In 2022, the EU exported EUR 158 billion worth of cars, which was EUR 8 billion more than the previous peak of EUR 150 billion in 2015. Imports in 2022 amounted to EUR 62 billion, giving the EU a trade surplus of EUR 96 billion.
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.
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:
- Statistics Explained article on international trade in cars
- Thematic section on international trade in goods
- Database on international trade in goods
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.