Mapping Global Trade in Fakes 2025

The increasing interconnectedness of global economies has created new opportunities for trade and innovation, yet it has also become more challenging to protect intellectual property and enforce trade regulations. Expanding supply chains and the rise of e-commerce have facilitated illicit trade, particularly in the trade of counterfeit goods; these pose risks to public safety, disrupt legitimate businesses, and impact economic stability. This report provides an analysis of global trade in counterfeit and pirated goods, using the latest (2021) customs seizure data. It offers an overview of the scope, scale, and key characteristics of such illicit trade, with a focus on the European Union. The findings are concerning: in 2021, counterfeit and pirated goods accounted for up to 2.3% of global trade and up to 4.7% of EU imports. This report also examines emerging trends and highlights the need for co-ordinated international efforts to secure supply chains.