**EU Employment Tied to Foreign Trade Hits Record 31.6 Million in 2024**
According to a recent report from Eurostat, employment in the European Union (EU) related to foreign trade reached a historic high of 31.6 million people in 2024. This figure represents 14.4% of total employment across the EU, marking a notable increase from 2010, when 22.6 million workers, or 11.5% of the total workforce, were engaged in similar activities.
The report highlights the growing significance of international trade in the EU economy, particularly in relation to the final demand for goods and services from non-EU countries. The gross value added (GVA) generated by the final use of EU products abroad also saw substantial growth over this period. The domestic value added in foreign final use surged from €1.3 trillion in 2010 to €2.8 trillion in 2024, increasing its share of total EU gross value added from 13.3% to 17.2%.
Trade with the United States emerged as the most significant contributor to EU employment and value added in 2024. The relationship with the U.S. supported the jobs of 6.0 million EU workers, accounting for 19.1% of the total employment created by foreign final use of goods and services. Additionally, trade with the U.S. generated €585.8 billion in value added for the EU, representing 21.0% of the total.
Following the United States, the United Kingdom ranked second in terms of employment, supporting 3.4 million EU workers, or 10.6% of the total. The UK also contributed significantly to EU value added in foreign final use, generating €276.0 billion, which accounts for 9.9% of the total.
China held the third position for EU employment, with 3.1 million workers, representing 9.8% of the total. In terms of value added, China ranked second, contributing €289.8 billion, or 10.4% of the total.
This data underscores the critical role that international trade plays in the EU's economic landscape, with a growing reliance on non-EU markets for job creation and economic value. The trends observed in the report reflect broader shifts in global trade dynamics and the increasing interconnectedness of economies worldwide.