Nearly half of US companies in Europe expect declining economic ties, survey shows

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BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Almost half of U.S. companies operating in Europe believe transatlantic economic relations will worsen, although that is a marked improvement from the start of U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term, according to a survey published on Friday.

The American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU), which has more than 160 members including Apple, Goldman Sachs, Meta Platforms and Visa, said its survey showed 46% of respondents expected worsening EU-U.S. trade and investment ties, compared with 89% in a similar survey in January.

A third now expect stability after the European Union and the United States struck a trade deal at the end of July, which is set to remove most EU duties on U.S. goods, while the United States imposes 15% import tariffs on most EU products.

AmCham said companies viewed the deal positively, despite criticism in Brussels and EU capitals.

“They see it as having averted unprecedented damage to transatlantic trade and investment, even as real concerns about the policy environment remain,” said AmCham EU CEO Malte Lohan.

A majority of the companies still anticipate a negative impact from Washington and Brussels policies – 60% for the United States and 56% for the European Union.

The survey, carried out among 52 U.S.-controlled members between September 8 and 16, showed that reducing tariffs was still the number one priority.

The companies also stressed the need for addressing non-tariff barriers, such as EU rules on deforestation and supply chains, and stronger cooperation and mutual recognition of standards.

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop in BrusselsEditing by Bill Berkrot)