EXPORTING
TO THE WORLD:
EU REGIONS
AND TRADE
INTERNATIONAL TRADE DRIVES
EU PROSPERITY
One in seven jobs in the EU depends on exports to countries outside the EU.
Exports were a key engine of economic growth for all Member States over the last 20 years.
Global value chains are the main vehicle for EU exports.
SELLING ABROAD
IS GOOD BUSINESS
Exports add regional jobs: For every 1% increase in national exports, regional employment grows by an average of 0.9% across the EU.
Every region benefits from exports: the positive impact of exports is not driven by the relative wealth of regions.
WHAT DRIVES STRONG
EXPORT-LED ECONOMIC
PERFORMANCE?
1. A strong manufacturing industry invariably leads to stronger regional economic performance. It is, however, not the only cause.
2. The share of employment in high-tech and knowledge-intensive industries and the education level of the labour force are important determinants of the strength of foreign demand in a region.
3. Strong regional innovation systems, a capacity to bring innovations to market by economic actors and business flexibility to adopt new technologies are important contributors to a region’s competitiveness.
4. Good transport and communications infrastructures and economic stability are necessary conditions for a region to make the most of the opportunities offered by the global economy.
EVERY REGION IS
DIFFERENT
Click on the highlighted countries to see a profile of a number of regions' industrial make-up; their principal drivers of economic growth and competitiveness; and their longer-term prospects.
Click on the highlighted countries