François-Charles Laprévote

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On February 1, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 25% additional tariff on imports of Canadian- and Mexican-origin goods (now in force after a 30-day suspension) and a 10% additional tariff on imports of Chinese-origin goods (increased to 20% on March 3).  On February 9, President Trump announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports,[1] and is preparing “a comprehensive plan” to tackle “non-reciprocal trading arrangements”.[2]  The EU is a key target of the new measures, with the EU’s 10% tariff on imported cars and ban on U.S. shellfish imports identified as unfair trade barriers.  As with Canada and Mexico, any EU tariffs may be driven by other strategic objectives, such as NATO expenditure and a takeover of Greenland.Continue Reading The EU’s Possible Response to Trump II Tariffs

On January 9, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (“MOFCOM”) released its decision in a trade and investment barrier investigation into the European Union’s Foreign Subsidies Regulation (“FSR”).Continue Reading MOFCOM Issues Final Determination on Trade and Investment Barrier Investigation into the EU’s Foreign Subsidies Regulation

In 2024, the FSR’s first year in operation saw a large number of filings but limited enforcement, with only a handful of Phase 2 reviews, one conditional merger clearance and two ex officio cases. With the FSR now up and running, in 2025, we expect the EC’s focus to be on demonstrating the FSR’s value and delivering practical results by stepping up enforcement, building a corpus of reasoned decisions, and – it is hoped – developing a more streamlined process for non-issue cases.Continue Reading The EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation: 2024 in Review and Predictions for 2025

On January 15, 2025, the European Commission (the “EC”) published a recommendation (the “Recommendation”)[1] addressed to all EU Member States urging them to review “outbound investments” in certain critical technologies sectors, notably semiconductors, artificial intelligence (“AI”), and quantum technologies.Continue Reading The EU Commission Urges Member States to Review Outbound Investments

On October 17, 2024, the European Commission (“Commission“) published its forth annual report on the screening of foreign direct investments (“FDI“) into the Union (the “Report“), following previous editions published in October 2023, September 2022 and November 2021. Notable findings include the follow:Continue Reading EU FDI: State Of The Union (2024)

On October 4, 2024, the European Commission proposal to impose definitive countervailing duties of up to 35.3% on imports of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from China was adopted by the Council.  The duties are imposed on top of the 10% EU import duty for cars. Continue Reading Definitive Duties Adopted by the EU on Chinese Battery Electric Vehicles to Counteract Subsidies to Apply by October 30

On September 24, 2024, the European Commission (EC) conditionally approved, under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), the acquisition of PPF Telecom Group (PPF) by Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC (e&).[1]  The EC’s clearance is subject to commitments valid for 10 years, which may be extended by another 5 years.  This is the EC’s first Phase II conditional clearance decision under the FSR, which started to apply on July 12, 2023.[2].Continue Reading First Merger Commitments Adopted under the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation

On July 4, 2024, the European Commission imposed provisional countervailing duties on imports of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from China.Continue Reading The European Commission targets Chinese battery electric vehicles with provisional duties to counteract subsidies

On January 24, 2024, the European Commission (“EC”) adopted five initiatives as part of the European Economic Security Strategy unveiled in June 2023.[1]  The initiatives are aimed at bolstering the EU’s economic security interests.  Their main focus is a proposal for a new EU FDI Screening Regulation aimed at inbound investments.[2]  But the package also includes a white paper on outbound investment control (the “White Paper”),[3] launching a debate on whether and how to scrutinize investment outflows from the EU for the first time in the Union’s history.Continue Reading EU Takes Time to Ready Outbound Investment Control Toolkit

On October 12, 2023, the notification obligations under the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) took effect.  Businesses must notify all M&A deals (if signed on or after July 12 and not yet implemented by October 12) and public procurement tenders (for offers submitted on or after October 12) meeting the relevant thresholds. Continue Reading Notification Obligations under the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation Take Effect