On April 9, 2025, the EU approved new trade countermeasures targeting c.€18 billion of U.S.-origin products in response to 25% tariffs imposed by the Trump II administration on steel and aluminium imports.  These new measures apply alongside 2018 and 2020 countermeasures targeting c.€8 billion worth of U.S. goods, which were due to come back into effect on April 15.  On April 10, the EU announced a 90-day pause on these countermeasures to facilitate trade negotiations with the U.S.

Continue Reading The EU’s Latest Response to Trump II Tariffs

On February 1, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 25% additional tariff on imports of Canadian- and Mexican-origin goods (since suspended for 30 days) and a 10% additional tariff on imports of Chinese-origin goods.  On February 10, 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 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 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

The EU FSR filing forms have been adopted and the regime is now in effect. Businesses must prepare to notify qualifying M&A deals and public tenders from October 12.

This alert provides an overview of the FSR’s rules, procedures and filing requirements.

On July 19, Cleary Gottlieb and Oxera will host a webinar on practical

On February 6, 2023, the European Commission (“Commission”) launched a public consultation on its proposed rules and procedures for merger and public procurement notifications under the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation (“FSR”). 

Continue Reading Commission Consults on Notification Requirements and Process for EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation