What are the EU tariff preferences system

1. The main tariff preference system of the European Union
Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP): The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) is a unilateral preferential arrangement aimed at helping developing countries enter the EU market by reducing tariffs. According to GSP, specific goods from eligible countries can enjoy preferential tariffs and even duty-free treatment.

Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs): The European Union has signed Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries. These agreements aim to promote regional integration and free trade, allowing ACP countries to export goods to the EU market on preferential terms.

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): The European Union has signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with multiple countries and regions, such as agreements with Canada, Japan, South Korea, and other countries. These agreements promote bilateral trade by reducing or eliminating tariffs.

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): The European Union is implementing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which imposes additional fees on high carbon emitting goods such as steel and cement. Although this mechanism is not a direct tariff preference, it may have an impact on the exports of some countries.

Countermeasures: In special circumstances, the EU may impose countermeasures on specific countries. For example, in response to US trade protectionism, the EU has imposed a 25% tariff on US goods.

2 Applicable countries
GSP Applicable Countries: GSP is mainly applicable to developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs). For example, countries such as Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh enjoy GSP treatment, but some countries are excluded due to non-compliance with conditions such as human rights issues.

EPA Applicable Countries: EPA covers multiple ACP countries, including multiple countries in sub Saharan Africa (such as South Africa and Nigeria) and countries in the Caribbean region (such as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic).

FTA applicable countries: The EU has signed FTA agreements with multiple countries, such as Canada (CETA), Japan (EPA), South Korea (FTA), etc., and their goods can enjoy preferential tariffs.

CBAM Applicable Countries: CBAM applies to all third countries that export high carbon emission goods, including China, India, the United States, etc.

Applicable countries for countermeasures: The EU's countermeasures mainly target the United States, involving goods such as tobacco, motorcycles, poultry, etc.