Austria’s regions show stark trade contrasts in latest economic report
Austria’s regional trade figures for the latest reporting year reveal shifting patterns in imports and exports. While some areas faced declines, others set new records—despite an overall drop in trade with the United States. Machinery and mechanical equipment continued to lead the country’s foreign trade, with Germany staying the dominant partner across all states.
Vienna experienced a 12.5% surge in imports, the sharpest rise alongside Tyrol’s 15.8% increase. Yet the capital also recorded the largest trade deficit, reaching minus €10.98 billion. Meanwhile, exports fell in most regions: Vienna (down 3.4%), Lower Austria (3.2%), and Styria (2.8%). Burgenland saw the steepest export drop at 4.4%.
Upper Austria, responsible for 25.4% of Austria’s national exports, reported a 3.8% decline. Despite this, the region maintained the country’s largest trade surplus at €5.87 billion. Vorarlberg, however, broke its own record by achieving the highest surplus ever—even as its total trade volume shrank. Local authorities, including Governor Markus Wallner, Regional Councilor Christian Tittler, and Chamber of Commerce President Hans Peter Kopf, confirmed the milestone on January 2, 2025. Carinthia stood out as the only region with export growth, rising by 2.1%. Across Austria, Germany remained the top trading partner for every state. Notably, the US no longer ranked among the top three import sources in any region.
The latest figures highlight a mixed picture for Austria’s regional trade. While Upper Austria and Vorarlberg led with surpluses, Vienna’s deficit deepened. Carinthia’s export growth and the US’s fading presence as a key import partner mark further shifts in the country’s economic landscape. Machinery and mechanical equipment remain central to Austria’s foreign trade performance.
