Hello, happy new year and welcome to the first Global Tech Trade Policy Update of 2026.
What a start to the year it has been. If anyone hoped for a gentle reset, geopolitics had other ideas. Trade, security, and diplomacy are once again tightly intertwined, and the consequences for technology businesses are immediate, complex and often uncomfortable.
At techUK, our focus remains practical: helping members understand what is happening, why it matters, and what it means for strategy, compliance and market access. If you are a techUK member and want to make sense of the world in 2026 - and what it means for you - please join our Trade Working Group this Friday 23 February with Scott Young from Eurasia Group. To register, email [email protected].
Here are the key developments to watch this week.
1. EU weighs response to Trump’s tariff threats and prepares for an emergency summit
The European Union will spend the coming week planning its response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats, announced on Saturday.
Options range from activating the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument - the so-called trade “bazooka” - to allowing retaliatory tariffs postponed last year to snap back into force. Others argue for restraint, given uncertainty over how far the White House will ultimately go and the implications of an imminent U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
What is already clear: the EU will not implement its side of the current tariff bargain with Washington this week, including the liberalisation of industrial tariffs and selected agricultural quotas.
French President Emmanuel Macron has urged the EU to trigger the Anti-Coercion Instrument in response to U.S. threats linked to Greenland, which could allow the bloc to impose restrictions on investment, public procurement access and intellectual property protections.
EU ambassadors have already held emergency talks - and EU leaders will now also convene an emergency summit this coming week.
2. EU-US trade deal put on hold after months of renewed friction
The fallout is already visible in Brussels.
EU lawmakers have confirmed they will not proceed with ratification of the EU-US trade deal signed last summer. The agreement, which capped U.S. tariffs at 15 percent in exchange for zero EU tariffs on U.S. exports, was meant to stabilise relations after months of renewed trade friction since Trump’s second term began.
That fragile truce has now unravelled.
Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s Party, said approval was no longer possible given Trump’s threats over Greenland, adding that the zero-tariff provisions must be put on hold. With the EPP now aligned with other political groups calling for a pause, the deal is effectively frozen.
For businesses, this means continued uncertainty over tariffs, regulatory cooperation and long-term transatlantic trade stability.
3. EU and Mercosur finally sign their trade agreement
While transatlantic relations stall, the EU has moved decisively in Latin America.
After more than 25 years of negotiations, the EU and Mercosur formally signed their free-trade agreement in Paraguay. If fully ratified, it would create a free-trade area covering more than 700 million people.
More than 90 percent of tariffs on EU exports would be phased out over time, offering major opportunities for European industrial sectors. Mercosur countries would gain expanded access to EU agricultural markets under strict quota regimes.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the deal as a choice for fair, rules-based trade in a fragmenting global order. EU officials also see it as a strategic move to strengthen Europe’s position in Latin America amid rising Chinese influence and uncertainty in U.S. trade policy.
Politically, however, the agreement remains contentious. France, Poland, Austria, Ireland and Hungary opposed it; Belgium abstained. The Commission secured backing only after pledging €45 billion in additional support for EU farmers. Ratification battles now lie ahead in the European Parliament and national legislatures.
4. WTO MC14 - will you be in Yaoundé?
A quick question for members: are you planning to attend the WTO 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from 26–29 March 2026?
techUK can register up to four representatives under its NGO accreditation. Sabina Ciofu will attend on behalf of techUK, and there are three additional places available for members.
MC14 is expected to focus in particular on:
The extension of the WTO Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions; and
A roadmap for comprehensive WTO reform.
If your organisation is interested in attending under the techUK banner, or would like to discuss this further, please let Sabina know by 26 February 2026 at [email protected].
5. The digital exiles: opting out of the smartphone age
For a change of pace and perhaps a moment of reflection, Coda Story explores why a growing number of people are abandoning their smartphones altogether, driven by concerns over surveillance, control and digital dependency.
After this week, it may resonate more than intended.
And finally, perhaps the most succinct summary of the moment came from EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas:
“Now may be the time to start drinking.”
So much for Dry January when times are this crazy!
We will also be keeping a close eye on Davos this week, where more of the ups and downs of geopolitics are likely to be on full display.
Wishing everyone the very best for 2026 - resilience, perspective, and a year that, one hopes, eventually finds a steadier rhythm.
For more information on any of the above, please contact:
Sabina Ciofu
International Policy and Strategy Lead, techUK
Sabina Ciofu is International Policy and Strategy Lead at techUK, where she heads the International Policy and Trade Programme. Based in Brussels, she shapes global tech policy, digital trade, and regulatory cooperation across the EU, US, Canada, Asia-Pacific, and the Gulf region. She drives strategy, advocacy, and market opportunities for UK tech companies worldwide, ensuring their voice is heard in international policy debates.
With nearly a decade of previous experience as a Policy Advisor in the European Parliament, Sabina brings deep expertise in tech regulation, trade policy, and EU–US relations. Her work focuses on navigating and influencing the global digital economy to deliver real impact for members.
