Cars lined up in front of a ship, ready to be exported

In 2022, the EU exported €158 billion worth of cars, which was €8 billion more than the previous peak of €150 billion in 2015. Imports in 2022 amounted to €62 billion, giving the EU a trade surplus of €96 billion.

 

Bar chart: EU exports, imports and trade balance in cars, € billion, 2002-2022

Source dataset: DS-018995

 

The value of extra-EU trade in cars increased by an average of 3.8% per year between 2002 and 2022, with imports (4.4%) growing faster than exports (3.6%).

Key trade partners for trade in cars

In 2022, the United States was the main export destination of EU cars (23% of the total), ahead of the United Kingdom (17%), China (15%), South Korea and Switzerland (both 5%), Japan and Türkiye (both 4%). These seven partners made up almost three-quarters (73%) of extra-EU exports of cars.

 

Infographic: Main extra-EU partners for exports and imports of cars, %, 2022

Source dataset: DS-018995

 

China and the United Kingdom (both 15%) were the main origin of extra-EU imports, ahead of the United States (14%), South Korea (13%), Japan (12%), Türkiye (10%) and Mexico (8%). Together, the top seven made up 88% of all extra-EU imports of cars. 

For more information

Methodological notes

  • Cars (SITC 781): motor cars and other motor vehicles for transporting persons. 
  • It should be noted that exports and imports relate to production within the corresponding country, regardless of the nationality of the factory.

 

If you have any queries, please visit our contact us page.