Ores and concentrates; n.e.c. in heading no. 2601

EU–Uzbekistan trade pact: tariff relief and market access

The EU and Uzbekistan have signed an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, effective 29 April 2026. The deal establishes preferential trade terms, removes tariffs on key sectors, and creates a framework for customs cooperation. Shippers moving goods between the EU and Uzbekistan will benefit from reduced duties on eligible products, though origin rules and certificate-of-origin requirements will apply.

EU and US launch critical minerals partnership

The EU and US have signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a strategic partnership on critical minerals, along with an EU-US Critical Minerals Action Plan. This bilateral initiative signals coordinated policy between the two major trading blocs on securing supply chains for materials essential to manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors. While the announcement does not specify immediate tariff changes or trade restrictions, it may influence future trade policy, preferential sourcing arrangements, and regulatory alignment on critical mineral classification and documentation.