Towards a robust trade policy for the EU in the interest of jobs and growth

In the modern global economy, trade is essential for growth, jobs and competitiveness, and the EU is committed to an open rules-based trading system.

Exports now support almost one in seven manufacturing jobs in Europe (i.e. more than 30 million jobs – two thirds more than 15 years ago), while imports are a major source of productivity gains and allow consumers to benefit from access to more choice and lower cost products.

Production in the EU is dependent not only on energy and raw material imports, but also on parts, components and capital goods like machinery.

Together, these products make up 80% of EU imports.

EU-COMMISION-COMMUNICATION-ON-TRADE-POLICY-18.10.2016