In 2023, the European Union’s high-tech trade balance reflected a mixed picture with a slight decrease in imports, reaching 478.000 billion euros, representing a 1% decrease compared to the previous year. In contrast, exports experienced a 3% increase, reaching a total value of 461.000 billion euros.
Within the context of imports, China and the United States remained the EU’s top trading partners in the high-tech sector. China led the list with a 32% share of the total imported, conducting transactions worth 155.000 billion euros. The United States, on the other hand, contributed 23% of imports, totaling 108.000 billion euros. Other significant players include Switzerland at 7% (31.000 billion euros), Taiwan at 6% (28.000 billion euros), and both the United Kingdom and Vietnam, each representing 4% (20.000 and 19.000 billion euros, respectively).
By sectors, high-tech imports were dominated by electronics and telecommunications, with China leading the way as the main supplier. This segment accounted for 39% of total imports. Meanwhile, computers, office machines, and pharmaceutical products each contributed 15% to the overall tally, with the United States standing out in the supply of pharmaceutical products.
Regarding Vietnam, this country excelled in the electronics-telecommunications sector, channeling 73% of its technological shipments to the EU, equivalent to 14.000 billion euros. In parallel, Switzerland focused mainly on pharmaceutical products, which constituted 70% of its exports to the EU, valued at 22.000 billion euros.
In terms of exports, the United States reaffirmed itself as the favorite destination for European high-tech products, acquiring 28% of the total (128.000 billion euros). China and the United Kingdom ranked second and third, with shares of 11% (49.000 billion euros) and 10% (44.000 billion euros), respectively. Among the products exported, pharmaceuticals led with a 30% share, with the United States being the main recipient.
The electronics-telecommunications sector represented 20% of high-tech exports, especially standing out in the Chinese market. Meanwhile, the aerospace sector captured 18% of total exports, with the United States consolidating as the main partner in this category.
Finally, pharmaceutical products also constituted the main export category to Switzerland and Japan, representing 48% and 39% of their technological shipments to the EU, valued at 14.000 billion and 6.000 billion euros respectively. China excelled in the field of electronics-telecommunications with 31% of its exports, while Turkey saw its highest shipments in the aerospace sector, at 35%, representing 15.000 and 5.000 billion euros respectively.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
