Austrian foreign trade remains an important engine

Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer

Bundesminister für Wirtschaft, Energie & Tourismus

Austrian foreign trade remains an important engine

Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer:

Austrian foreign trade remains an important engine of our prosperity.

Today, together with Manuela Lenk, the Director General of STATISTICS AUSTRIA, we presented the current state of world trade and the resulting trends for Austria at the presentation of the foreign trade figures for 2025.

Key facts:

- Goods exports worth €190 billion

- 1.2 million jobs depend directly or indirectly on exports

- Austrian companies export to over 200 countries worldwide

- Approximately two-thirds of our trade takes place within the EU

At the same time, the figures also show that the framework conditions in world trade are changing significantly:

Imports from China are rising significantly – to around €17.6 billion.

Exports to the USA have fallen by approximately 20%.

This results in an overall trade deficit of €6.6 billion for 2025.

Geopolitical tensions and new trade conflicts are noticeably altering international supply chains.

This is precisely why clear economic policy solutions are needed.

- Ensure fair competition
Europe must not become a haven for dumping imports. Instruments such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the abolition of duty-free access for low-cost packages are important steps.

- Strengthening European industry
With initiatives such as the Industrial Accelerator Act and a clear “Made in Europe” approach, we are securing industrial value creation and jobs in Europe.

-Develop new export markets
Especially in geopolitically uncertain times, we must expand our trade relations and rapidly advance free trade agreements.

For me it is clear: Open markets, fair competitive conditions and a strong industry are the basis for Austria's economic success.

"All rights belong to Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer" (for this news)