Two levels to distinguish
Since 1 May 2026, a company can already benefit from the tariff cut on electric vehicles (35% to 25%): that’s the trade pillar, active right now. It cannot yet rely on the political and cooperation commitments of the wider agreement (EMPA), still awaiting ratification by member states.
This distinction matters to avoid confusing what is political, what is legal, and what actually becomes operational for companies.
What companies look at first
Companies don’t read an agreement like an institutional lawyer. They want to know one thing: what really changes for them, on their customs duties, their paperwork and their market access?
That’s why this site focuses on practical reach rather than institutional architecture alone.
Potential gains are not automatic
Take an SME exporting car parts to Brazil. The customs duty dropped from 35% to 17.5% in May 2026 — on paper, an immediate saving. But if the tariff code is misclassified or the proof of origin isn’t in order, customs applies the full rate: the cut promised by the agreement never applies, despite the right product and the right country.
A more favourable agreement never compensates for a poorly prepared file.
The right level of caution
A wine importer can follow the new customs duty to the letter and still face a rejection if the labelling doesn’t meet EU sanitary standards: the agreement lowers the tariff, it doesn’t remove the quality check on arrival.
For this reason, a business reading should always be completed with a local review tailored to the target country.
Recommended method
Start with the economic logic, then check the official sources, then have the project reviewed by qualified local specialists before any binding decision.