EU-US trade declines in first quarter

WAM
09 Jun 2026, 15:20 GMT+10

BRUSSELS, 9th June, 2026 (WAM) -- Trade between the European Union and the United States recorded a sharp decline during the first quarter of 2026, with the value of goods exchanged falling by around 30 percent compared with the same period last year, according to data released by Eurostat.

The decline comes amid the impact of the trade deal imposed in August 2025, under which the United States set a 15 percent tariff on several goods, directly affecting the volume of trade between the two sides.

Data showed that the tariffs have hit key European sectors such as cars, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, as well as agricultural products.

Despite the decline, the United States remains the European Union's largest export market, with about 120 billion, roughly 19 percent of the bloc's total export value in goods. The trade decline with Washington also contributed to a 9 percent decline in value in overall EU exports to the rest of the world during the same period.

Exports also dipped with other main partners, China (8 percent) and Trkiye (8 percent). Meanwhile, exports to Indonesia surged by 23 percent in the first quarter of 2026, following the finalisation of a new trade agreement called the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which aims to cut or remove tariffs and streamline customs procedures. The agreement is expected to come into force later this year or in 2027.

Exports also grew, albeit less significantly, to India (1.8 percent) and the United Kingdom (2.3 percent).

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Mexico City Sun.

More Information

South America

Section

Messi set for World Cup tune-up against Iceland warm-up fixture, Scaloni confirms Argentina captain will feature

Auburn (Alabama) [US], June 9 (ANI): Lionel Messi is set to return to action for Argentina in their final warm-up match ahead of the...

"Historic feat": Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami hails India's performance at World Yogasana Championships

New Delhi [India], June 9 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has lauded India's outstanding performance at the World...

Why the Mens World Cup 2026 is a gender equality opportunity

1st African School Champions Cup organized by FIFA (International Football Federation). The U16 men's and women's teams from Benin,...

BetBoom, 9z, G2 move on to Stage 3 at IEM Cologne

(Photo credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images) BetBoom Team, 9z Team and G2 Esports won their Round 4 high matches in Stage 2 on Monday...

FIFA World Cup: Spain thrash Peru 3-1, France beat Northern Ireland in warm-up fixtures

Puebla [Mexico], June 9 (ANI): Spain underlined their status as one of the favourites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding...

Jamaica Empress join expanded WCPL as tournament grows to four teams for 2026 season

Kingston [Jamaica], June 9 (ANI): The Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) will feature four teams for the first time in its history...

World

Section