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

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

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

The plan worked better than expected, and what began in 1951 as a six-country European customs union covering coal and steel evolved over decades into the EU.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

Miller also claimed removing red tape between the UK and EU could be worth £25bn, and a customs union could increase the revenue further.

From BBC • May 18, 2025

Government by the Crown as a separate Crown Colony, with federation, more or less extensive, with Canada, and the establishment of a customs union between the new and old communities.

From Canada and the States by Watkin, E. W. (Edward William)