Foreign trade brings European consumers more choice, higher quality goods and lower prices. International trade also strengthens the competitiveness of Europe's businesses, while harnessing sustainable development worldwide.
Over 600,000 small businesses in Europe export goods and services to the rest of the world and each has its own story to tell.
The benefits for exporters and importers are numerous, as the following case studies show.
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Exporters' stories (131)
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International trade has reenergised the pottery industry in Bolesławiec, Poland, boosting business, employment and local investment. Following the 2011 EU-South Korea trade deal, a third of the ceramics made by the town's Manufaktura pottery factory are sold in South Korea.
International trade has increased the demand for Chokeberry from Poland, the world's largest producer of the berry packed with vitamins and antioxidants. EU trade agreements lower tariffs and ease the administrative burdens of international trade.
The Delphia Yachts shipyard was founded in 1990 by two brothers, Piotr and Wojciech Kot. The company has since become the largest builder of luxury yachts in Poland, exporting 95% of its production to more than 40 countries around the world.
Warsaw-based Ewa-Bis exports fruit and vegetables from all over Poland. Its products are sold in 25 countries around the world. Ewa-Bis was founded by Marek Marzec, who grew up at his family orchard in Sandomierz, PL. There he learned to grow fruit trees and planted the seeds of his future career.
The organisation aims to promote the development of the sectors it represents and those of its 700 members.
Science4you have exported to Brazil since 2010. The current import tariffs in Brazil mean that Science4you's products become much more expensive on the Brazilian market.
Brandient helps companies strengthen their competitive advantage by finding ways to visualise the client's corporate identity, and the quality and design of their products, in the form of product designs, logos and slogans.
Allevo started in financial services by connecting Romania’s top 6 banks, including the Ministry of Public Finance, to the Electronic Payment System back in 2003-2004. The software comprises several business features, including accounting reconciliation, cash management and compliance.
It has a long tradition of producing vegetable oils, including pumpkin seed oil, linseed and walnut oil, rapeseed and seasoned oils. Its products are ISO certified, meaning the company carefully manages its environmental impact.
Slovenian sports goods company Elan specialises in the manufacturing and selling of skis and yachts. The CETA Agreement takes Slovenian skis to new heights in Canada.
Chula Fashion is a small, family-owned clothing company established just over a decade ago. It focusses on sustainable fashion.
Thanks to the EU-CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), Spain's Ly Company has been able to invest in the Dominican Republic and to export Europe-made machinery to its local plant there without paying any customs duties.
Guitarras Manuel Rodríguez is a Spanish manufacturer of classical guitars. Handcrafting guitars since 1902, the small company is now present in 120 countries around the world – and EU trade deals are helping it do so.
Foramen is a Spanish manufacturer of oral hygiene products. Founded in 1918 the company now exports to 40 countries around the world. EU trade agreements with countries such as Mexico have been instrumental in creating a system of fair and open trade.
Exports account for 90% of Hiperbaric's revenues and it has enjoyed sustained growth in recent years thanks to sales abroad.
Cosentino is a family-owned Spanish business specialised in the production of innovative surfaces for the field of architecture and design. It started life in 1940 as a processor of marble from the famous quarries at Macael in Andalusia. Today the company exports its products to over 80 countries.
Porcelanosa is a ceramics company benefitting from improved business opportunities in Canada to sell high quality tile for kitchens and bathrooms.
Whether it is for countertops, façades, interior floors or interior walls, Levantina Natural Stone Company provides high quality stone to customers all over the world.
The company's expansion has allowed it to double in size since 2012. In 2017 alone, it produced 49 million kilos of pig meat.
Cecinas Nieto is a Spanish family business specialised in gourmet meat products. The company has taken advantage of the EU-Lebanon trade agreement, which enables it and other European beef exporters to keep pace with stiff competition from the likes of India and Brazil.