EU Trade Agreements by Country

The European Union has one of the most extensive networks of trade agreements in the world.

These agreements cover dozens of countries across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa, giving EU businesses access to a large share of global markets.

Overview of EU Trade Agreements

EU trade agreements vary in scope and depth.

They include:

  • Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
  • Customs unions
  • Association agreements
  • Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)

Each agreement is tailored to the economic relationship with the partner country or region.

EU Trade Agreements in Europe

United Kingdom

  • EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement

Switzerland

  • Bilateral agreements covering goods and selected sectors

Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein (EEA)

  • European Economic Area (EEA) agreement

Turkey

  • EU–Turkey Customs Union

EU Trade Agreements in the Americas

Canada

  • Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

Mexico

  • EU–Mexico Global Agreement (modernised version pending full implementation)

Chile

  • EU–Chile Advanced Framework Agreement (updated version)

Mercosur (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay)

  • EU–Mercosur agreement (not yet fully ratified)

EU Trade Agreements in Asia

Japan

  • EU–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement

South Korea

  • EU–South Korea Free Trade Agreement

Vietnam

  • EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement

Singapore

  • EU–Singapore Free Trade Agreement

EU Trade Agreements in Africa

The EU has several Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with African regions.

Examples include:

  • Southern African Development Community (SADC EPA)
  • West Africa EPA (partially applied)
  • East African Community (negotiations and partial implementation)

These agreements aim to support development while facilitating trade.

EU Trade Agreements with Other Regions

Central America

  • Association Agreement with Central American countries

Caribbean (CARIFORUM)

  • Economic Partnership Agreement

These agreements combine trade provisions with broader cooperation.

What About Countries Without Agreements?

Not all countries have trade agreements with the EU.

In such cases:

  • Trade is governed by World Trade Organization (WTO) rules
  • Standard tariffs and procedures apply

This makes agreements an important advantage for partner countries.

How to Read This List

When reviewing EU trade agreements, it is important to understand:

  • Some agreements are fully in force
  • Others are provisionally applied
  • Some are negotiated but not yet ratified

The status affects how and whether businesses can benefit from them.

Why This List Matters

Understanding which countries have agreements with the EU helps businesses:

  • Identify export opportunities
  • Assess tariff advantages
  • Plan market entry strategies
  • Compare trade conditions across regions

It is a practical starting point for international expansion.

Key Takeaways

  • The EU has trade agreements with countries across all major regions
  • Agreements vary in type, scope, and level of integration
  • Some agreements are fully in force, while others are pending or provisional
  • Countries without agreements trade under WTO rules
  • Knowing the agreement landscape helps businesses make informed decisions
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