European trade, markets & policy — short reads with sources.
Parliament's political groups reached agreement on the July 2025 EU-US trade deal. US tariffs at 15% on EU exports, EU tariffs on US goods cut to zero — with a sunset clause, suspension mechanism, and steel safeguard built in.
Eurostat data shows the EU trade surplus fell to €12.9B in December. Exports to the US dropped 12.6%, the deficit with China widened to €26.8B. Machinery and vehicle sales continue to decline.
The Commission requested a WTO panel against China over IP restrictions. Separately, Brussels accepted a Chinese EV price undertaking and imposed anti-dumping duties on sweetcorn.
Managing Director Salah Benhacene turned Brexit-era complexity into opportunity. London Bensa specializes in cross-border facilitation, while Bensa Bank targets the trade finance gap left by traditional banks.
The EU's first standalone digital trade deal took effect February 1, covering cross-border data flows, e-commerce, and electronic authentication. A template for future agreements.
After years of stalled talks, the EU and India concluded their largest-ever FTA — covering goods, services, investment, and digital provisions. India positioned as a key alternative to China.
The pan-European STOXX 600 touched an all-time high before easing on AI disruption fears. L'Oréal fell 5%, Safran surged 8%. Defence stocks extended a five-day rally.
Manufacturers from fertilisers to cement push back against a proposed "kill switch" in the CBAM scheme. A clash between green ambition and industrial competitiveness.