International trade and its trade policy are very important economic factors in the growth and development of the economy of every country of the world. Through the exchange of goods and services with foreign countries, it is possible to meet the needs of domestic demand and stimulate production of local businessmen. The theme of this paper in its theoretical part is the evolution of international trade policy and its foreign trade instruments through their actions. Practical part of the paper follows the international trade policy of the Republic of Croatia and the application of international trade instruments to protect domestic production and promote exports. Since Croatian entry into the European Union, on July 1. 2013., laws and policies that Croatia has previously carried out have eased to apply and Croatia accepted the legal and legislative regulations of the Union. Although we can safely say that the legal framework of the European Union, in this case related to trade policy, is well defined and applicable, the Republic of Croatia is still struggling with excessive indebtedness and passive foreign trade balance. The goal of the Croatia should be the development of productive activities with lower production costs, reducing bureaucracy and promoting the competitiveness of domestic exporters to create a positive balance of trade.