
EU trade remedies in 2026: What to expect
In today’s global trade landscape, trade defence instruments (TDI), such as anti-dumping and countervailing (anti-subsidy) duties, are more vital than ever. TDI are measures used to protect EU industry from imports originating from non‑EU countries that distort competition by suppressing EU producers’ prices, typically through dumping or because of state subsidies. The European Commission, specifically
Commission proposes expansion of EU CBAM to downstream goods and addresses potential CBAM abusive practices
On 17 December 2025, the European Commission published an amendment proposal (COM 2025/0419) to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/956), which proposes to expand CBAM to certain downstream goods and strengthen anti-circumvention provisions. The proposal also refines operational rules, including for electricity imports, exemptions, and market-stability safeguards.
EU introduces safeguard measures on ferro-alloys imports
Yesterday, the European Union adopted safeguard measures (C/2025/7842) to curb imports of manganese- and silicon-based ferro-alloys, key alloying inputs for the European steel industry. The decision follows a surge in imports and forms part of a broader policy response to global overcapacity and shifting trade flows in the steel sector. The measures take
Antitrust considerations amid shifting tariffs
With tariffs and trade measures continuing to reshape global markets, companies are navigating how best to respond, often considering price and supply chain adjustments as part of the process. As antitrust enforcers scrutinize competitor conduct, our antitrust and international trade teams have collaborated to launch a two-part podcast series, focusing on the practical impact of