How did trade among European Economic Community members change between 1958 and 1968?

Between 1958 and 1968, trade among members of the European Economic Community underwent significant liberalization as the organization moved toward a customs union.12

Following the implementation of the Treaty of Rome, member states adhered to a timetable designed to eliminate internal trade barriers. By the middle of 1968, the following changes had occurred:1

• Abolition of Duties: Tariff barriers were successfully removed for both industrial and agricultural products.13
• Removal of Restrictions: Most quota restrictions on the movement of goods between member countries were lifted.13
• Agricultural Integration: A common agricultural policy was established, replacing individual national price-support systems with a unified approach. This required complex compromises to harmonize varying domestic price levels for farm products across the member nations.3

While these measures significantly reduced obstacles to trade, customs posts remained in operation to assess and collect compensatory taxes intended to equalize tax differences between member states.1