Transatlantic trade relationship

The EU and the U.S. share a deeply integrated economic relationship, with record levels of bilateral trade and investment. In 2023, they jointly accounted for approximately 30% of global trade in goods and services and 43% of global GDP.

Bilateral trade in goods and services reached €1.6 trillion, underscoring the magnitude of their economic interdependence. While the EU has for long maintained a trade surplus with the U.S., it has also grown increasingly reliant on U.S. imports in sectors such as LNG and military equipment.

Source: Eurostat

An overwhelming 85% of our national member federations believe that the new U.S. Administration’s deregulation agenda will further divert investment away from Europe. The EU must act with greater urgency to reduce regulatory burden on companies and strengthen its appeal as an investment location.

What do you think will be the consequences for investment in Europe from the next U.S. administration?

Source: BusinessEurope Reform Barometer 2025, members’ survey.