customs union

American  

noun

1. an association of independent nations or tariff areas created to remove customs barriers between them and to adopt a uniform tariff policy toward nonmember nations.

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customs union British  

noun

1. an association of nations which promotes free trade within the union and establishes common tariffs on trade with nonmember nations

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Example Sentences

A trade deal with the four South American countries that founded the Mercosur customs union is expected to start taking effect in the EU this spring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Brussels would be "open‑minded" about discussing closer trade ties with the UK, including the possibility of working together on a customs union, the European Commissioner for finance has told the BBC.

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2026

Calls for a customs union with the EU have been growing among Labour MPs, while Justice Secretary David Lammy said one could boost economic growth.

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2026

The EU earlier this month signed a free-trade agreement with the four South American countries that founded the Mercosur customs union, and last year it announced a trade and investment deal with Indonesia.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

In 1862, in the name of the customs union, Prussia had concluded with France a commercial treaty, based mainly on free trade principles.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 8 "Germany" to "Gibson, William" by Various