At the Port of Los Angeles, trucks wait next to stacks of shipping containers.Image: keystone
May 28, 2026, 3:32 p.mMay 28, 2026, 3:32 p.m
EU countries exported 30.4 percent fewer goods to the USA in the first quarter than in the same period last year. Nevertheless, the USA remained the EU’s most important export destination with a share of 18.6 percent of all exports – despite the customs dispute, according to figures from the Eurostat statistics office. According to the information, the EU exported goods worth 119.4 billion euros to the USA between January and March this year.
Exports to other countries also fell. 8.2 percent less was exported to Turkey and 7.9 percent less to China. In total, the EU exported goods worth 640.5 billion euros to non-EU countries. Compared to the same quarter last year, exports fell by 8.8 percent.
With a share of 13.8 percent and exported goods worth 88.7 billion euros, Great Britain was the EU’s second most important export partner after the USA. This was followed by Switzerland, China and Turkey.
Imports also decreased
Not only exports but also imports fell in the first quarter of the year. Goods worth 627.8 billion euros were imported (minus 3.3 percent). Imports from Turkey fell by 7.5 percent, from the USA by 5.7 percent and from Great Britain by 3.4 percent.
With a share of 23.1 percent of all imports, China was the EU’s most important supplier with 145.3 billion. This was followed by the USA, Great Britain, Switzerland and Turkey.
Customs dispute between the EU and USA
A customs dispute has been simmering between the USA and the European Union for more than a year. US President Donald Trump threatened the EU with punitive tariffs. In order to avert a trade war, the EU entered into a controversial customs agreement last summer. Just last week, EU representatives cleared the way for its full implementation. (sda/awp/dpa)