Our Trade Compliance Resource Hub is where you can find the latest commentary and analysis by Reed Smith lawyers on recent developments in trade, sanctions and export controls.
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 its Directorate‑General for Trade, is competent to initiate and conduct investigations that may lead to the imposition of such duties, in addition to regular customs duties, on the relevant goods. The annual TDI conference on 11 December brought together trade practitioners from across the spectrum, including lawyers representing exporters and EU industries, senior European Commission officials, industry associations, members of the EU courts, WTO experts, and academics. Against increasingly complex global trade dynamics, the discussions offered a clear preview of how the EU’s trade defence toolbox is evolving to adapt to the rapidly changing geopolitical context. We’ve translated the insights from the TDI conference into six practical expectations for 2026.
In addition to the post above, don’t miss our Trump 2.0 tariff tracker which tracks the latest threatened and implemented U.S. tariffs, as well as counter-tariffs from other countries around the world.
