A new survey from the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that the transatlantic economy is on the mend, thanks to the massive policy response to the recession brought on by COVID-19. Both the EU and the US are set to see a return to growth in 2021, although the rebound is uneven with the US powering ahead. Turning to the future, the report notes that the fundamentals of the transatlantic relationship remain strong and will likely play a key role in the economic recovery to come. Read the report here.
New survey shows the resilience of the transatlantic economy
A new survey from the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that the transatlantic economy is on the mend, thanks to the massive policy response to the recession brought on by COVID-19. Both the EU and the US are set to see a return to growth in 2021, although the rebound is uneven with the US powering ahead. Turning to the future, the report notes that the fundamentals of the transatlantic relationship remain strong and will likely play a key role in the economic recovery to come. Read the report here.

Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU, said: 'We are encouraged by the strong political will on both sides to advance the transatlantic relationship. A strong recovery will depend on close cooperation between the EU and the US, as we battle the global health crisis and its impact on our economies.' She went on to say: 'Transatlantic partners must seize the opportunity to build a more resilient, sustainable and innovative economy. Now is the time for transatlantic leadership.'
The Transatlantic Economy 2021 annual survey highlights how the EU-US relationship remains the largest of its kind in the world. The transatlantic economic partnership generates around €6 trillion in commercial sales a year and accounts for half of total global personal consumption. No place in the world attracts more US foreign direct investment (FDI) than Europe. Over the past decade, Europe attracted 57.3% of total US global investment - more than in any previous decade.
What to look out for in this new edition?
Impact of the global pandemic on the transatlantic economy;
A new chapter devoted to the evolving relationship between the EU, the US and China;
Changing dynamics of post-Brexit relations with the UK;
Data on the transatlantic energy economy; and
Individual profiles for 30 European countries and all 50 US states.
The research was conducted independently by Daniel Hamilton and Joseph Quinlan for the Wilson Center's Global Europe Program and the Foreign Policy Institute at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies.
The data is also available on Thriving Together, an online platform that showcases the deep ties that bind Europe and the United States, including numbers from The Transatlantic Economy 2021. Visit the platform: thrivingtogether.eu.
Related items
:focal())
Discussing transatlantic trade with US Trade Representative Bryant Trick
On Monday, 9 February, AmCham EU met with Bryant Trick, Assistant United States Trade Representative, Europe and the Middle East. Malte Lohan, CEO and Liam Benham, Chair, opened the meeting by setting the context for the discussion and highlighting the need for transatlantic engagement at a challenging time. As efforts continue to implement the EU–US framework agreement and move forward in a constructive manner, the exchange provided an important opportunity for open dialogue.
:focal())
Increasing certainty around the €150 customs duty de minimis threshold
The Commission’s proposed transitional rules to anticipate the removal of the €150 customs duty threshold risk creating distortions and unnecessary complexity. As discussed at the Trade Contact Group in January 2026, the current approach could undermine simplification efforts and lead to an uneven playing field between businesses involved in low-value distance sales.
Co-legislators should consider targeted changes to address these risks. In particular, the temporary €3 duty and the use of the H7 simplified customs declarations should apply consistently to all distance sales below €150. H7 data requirements for simplified procedures should also remain proportionate and not exceed those of the standard H1 dataset. Finally, changes to the definition of the customs declarant should be avoided where they may create legal uncertainty or increase fraud and liability risks.
Find out more about why a proportionate and legally sound approach is essential for a workable de minimis transition.
:focal())
Full speed to net zero
The transport sector accounts for around a quarter of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with road transport responsible for the majority. As a company dependent on efficient logistics, Amazon is taking concrete steps to decarbonise its operations and support Europe’s climate ambitions. Across several Member States, the company is expanding its fleet of zero-exhaust emission vehicles, investing in electric trucks and delivering packages by lower-emission rail freight. These initiatives demonstrate how innovation in transport can combine operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. Read the full story on Invested in Europe.
Policy priorities
Insights and advocacy driving Europe’s policy agenda. Our priorities support growth, innovation and a stronger transatlantic economy.
Membership
Connecting business and policymakers to strengthen the voice of American companies in Europe.