The European Union, in a bid to encourage interstate dependency and trading relationships, has abolished all forms of tariffs on trading and adopted a common currency. The move has definitely made this strong economic region even stronger. Such policies have resulted in Europe’s trade running smoothly internally and internationally.
In figures, European trade is the biggest in the world and is the source of all major heavy engineering products. Led by nations such as Germany, Italy, the UK and France, Europe’s trade is dominated by reliable automobiles and heavy machinery.

Europe Trade, Exports and Imports
Europe’s exports were reported at $1.952 trillion in 2007 and the continent ranked first across the globe in terms of export volumes. This volume has witnessed a positive increase ever since the currency was standardized.
The main commodities exported were:
• Motor vehicles
• Pharmaceuticals and other chemicals
• Iron and steel
• Nonferrous metals
• Wood pulp and paper products
• Dairy products
• Alcoholic beverages

European imports were recorded at $1.69 trillion and the continent ranked first in terms of import volume as well.

The main commodities imported were:
• Crude oil
• Foodstuffs
• Clothing 
Here is the list of commodities that the various countries of the European Union manufacture and export:
• Automobiles – France, Italy, UK, Germany, Czech Republic, Spain
• Fashion- Italy and France and other western European countries
• Aircraft- France and Germany
• Machinery- The entire continent
• Electronics- Italy, The Netherlands, Germany
• Food products such as wine, beer, cheeses, chocolates- Western Europe
• Pharmaceuticals- Switzerland
• Military equipment- UK, France, Italy, Germany, Russia
• Industrial chemicals- Most countries
Germany remains the largest player in terms of European trade, while the UK remains a financial hub for most activities in Europe.
IMPORT INTO EU
Helping companies to bring their products onto the European market
The EU supports businesses wanting to import into the EU by providing clear facts on the rules and requirements for importing into the EU. 

The information here is aimed at helping both European firms wanting to import products to the EU and exporters from outside the EU who want to export their products to the EU.
• The Trade Helpdesk for exporting to the EU provides comprehensive information for trade partner countries on how to access the EU market and benefit from preferential trade agreements.
• The EU Tariff section provides information on EU tariffs and other measures applied to all products imported into the EU.
The EU has a number of trade agreements with its partner countries and also sees trade as important for development.
To help exporters seize these opportunities, the Trade Helpdesk provides:
• Information on EU and Member States
• import requirements
• internal taxes on products
• Information on import tariffs and other import measures
• Information on EU preferential conditions for imports from trade partner countries
• Trade data for the EU and its individual Member States
• Links to other authorities and international organizations involved in trade promotion and the practical aspects of trade
• The possibility to ask for information about your own particular situation and product(s)
• A “What’s New” section with import related news.

Facts about EU imports
• EU import tariffs are amongst the lowest in the world.
• The EU market is the most open to developing countries. Fuels excluded, the EU imports more from LDCs than the US, Canada, Japan and China put together.
• It is not just exports that are essential to economic growth and job creation but increasingly also imports. Two-thirds of EU imports are raw materials, intermediary goods and components needed for our companies production processes. The share of foreign imports in the EU’s exports has increased by more than half since 1995, to reach 13%.
Trade policy affects EU citizens. The European Commission listens to all input so that EU policy accurately reflects society’s values and interests as a whole. It is built with EU citizens input, which is made before, during and after the negotiating process:

Before:
• Consultations: the EU tries to reach out to all stakeholders– businesses, trade unions, NGOs, and the broader public – for their views and thoughts when formulating policies or negotiations.
• Specific events on trade policy take place in Brussels and around the world on specific trade topics to gather input as a policy area is developing.

During:
• The EU draws on the expertise of groups affected by trade policy to ensure its trade deals are in the European interest and will work in practice.
• EU’s Trade department has regular meetings during civil society dialogue meetings which attract organisations from many walks of life.

After:
• Civil society organisations provide advice to the Parties for trade agreements concluded between the EU and partner countries, specifically on social and environmental issues.
The European Commission is committed to providing clear information on trade policy:
• The EU Trade News is our English-language electronic newsletter
• The news archive allows people to search for previous updates
• Twitter  allows us to quickly update and to engage with people
• Detailed publications on certain key topics
• You can also contact us for more information