European Union
The European Union (EU) 25 member states includes: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Sweden, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia.
General Overview
| Population: | 456,953,258 (July 2006 est.) |
| GDP (purchasing power parity): | US$12.18 trillion (2005 est.) |
| GDP per capita: | US$28,100 (2005 est.) |
| GDP (real growth rate): | 1.7% (2005 est.) |
| Industries: | ferrous and non-ferrous metal production and processing, metal products, petroleum, coal, cement, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, rail transportation equipment, passenger and commercial vehicles, construction equipment, industrial equipment, shipbuilding, electrical power equipment, machine tools and automated manufacturing systems, electronics and telecommunications equipment, fishing, food and beverage processing, furniture, paper, textiles, tourism |
| Imports: | US$1.402 trillion; note - external imports, excluding intra-EU trade (2004) |
| Import commodities: | machinery, vehicles, aircraft, plastics, crude oil, chemicals, textiles, metals, foodstuffs, clothing |
| Exports: | US$1.318 trillion; note - external exports, excluding intra-EU trade (2004) |
| Export commodities: | machinery, motor vehicles, aircraft, plastics, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, fuels, iron and steel, nonferrous metals, wood pulp and paper products, textiles, meat, dairy products, fish, alcoholic beverages |
| Alberta's export to EU: | CDN$1.1billion (2005) |
| Alberta's main exports to EU: | sulfur, machinery, surveying instruments and appliances, communication parts |
| Canada's main exports to EU: | potassium chloride, newsprint, bituminous coal, sulfur, canary seed |
For detailed information about the EU, the following websites provide economic, political and historical information:
- CIA World Factbook
- Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy
Export Statistics
For detailed statistical information on Alberta and Canadian exports to the EU, consult the following statistical publications and databases:
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Alberta's International Trade Review
An analysis of Alberta's international exports of goods and services. Published by Alberta Employment, Immigration & Industry. -
Trade Data Online
Customized reports on Canada's trade with over 200 countries.
Alberta-EU Relations
- World Relations
Alberta International and Intergovernmental Relations summary of Alberta's relationship with the EU.
Sector Opportunities
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Alberta International Marketing Strategy (AIMS)
Ensures the Alberta government's trade promotion and investment attraction activities are focused on key international markets.
According to AIMS, the EU has been identified as a priority market in the following sectors:
- Aerospace and Aviation
- Agri-Food
- Industrial Machinery and Equipment
- Information and Communication Technologies
- Petrochemicals and Refined Products
For additional information on business opportunities and resources for market intelligence, visit:
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Export Source - Market and Business Opportunities
Online tool for new and experienced exporters. -
Virtual Trade Commissioner
Gateway to market information.
Exporting Your Products - Services for Exporters
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Export Alert!
A resource for exporters to learn about changes in foreign export regulations. -
Exporter Needs Continuum
Lists services that can benefit your company and who offers them. -
Export Resources
Resources for both new and experienced exporters. -
International Trade Canada
Sector reports as well as a list of staff contacts that can assist exporters.
Other Resources
Alberta, Canada
International Profiles for other European countries in which Alberta has interest:
Europe
- Enterprise & Industry
- Enterprise & Industry - Mechanical Equipment
- Europe's Information Society
- European Parliament
- Gateway to the EU
- Technology for Innovation/ICT Industries and E-Business
Alberta International, Intergovernmental & Aboriginal Relations Contacts
For customized export facilitation, contact our sector officers for the Europe:
- Heli Carswell, Team Leader, North America and Europe
- Betty Jandewerth, Trade Development Officer, Advanced Industries: Aerospace and Building Products
- Reg Kontz, Managing Director, Alberta Germany Office
- Murray Sigler, Managing Director, Alberta UK Office
Other Contacts:
Date Updated: Sep 30, 2008
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