If North America supports the U.S. with practical goods, Europe delivers the cultural, chemical, and mechanical specialties—the kinds of products that make up the small but indispensable ends of sophisticated supply chains.
The standout? Switzerland. Over 98% of U.S. imports in the category of precious metal watches come from the Swiss. This is not just trade—it is tribute to a brand built over centuries. Swiss watches are symbols, investments, and legacy items. The U.S. could find alternatives in Asia or even domestically, but it would not be the same. The trade is almost symbolic, representing trust in precision and heritage.
Germany plays a more functional role, supplying 58% of America’s felt-making machinery. Not cars. Not pharmaceuticals. Felt machinery. It is a detail easily missed, but a perfect example of Germany’s niche engineering prowess. These machines are rarely replaced and are essential to manufacturers of everything from hats to insulation.
Meanwhile, Italy’s most dominant export to the U.S.? Vermouth, at 86%. Spain does similar magic with olive oil, commanding 62% of the market. Portugal owns the cork trade (93%). These are high-margin, culturally-loaded items that punch far above their weight in terms of economic identity. America may produce its own food and drink, but when it comes to sophistication in a bottle or a jar, it looks to Europe.
The United Kingdom’s top export? Antiques, at 28%. In a post-Brexit economy, it is a fitting metaphor: the UK still sells history better than anyone else. France, curiously, appears for “insect resins” (50%)—a less poetic but real necessity in industrial finishes, varnishes, and perfumes.
European exports to the U.S. paint a picture of a continent that has doubled down on depth, tradition, and specialization. Unlike North America’s commodity-style reliability, Europe offers exclusivity. These items are often irreplaceable in both technical and emotional terms. You do not just substitute Spanish olive oil or Swiss timekeeping overnight.
As trade becomes more politicized, these findings offer clarity. America’s ties to Europe are not built on quantity but on precision and identity. What we really buy from Europe is not what we need to survive—it is what we choose to value.