At the World Trade Organization's July 5, 2010 meeting of the Council for Trade in Goods, the European Union expressed concern over an Argentine measure it says restricts food imports. The EU said that since May, there have been long delays in the granting of certificates that would enable the release of EU food imports from Argentina's ports, and that there has also been a trade-chilling effect in the form of cancellation of long-standing orders to the EU.

The World Trade Organization has issued its Trade Policy Review for Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu (Chinese Taipei). According to the review, an outward-oriented development strategy has brought rapid growth and prosperity, transforming it into a modern industrial economy and a leading exporter of information technology (IT) products. However, to strengthen its competitiveness and attract inbound direct investment, Chinese Taipei needs to undertake further structural reforms in order to improve the economy's flexibility in responding to domestic and international challenges, including the improvement of cross-strait economic relations, removal of remaining informal barriers to investment, and adoption of international best practices.

Xinhuanet.com states that ten years after it unveiled a strategy to promote growth in its western area, China announced a plan to continue the initiative. The move to further develop the West came as the government took steps such as subsidizing auto and home appliance buyers, to boost domestic demand and lessen reliance on exports.

In the July 8, 2010 edition of the Official Journal of the European Union, the following trade-related notices were posted:

The European Commission has taken the first step towards a comprehensive European international investment policy with two initiatives: (i) a policy paper laying out how the new EU competence on foreign direct investment can be used to boost competitiveness and trade resulting in growth and jobs; and (ii) a draft regulation that would set up transitional arrangements offering guarantees on existing or pending bilateral investment treaties concluded between EU and Non-EU countries.

On July 7, 2010, the European Parliament adopted a resolution endorsing a June decision by European Union leaders to open membership talks with Iceland, which has been seeking membership since July 2009. However, Parliament asked that Iceland cease all whaling and bilaterally resolve its repayments to the British and Dutch governments following the collapse of its banks.

The European Commission has published a report on the European Union's seizures of drug precursors in 2008. The EU drug precursor legislation requires a systematic reporting from Member States on customs seizures and stopped shipments of drug precursors.

Xinhuanet.com states that a draft of rules designed to protect the safety of exported and imported food has been opened for public debate until next Friday. It is the first systematic regulation concerning the safety of exported and imported food.. The import and export of food additives, food products, grains, fruit and live animals intended for human consumption are all covered by the regulations. According to the draft, export food producers are required to record all purchases of raw materials, food additives and packaging. They must also record the production processes they have used and the results of any inspections their products have undergone prior to shipping.This data must be retained for at least two years in case there is a need to consult the documents.Farms that provide raw materials for exported food products are required to keep similar records and they must be registered with inspection and quarantine departments.

On July 7, 2010, the European Parliament approved a directive to establish stricter rules for industrial emissions, beginning in 2016. Parliament has given its seal of approval to the second reading agreement that was reached with Council. The Council will also need to officially rubber stamp the text, after which Member States will be required to apply the directive in their national legislation.

In the July 3-7, 2010 editions of the Official Journal of the European Union, the following trade-related notices were posted: