Insights on European & U.S. Business Expansion Trends
Produced by the European American Chamber of Commerce (EACC) with OCO Global and RSM, the Transatlantic Expansion Barometer offers key insights into how European and U.S. companies are pursuing growth across the Atlantic. It tracks investor sentiment, identifies emerging sectoral trends, and highlights key opportunities and barriers.
June 2025 Edition
The second edition of the Barometer reveals how mid-sized European firms are navigating persistent economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Based on 65 company interviews and exclusive FDI data, the report sheds light on how cross-border sentiment and real-world decision-making are evolving in 2025.
Key Findings:
- European foreign direct investment (FDI) into the United States increased by 19% between 2022 and 2024.
- Yet, the dynamic is increasingly imbalanced: While European investment in the U.S. continues to grow, U.S. investment into Europe has declined by 35% since 2022, driven by lower growth prospects, high energy costs, and complex regulation on the European side.
- Intra-European investment also slowed by 7% in 2024, signaling broader caution in the market.
- More than 80% of mid-sized European and U.S. companies plan to expand transatlantic operations within the next two years, regardless of upcoming political or electoral changes.
- However, economic uncertainty remains a challenge: Roughly one-third of European firms and one-quarter of U.S. firms cite market conditions as a barrier to expansion.
Sectoral and Strategic Trends:
- Stronger focus on nearshoring and supply chain resilience
- High interest in the U.S. market, tempered by tariff risks and regulatory unpredictability
- Key growth sectors: digital technology, green energy, and life sciences
Company Perspectives
“Our supply chain is based entirely in northern Italy, and we feared our steel products would be impacted by U.S. tariffs. So far, we haven’t been affected, but we’re considering a U.S. site—not just because of tariffs, but also to diversify.”
– Safety Equipment Company
“Our Mexico-based factory primarily serves the U.S. market. We’re not considering reshoring to the U.S.—the cost and risk are too high. Instead, we’re looking at Mexico itself as a promising consumer market.”
– Industrial Equipment Company
📥 Download the June 2025 Report (PDF)
▶️ Watch the Executive Summary
November 2024 Edition
The first edition of the Barometer, released in late 2024, captured a strong rebound in post-pandemic transatlantic investment. Key takeaways included:
- Renewed prioritization of the U.S. market by European companies
- Increasing alignment between Europe and the U.S. on ESG and sustainability standards
- Heightened focus on regulatory clarity and access to talent
📥 Download the November 2024 Report (PDF)
Now in its second year, the Barometer reflects the perspectives of more than 300 senior corporate decision-makers across Europe and the United States. It is designed to support investors, policymakers, and business leaders navigating the shifting landscape of transatlantic trade and investment.
EACC’s Role
The European American Chamber of Commerce supports the dissemination and strategic use of Barometer findings through:
- Executive roundtables and expert panels
- Member briefings and sector-focused insights
- Dialogue with U.S. and European policymakers
For more information, contact Katherine Prewitt, Executive Director, European American Chamber of Commerce (EACC) Paris.
