EU enlargement: implications for new member countries, the United States and world trade

Abstract:

The study is part of a series of reports on the integration of the transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States into global commodity markets. This report analyses the likely impacts of European Union enlargement on production and trade in the Central and Eastern European countries that joined the EU and impacts on US trade with the enlarged EU. The report finds that many of the adjustments have already taken place as a result of preferential trade agreements signed between the EU and the acceding countries. The most dramatic changes after accession are likely to be significant increases in output of beef and coarse grains by the Central and Eastern European countries and a small decline in wheat output by the enlarged EU. The United States stands to lose its poultry market in the new Member States, but could see slightly larger wheat exports.