Business survey of EU exporters and importers
European exporters have similar experiences with non-tariff measures (NTMs) as developing countries, especially for procedures related to technical regulations, conformity assessment and rules of origin.
An ITC-European Commission survey, based on 8100 company interviews in all 28 European Union (EU) countries, reveals that more than a third of European exporters encounter burdensome NTMs, both within their countries and in destination markets. The report, unprecedented in scope, provides insight into trade-related technical assistance, so that developing countries improve their capacity to trade with the EU. It also serves as a foundation to integrate the voice of European businesses in trade negotiations and policymaking.
Background
In 2015, the International Trade Centre (ITC) carried out a survey on non-tariff measures (NTMs) experienced by EU exporters and importers. The project, implemented in collaboration with the European Commission (EC), aimed at identifying existing impediments to exporting from and importing into the EU.
The NTM business survey in the EU provides a deeper understanding of the firms’ perception of NTMs, which by nature is hard to quantify. The resulting database contains detailed information on NTM-related trade impediments to exports and imports with particular focus on imports from developing countries and exports to EU’s major trading partners.
By shedding light on market access conditions faced by European companies, the survey provides important information for companies as well as trade support institutions and policy makers. At a policy level the survey helps formulating national and regional strategies and policies, including trade negotiation positions.