BDO Trade Update - May 2026

The international trade landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with significant developments across tariffs, sanctions, customs valuation, ESG regulation and supply chain compliance.

In this edition of our Customs and International Trade Update, we outline the latest changes affecting businesses trading across the EU, UK and US, including the EU-Mercosur Agreement, new sanctions measures against Russia, upcoming e-commerce customs reforms and developments in Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism(CBAM) and Harmonised System(HS) classifications.

We also highlight the practical actions businesses should now consider to manage risk, maintain compliance and identify potential opportunities arising from these changes.

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If you think any of these updates could affect your business, or if you want to talk through the details, just reach out—we’re happy to help.

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BDO Global Trade Services

As Global Trade becomes more complex, and more subject to risk, we can advise on your trade implications in a Geo-Political context, assess the Risk Landscape and provide proactive duty planning, ensuring security of supply, and support in accessing new markets. In addition, we can provide Board Level briefings in order to support and advise in this new environment. If you think any of these updates could affect your business, don’t hesitate to contact us for further information or to arrange a consultation.

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This publication has been carefully prepared, but it has been written in general terms and should be seen as broad guidance only. The publication cannot be relied upon to cover specific situations and you should not act, or refrain from acting, upon the information contained therein without obtaining specific professional advice. Please contact BDO to discuss these matters in the context of your particular circumstances. BDO, its partners, employees and agents do not accept or assume any liability or duty of care for any loss arising from any action taken or not taken by anyone in reliance on the information in this publication or for any decision based on it. BDO is authorised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland to carry on investment business. BDO, a partnership established under Irish Law, is a member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms.BDO is the brand name for the BDO International network and for each of the BDO Member Firms. Copyright © May 2026 BDO Ireland. All rights reserved. Published in Ireland.