Trade

VBB is recognised as having Europe’s pre-eminent trade law practice.

We have been addressing challenging international trade issues for multinational companies, trade associations and governments since the firm was set up in 1986 and are now a reference in the market for our experience and expertise.

We cover all areas of trade law: trade defence instruments (anti-dumping, anti-subsidy, and safeguards), customs, sanctions and export controls, World Trade Organization (WTO) matters, and Free Trade Agreements.

We also advise on emerging issues arising in the context of EU trade law and policy, including on measures incorporating sustainable development objectives.

We have the largest and most specialised trade law team in Europe, with around 30 lawyers operating in Brussels, London and Geneva. With capabilities in over 20 languages, we assist with trade matters in the EU, UK, WTO, and in multiple other jurisdictions.

Our advice is informed by an in-depth understanding of the surrounding legal, commercial, and geopolitical implications.

Our working approach is driven by the goal of finding practical and business-minded solutions to complex issues and reducing the legal and regulatory burdens facing our clients.

Clients that come to VBB for trade law advice benefit from our complementary expertise in other connected practice areas, such as competition, procurement, and regulatory law.

For instance, our extensive experience in dealing with subsidies in the context of international trade, both at the EU and WTO level, together with our top-tier competition law expertise, gives us a unique advantage in advising clients on matters involving State aid and the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation.

“

...an outstanding practice

Chambers Global 2026, International Trade/WTO

Crown Commercial Service Supplier – supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s Legal Panel for Government framework (RM6360) on Lot 4b – International Trade Disputes.

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Notable assignments

Acting as legal counsel to the Government of Indonesia in its WTO challenge against the European Union’s anti-dumping duties on fatty acid.

Advising multiple clients on the EU sanctions and export control rules in connection with divestment from Russia.

Acting for the Woodstock Consortium of EU plywood producers in two high-profile European Commission anti-dumping investigations involving imports of hardwood plywood from China and imports of softwood plywood from Brazil.

Advising a leading technology company on its customs matters throughout the EU.

Representing the association of Turkish exporters (EIB) in an action for annulment of Regulation (EU) 2022/2390 of 7 December 2022 amending the definitive countervailing duty imposed on imports of certain rainbow trout originating in Türkiye by Regulation (EU) 2021/823.

Representing the Brazilian association of manganese and silicon-based alloying elements in the safeguard investigation concerning imports into the EU of these products originating from all countries.

Acting as legal counsel to the Government of Taiwan (Chinese Taipei) in a WTO dispute initiated by the European Union against certain measures relating to the alleged local content requirements in investments in offshore wind installations.

Assisting the European Federation of Parquet Industries and its individual members in the first ever anti-dumping proceedings brought by the EU against imports of parquet from China.

Representing Metalcam and CAS in relation to the 2022 and 2023 administrative reviews of the US countervailing and anti-dumping measures on imports of Forged Steel Fluid End Blocks from Italy.