Trade policy is an exclusive EU competence. This means the EU and not the member states legislate on trade matters and concludes international trade agreements. If the agreement covers topics of mixed responsibility, the Council can conclude it only after ratification by all member states. By acting together with one voice on the global stage, rather than with multiple separate trade strategies, the EU takes up a strong position when it comes to global trade.
The EU wants to make sure that imported products are sold at a fair and equitable price in the EU - no matter where they come from. Trade regulation in form of trade defence instruments is a means to protect EU producers from harm and tackle unfair competition by foreign companies such as dumping and subsidisation.
