The Doing Business in European Union is a commercial guide to help US companies make smart strategic market entry decisions. Below are excerpts from the 2014 publication.

European Union (EU) Market Overview

The United States and the European Union (EU), with its 28 member states, enjoy a mature economic relationship that is characterized by nearly $4 trillion in two-way investment as well as a massive merchandise trade of $787 billion in 2013- double the level from 2000.

U.S. exports of goods and services to the EU-28 in 2013 reached approximately $262 billion and imports from the EU, $387 billion. It is estimated that transatlantic commerce generates more than 15 million jobs.

Market Challenges

Historically, U.S. exporters and investors have faced relatively low barriers to doing business in the EU. Nonetheless, issues exist as would be expected given the breadth and depth of the commercial relationship.

Market Entry Strategy

The European Union market is a differentiated one, as supply and demand needs vary from member state to member state. While a pan-European business strategy is critical, individual market entry plans must be developed on a country-by-country basis.

Courtesy of Export.gov

Country Commercial Guides “Doing Business In” are annual flagship publications produced by the USA government agency Export.gov to help US companies make smart strategic market entry decisions. View the “Doing Business in the European Union” Country Commercial Guide in its entirety, no charge. Available here.