September 2018 marked the one year anniversary of the provisional entry into force of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the EU and Canada (CETA).

The European Ceramic industry has already started to benefit from the Agreement, as exports to Canada increased by 5% in 2017, reaching €231 million. More importantly, the EU ceramic industry improved further its positive trade balance with Canada, worth €227 million in 2017. The positive trend has been confirmed during the first half of 2018 as EU producers exported €125 million.

CETA was signed in October 2016 and entered into force provisionally on 21 September 2017, eliminating from day one 98% of Canadian duties, including on ceramic products. However, the definitive entry into force requires the ratification of the Agreement by all EU Member States. Despite being early in the process, the positive effects of CETA have been felt across EU industries, including the Ceramic sector. EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström stated: “The preliminary data shows there is plenty to celebrate, even at this stage. Exports are up overall and many sectors have seen impressive increases. This is great news for European businesses, big and small”. CU is committed is cooperating with DG TRADE to share success exporters’ stories from the EU ceramic industry.