The European Union remains the largest exporter to the United States, even as EU exports show signs of weakening. In the first quarter of 2026, the EU exported goods valued at €119.4 billion to the US, representing 18.6 per cent of all EU exports, according to Eurostat.
- Year-on-year comparisons paint an even more challenging picture, with imports down by 3.3 per cent and exports declining by 8.8 per cent since the same period in 2025.
- Exports to China totalled €47.6 billion, or 7.4 per cent of the EU's external sales, while exports to Turkey reached €27.1 billion, representing 4.2 per cent of the total.
Despite this strong position, the figures reveal a significant decline in trade volumes. The EU’s exports to the US fell by 30.4 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2025, highlighting a concerning trend in transatlantic trade relations.
Eu exports: Shifts in EU Trade Dynamics
The EU’s total exports for the first quarter of 2026 reached €640.5 billion, while imports from non-EU countries amounted to €627.8 billion. This represents a slight decrease in exports of 0.1 per cent from the previous quarter, whereas imports saw a modest rise of 1.7 per cent.
Year-on-year comparisons paint an even more challenging picture, with imports down by 3.3 per cent and exports declining by 8.8 per cent since the same period in 2025.
China Leads as Main Import Source
China remains the largest source of imported goods for the EU, contributing €145.3 billion, or 23.1 per cent of total imports. The United States follows as the second-largest supplier, with imports valued at €85.9 billion, making up 13.7 per cent of the EU’s total imports.
Other key suppliers include the United Kingdom, which provided €39.5 billion (6.3 per cent of imports), and Switzerland, contributing €36.7 billion (5.8 per cent). Interestingly, Turkey’s imports to the EU totalled €24.6 billion, accounting for 3.9 per cent of the bloc’s overall imports.
Declines from Major Trading Partners
Year-on-year figures from major trading partners indicate a downturn. Imports from Turkey saw the most significant decrease, dropping by 7.5 per cent, while US imports fell by 5.7 per cent. The United Kingdom also recorded a reduction in exports to the EU, with a 3.4 per cent decline in imports.
EU’s Export Landscape
While the US remains the EU’s largest export market, the data underlines the fragility of this relationship. The UK follows as the second-largest destination for EU exports, with goods valued at €88.7 billion, accounting for 13.8 per cent of total exports. Switzerland ranks third, receiving €57.2 billion worth of goods from the EU, equating to 8.9 per cent of exports.
Exports to China totalled €47.6 billion, or 7.4 per cent of the EU’s external sales, while exports to Turkey reached €27.1 billion, representing 4.2 per cent of the total.
Concerns Over Future Trade Relations
The substantial decline in exports to the United States raises questions about the future of EU-US trade relations. The sharp 30.4 per cent drop in exports compared to the first quarter of 2025 reflects broader economic challenges and may impact future negotiations between the two regions. Similarly, exports to Turkey and China also faced declines, indicating a potential shift in global trade dynamics.
