Russia has the most barriers to trade for European exporters

The European Commission published its latest report on barriers to trade in June. The report, which is based on information from European firms, identifies 372 barriers to trade currently in use, with the largest stock of barriers (33) imposed by Russia. Brazil, China and India each had stocks of 23 barriers against European firms.

Russia accounted for six of the 36 new barriers introduced in 2016. These measures included restrictions on imports and regulations to favour domestic firms in procurements by state-owned enterprises, new certification requirements for cement and pharmaceuticals, as well as restrictions on transit. Russia also announced plans for introducing requirements for psychological and educational safety of toys that would be unique in international practice.