Countries with EU Free Trade Agreements: A Comprehensive List

Free trade agreements (FTAs) have become increasingly common as countries aim to expand their global reach and boost economic growth. The European Union (EU) is a major player in the global trade market, having negotiated numerous free trade agreements with countries around the world. In this article, we will highlight some of the notable countries with EU free trade agreements.

1. Canada

Canada and the EU signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in 2017. This agreement eliminates tariffs on goods and services between the two regions and opens up new markets for businesses. CETA also includes provisions on intellectual property, sustainable development, and regulatory cooperation.

2. Japan

The EU and Japan signed the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in 2018, creating the world`s largest free trade area. The agreement eliminates tariffs on 99% of goods traded between the two regions and includes provisions on investment protection, data protection, and sustainable development.

3. South Korea

The EU-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed in 2011 and went into effect in 2015. The agreement eliminates tariffs on 98% of goods traded between the two regions and includes provisions on services, investment, and intellectual property.

4. Mexico

The EU and Mexico signed the updated EU-Mexico Global Agreement in 2020. The agreement, which replaces the 2000 EU-Mexico FTA, eliminates tariffs on goods traded between the two regions and includes provisions on services, investment, and government procurement.

5. Singapore

The EU-Singapore FTA was signed in 2018 and went into effect in 2019. The agreement eliminates tariffs on all goods traded between the two regions and includes provisions on investment protection, government procurement, and intellectual property.

6. Vietnam

The EU-Vietnam FTA was signed in 2019 and went into effect in 2020. The agreement eliminates tariffs on 99% of goods traded between the two regions and includes provisions on services, investment, and government procurement.

7. Chile

The EU-Chile Association Agreement, which includes a free trade agreement, was signed in 2002 and went into effect in 2003. The agreement eliminates tariffs on most goods traded between the two regions and includes provisions on services, investment, and intellectual property.

8. Peru

The EU-Peru Trade Agreement was signed in 2010 and went into effect in 2013. The agreement eliminates tariffs on most goods traded between the two regions and includes provisions on services, investment, and intellectual property.

9. Colombia

The EU-Colombia Trade Agreement was signed in 2012 and went into effect in 2013. The agreement eliminates tariffs on most goods traded between the two regions and includes provisions on services, investment, and intellectual property.

10. Ecuador

The EU-Ecuador Trade Agreement was signed in 2019 and went into effect in 2021. The agreement eliminates tariffs on most goods traded between the two regions and includes provisions on services, investment, and intellectual property.

In conclusion, the EU`s free trade agreements with various countries have opened up new opportunities for businesses and boosted economic growth for both regions. As more countries look to expand their global reach, it is likely that we will see more free trade agreements being negotiated in the near future.