The global tendency to restrict trade has remained strong in the last 18 months, according to a European Commission report on barriers to trade released today. Over this time period, the 31 countries monitored in the report together adopted 200 new protectionist measures, bringing the total amount adopted since the beginning of the economic crisis to 1000. The EU strives to remove such barriers for the benefit of European companies and citizens, and the report also presents an overview of the EU's actions on specific trade barriers hindering sales of EU products and services in the EU's strategic markets. Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström said: "Trade protectionism continues to be on the rise around the world. Open markets are proven to bring more innovation, increased productivity, economic growth and prosperity. Despite this, few barriers to trade have been removed, while new ones have been introduced. That's why we continue our efforts to promote open trade by negotiating free trade agreements, and enforcing the existing rules. I strongly hope that our partners can join us in our strong commitment to make open markets work for all." Products most affected by restrictive measures include raw materials and energy products hit by export restrictions, as well as Information and Communications Technology (ICT) products hit with local content requirements and unjustified data localisation constraints. Product bans, import or export duties and licences that strike trade right at the border, remain the most common trade restrictions. More information on the '2016 Report on Trade and Investment Barriers and Protectionist Trends' is available here.
