A recent survey by the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU) reveals significant concerns among U.S. companies operating in Europe about the future of transatlantic economic relations. The anticipated policies of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly tariffs, have fueled fears of strained ties.
Key Findings from the Survey
The survey, conducted between January 6 and 14 among 58 U.S.-controlled AmCham EU members, highlights:
- Economic Relations Outlook:
- 90% of respondents believe U.S.-EU economic relations will deteriorate in the coming years.
- 67% expect U.S. policies under Trump to harm their European operations.
- 52% foresee negative impacts from European Union policies as well.
- Top Concerns for Transatlantic Cooperation:
- 84% ranked tariffs and trade policy as the primary issue.
- Other priorities include supply-chain resilience and the energy transition.
Europe’s Strategic Importance
Despite the concerns, a vast majority of respondents emphasized the critical role of Europe in their operations. Companies expressed a strong desire for the U.S. and EU to work together to:
- Reduce regulatory burdens.
- Lower trade barriers.
- Enhance regulatory cooperation.
Environmental Commitments
Notably, 75% of surveyed firms are “very” or “extremely” supportive of the Paris climate agreement, contrasting with Trump’s expected withdrawal from the accord. Only 2% of respondents were unsupportive of the climate agreement, underscoring widespread corporate commitment to sustainability goals.
Implications for Business
The survey results underscore growing unease among U.S. firms in Europe over potential shifts in trade and climate policies under the Trump administration. The findings highlight the need for diplomatic and economic collaboration to address key concerns such as trade policy, supply chain stability, and environmental challenges.
