Berlin, 18 September 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The United States is more heavily dependent on imports from the European Union than goods from China, according to a study by the German Economic Institute released on Thursday.

"The US dependence on imports from the EU has increased significantly since 2010," the Cologne-based IW said.

According to the report, the US sourced at least half of its imports across more than 3,100 product groups in 2024 from the EU, with import value totalling around $290 billion.

Machinery, equipment and electric technology accounted for the biggest share of imported goods.

US dependence on EU imports is far-reaching, according to the institute, which said 46% of products previously sourced from the bloc are going to be difficult to replace amid the new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.

The EU is significantly ahead of China when it comes to exporting goods to the US, both in terms of the number of goods delivered as well as their total value.

In 2024, the US imported Chinese goods worth $247 billion across 2,925 product groups, a sign that US dependence on Chinese supplies has dropped significantly, according to the IW.

Following threats from Trump to heavily tax EU imports, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed on a trade deal in August, including a 15% baseline tariff.

The agreement has been heavily criticized by industry representatives, who have called on the EU to renegotiate the deal.

"The agreement is an inadequate compromise and sends a fatal signal to the closely intertwined economies on both sides of the Atlantic," the Federation of German Industries said at the time.

"The US has few alternatives to the EU for numerous key products," said IW expert Samina Sultan, adding that many goods cannot be replaced at short notice. "Europe therefore has every reason to respond to threats from Washington with greater self-confidence," she said.

MIA file photo