EU-U.S. Economic Ties: Framework, Scope, and Magnitude. Updated June 12, 2008; Congressional rept

摘要

The United States and the European Union (EU) economic relationship is the largest in the world - and it is growing. The modern U.S.-European economic relationship has evolved since World War II, broadening as the six- member European Community expanded into the present 27-member European Union. The ties have also become more complex and interdependent, covering a growing number and type of trade and financial activities. In 2007, $1,562.8 billion flowed between the United States and the EU on the current account, the most comprehensive measure of U.S. trade flows. The EU as a unit is the largest merchandise trading partner of the United States. In 2007, the EU accounted for $247.3 billion of total U.S. exports (or 21.3%) and for $354.7 billion of total U.S. imports (or 18.2%) for a U.S. trade deficit of $107.4 billion. The EU is also the largest U.S. trade partner when trade in services is added to trade in merchandise, accounting for $167.6 billion (or 36.7% of the total in U.S. services exports) and $144.1 billion (or 42.9% of total U.S. services imports) in 2007. In addition, in 2007, a net $175.8 billion flowed from U.S. residents to EU countries into direct investments, while a net $86.5 billion flowed from EU residents to direct investments in the United States.