A passionate community-builder, Sabina co-founded Young Professionals in Digital Policy (800+ members) and now runs Old Professionals in Digital Policy (more experience, better wine, earlier nights). She is also the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club, a network of 500+ women supporting each other with kindness.
She holds advisory roles with the UCL European Institute, Café Transatlantique (a network of women in transatlantic tech policy), and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club for women.
Recognised by ComputerWeekly as one of the most influential women in UK tech, Sabina is also a sought-after public speaker on tech, trade and diversity.
Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.
techUK International Policy and Trade Programme activities
techUK supports members with their international trade plans and aspirations. We help members to understand market opportunities, tackle market access barriers, and build partnerships in their target market. Visit the programme page here.
International Trade Conference 2026 | Time to Trade: Taking UK Tech to the World in 2026
On 3 March, we will bring together tech experts, policy makers, academics and thought leaders at techUK’s flagship International Policy & Trade Conference
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Daniel Clarke
Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Dan joined techUK as a Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade in March 2023.
Before techUK, Dan worked for data and consulting company GlobalData as an analyst of tech and geopolitics. He has also worked in public affairs, political polling, and has written freelance for the New Statesman and Investment Monitor.
Dan has a degree in MSc International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA Geography degree from the University of Sussex.
Outside of work, Dan is a big fan of football, cooking, going to see live music, and reading about international affairs.
Sabina Ciofu is International Policy and Strategy Lead at techUK, where she heads the International Policy and Trade Programme. Based in Brussels, she shapes global tech policy, digital trade, and regulatory cooperation across the EU, US, Canada, Asia-Pacific, and the Gulf region. She drives strategy, advocacy, and market opportunities for UK tech companies worldwide, ensuring their voice is heard in international policy debates.
With nearly a decade of previous experience as a Policy Advisor in the European Parliament, Sabina brings deep expertise in tech regulation, trade policy, and EU–US relations. Her work focuses on navigating and influencing the global digital economy to deliver real impact for members.
A passionate community-builder, Sabina co-founded Young Professionals in Digital Policy (800+ members) and now runs Old Professionals in Digital Policy (more experience, better wine, earlier nights). She is also the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club, a network of 500+ women supporting each other with kindness.
She holds advisory roles with the UCL European Institute, Café Transatlantique (a network of women in transatlantic tech policy), and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club for women.
Recognised by ComputerWeekly as one of the most influential women in UK tech, Sabina is also a sought-after public speaker on tech, trade and diversity.
Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.
Theo joined techUK in 2024 as EU Policy Manager. Based in Brussels, he works on our EU policy and engagement.
Theo is an experienced policy adviser who has helped connect EU and non-EU decision makers.
Prior to techUK, Theo worked at the EU delegation to Australia, the Israeli trade mission to the EU, and the City of London Corporation’s Brussels office. In his role, Theo ensures that techUK members are well-informed about EU policy, its origins, and its implications, while also facilitating valuable input to Brussels-based decision-makers.
Theo holds and LLM in International and European law, and an MA in European Studies, both from the University of Amsterdam.
Lewis' programmes cover a range of policy areas within Market Access (international trade regulation, sanctions and export controls, technical standards and product compliance, supply chains) and Consumer Tech (media and broadcast policy, consumer electronics, and connected home technology).
Prior to joining techUK, Lewis worked in government affairs and policy roles for international trade associations in Southeast Asia including the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia.
He holds an undergraduate degree in Social and Political Sciences from the University of Cambridge and an MSc in Public Policy & Management from SOAS University of London.
Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.
Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the 2024 Local and General Election, and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation on defence and international secuirty. She has worked for multiple charities, on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In 2023, Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
International Policy and Strategy Lead, techUK, techUK
Sabina Ciofu is International Policy and Strategy Lead at techUK, where she heads the International Policy and Trade Programme. Based in Brussels, she shapes global tech policy, digital trade, and regulatory cooperation across the EU, US, Canada, Asia-Pacific, and the Gulf region. She drives strategy, advocacy, and market opportunities for UK tech companies worldwide, ensuring their voice is heard in international policy debates.
With nearly a decade of previous experience as a Policy Advisor in the European Parliament, Sabina brings deep expertise in tech regulation, trade policy, and EU–US relations. Her work focuses on navigating and influencing the global digital economy to deliver real impact for members.
A passionate community-builder, Sabina co-founded Young Professionals in Digital Policy (800+ members) and now runs Old Professionals in Digital Policy (more experience, better wine, earlier nights). She is also the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club, a network of 500+ women supporting each other with kindness.
She holds advisory roles with the UCL European Institute, Café Transatlantique (a network of women in transatlantic tech policy), and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club for women.
Recognised by ComputerWeekly as one of the most influential women in UK tech, Sabina is also a sought-after public speaker on tech, trade and diversity.
Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.
