We write today to express our deep concern with the vehicle carrier remedies that have been actioned in Annex III of your “Section 301 Investigation of China’s Targeting the Maritime, Logistics and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance”. Annex III contains significant flaws that if not amended, will inflict economic harm on U.S. manufacturers who export $20 billion annually by sea in American-made cars and tractors, and American consumers who are facing increasing vehicle prices.

Geopolitical and global economic challenges have underlined the imperative for Europe to enhance both its competitiveness and its security. With 90% of the EU’s external trade carried by sea it is vital that the reform of the Union Customs Code (UCC) facilitates: maritime transport, the smooth handling of goods and their efficient storage in EU ports. Europe’s competitiveness and security depends on the secure but seamless connection of maritime transport to hinterland logistics chains. We must choose smart customs reform.

In a joint statement, Eurogas, Europe's leading gaseous energy trade association, and 33 organisations from across the global renewable gas supply chain, have called on the European Commission to urgently address barriers preventing their full recognition in the Union Database (UDB).