EU trade agreements continued to support market access and trade growth for European businesses in 2025, according to the European Commission’s sixth Annual Report on the Implementation and Enforcement of EU Trade and Economic Security Policy.
At the end of 2025, the EU had 44 preferential trade agreements with 76 countries, covering 46.3% of the bloc’s external trade. Trade in goods with these partner countries grew by 3.1%, compared with 1.4% for EU trade with other third countries.
EU agri-food exports to countries covered by trade agreements increased by 4.6% in 2025, while exports to non-preferential partners declined by 3.6%.
The EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement, which entered into force on 1 February 2025, provides an example of the impact of a new trade framework. Bilateral trade reached €20.8 billion in the first 11 months, up 3% year-on-year. EU exports of machinery and appliances increased by 9%, chemical products by 8%, and optical and photographic instruments by 17%.
The European Commission also reported that 20 trade barriers were fully or partially removed in 14 partner countries during the reporting period, improving market access for EU operators.
The report further highlights the role of trade agreements in strengthening the EU’s economic position internationally. EU goods exports to free trade agreement partners increased by €250 billion, helping offset a €54.5 billion decline in goods exports to Russia.
The Commission considers the continued implementation and enforcement of trade agreements important for strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of EU businesses and providing a more predictable environment for trade and investment.
Source: European Commission
