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.

News
23 Mar 2021
New survey shows the resilience of the transatlantic economy

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

News
13 Oct 2026

From fryer to fuel

After frying frites, bitterballen, churros or arancini, many people don’t think twice about disposing of used cooking oil. Yet one litre of waste oil can contaminate one million litres of water, according to the European Commission. At Cargill’s facility in the port of Ghent, Belgium, used cooking oil and other residual oils and fats are treated as raw materials, cleaned and converted into biodiesel for trucks and ships. This puts circularity into practice on an industrial scale at one of Europe’s largest facilities of its kind. Since production began, Ghent’s biodiesel is estimated to have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 1,188,000 tonnes compared with fossil diesel, equivalent to taking about 550,000 cars off the road for a year. Read the full story on Invested in Europe.

Environment
Read more
Read more about From fryer to fuel
A group of people standing on the steps outside the US Capitol building under a cloudy sky.
News
5 Oct 2026

Making the case for the transatlantic relationship in Washington, DC

From Monday, 28 September to Thursday, 1 October 2026, AmCham EU led a delegation of members to Washington, DC to bring the views of the business community to policymakers in Congress and the administration. Discussions showed that both sides value the stability the Turnberry framework agreement brings. While parts of the agreement remain to be implemented, meetings pointed to the possibility for cooperation on economic security. Implementation will continue to need dialogue between the two sides, which is expected to carry on after the mid-term elections.

Transatlantic
Read more
Read more about Making the case for the transatlantic relationship in Washington, DC
News
1 Oct 2026

Taking a transatlantic view on the Industrial Accelerator Act

European preference took centre stage at a Confederation of Swedish Enterprise discussion on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. Dr Kim Watts, Policy Director, AmCham EU, joined Fergus McReynolds, Board Member, British Chamber of Commerce | EU & Belgium, to discuss the Industrial Accelerator Act from the perspective of the EU's closest trade partners. Dr Watts stressed that 'Made in Europe' should reward EU added value, not headquartering, noting American companies employ around 4.6 million people in the EU. She also urged clarity on partner status in the primary legislation, warning that investment plans built on existing EU commitments are otherwise on hold. Learn more in our paper.

Industry
Read more
Read more about Taking a transatlantic view on the Industrial Accelerator Act