Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) looking to internationalize can access an online portal that helps them to trade beyond the European Union’s borders.
The European Commission’s Access2Markets allows SMEs and business organizations to obtain information they need when they trade with third countries, such as on tariffs, taxes, procedures, formalities and requirements, rules of origin, export measures, statistics, and trade barriers, among others.
“Third country markets offer export opportunities and are also important sources of raw materials and goods for EU companies; hence, they are part of their global supply chains,” the portal said.
The EU has over 40 trade agreements in place with close to 80 countries. It also offers preferential market access to lower and middle-income countries under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences.
Businesses in and outside the EU benefit from a market for their products of over 400 million consumers, easier access to a wide range of suppliers and consumers, lower unit costs, and greater commercial opportunities.
Access2Markets also provides access to key information needed for trade in services as well as for investment and procurement in third countries.
Companies can also learn about EU trade agreements, how to benefit from them and read stories on successful companies using them.
