Austrian exports to the USA are collapsing

Despite uncertainties and current trade barriers, the USA has an export share of 6.8 percent to Germany (29.5 percent) still the second most important trading partner Austria, emphasized the AmCham boss when presenting the study on transatlantic trade relations on Tuesday. He referred to further high mutual investmentsthe large share High technology in trade flows and the slight increase in exports and imports Services. Last year were Services in the value of 3.7 billion euros exported to the USA. This corresponds to a slight increase of 0.1 percent. The majority goes to research and development as well as legal and business services. Conversely, imports of services increased by 4 on 4.3 billion euros.

Austrian investments in the USA declined

The increase in investment in the USA and the creation of jobs envisaged by US President Donald Trump through his customs policy is not yet noticeable, at least among Austrian companies. On the contrary: domestic direct investment in the United States fell by more than in 2025 4.5 percent on 22.8 billion euros back.

However, investments have a long lead time, according to economist and study author Christian Helmenstein from the Economica Institute says. There are certainly signs of increased investment activity by non-US companies in the United States. AmCham President Zettel also attributes the lack of Austrian investments in the USA to economic effects. Domestic industrial companies are currently not in a position to invest heavily, he says.

With an increase in US direct investment in Austria 18.7 billion euros In any case, the USA remains the second most important source of capital for Austria’s economy. According to the study, the 50 largest US companies in Austria create directly and indirectly 142,000 jobs and pay around 5 billion euros in wage-related taxes and duties to the state treasury. Conversely, almost 1,000 subsidiaries of domestic companies in the USA provide security for around 60.000 Jobs.

Helmenstein points to the above-average contribution that US technology companies in particular make to the Structural change contribute to the domestic economy.

Impact of digital sovereignty

The recently louder discussions about European digital sovereignty will also be reflected in trade relations, says AmCham President Zettel. Because the dependence on US technology companies is very high, this will take time.

Ultimately the debate will end increased investment by US companies in Europe Zettel is convinced. You can already see them. For example, the cloud computing market leader Amazon Web Services (aws) wants to invest almost 8 billion dollars (around 7 billion euros) in a European cloud infrastructure that is independent, at least on paper, by 2040. Microsoft opened three new data centers in Austria last year.

What’s next? Economist Helmenstein does not believe that the end of the flagpole has yet been reached for the slump in exports to the USA. It will remain negative until the end of Donald Trump’s term in office 30 percent for realistic.

AmCham President Zettel practices constructive optimism: the relations between the USA and Austria are more diverse than pure trade data can express.