Austria, with a population of 8.3 million, is a dynamic EU member country offering export opportunities for U.S. companies of all sizes. For U.S. firms looking to expand in Southeast Europe, Austria offers some attractive features as an investment location, and recent Austrian governments have sought to increase that attractiveness through economic reforms and by highlighting Austria’s historical and economic ties to the surrounding region. At present, approximately 350 U.S. firms have subsidiaries, affiliates, franchisees, and licensees in Austria, of which about 150 have regional responsibilities for Central European, Eastern European, or Balkan countries. The EU also welcomed two new members in January 2007: Romania and Bulgaria, bringing the total EU Member Country count to 27.
Among Austrian export markets, the U.S. is number three, behind Germany and Italy. Principal U.S. exports to Austria are motor vehicle parts and accessories, aircraft, machinery, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and computer equipment and parts. Principal Austrian exports to the U.S. include specialized industrial machinery, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, glassware, electric power machinery and some food products.
Basically, Austria is a good export market for U.S. companies, with no significant trade barriers. Qualified Austrian agents and distributors can be found for nearly every kind of product. Given the size of the country, Austria represents a desirable, affluent pilot market for U.S.-made products in Europe. Because of Austria’s geographic location and history, many Austrian agents and distributors, in addition to the Austrian market, sell regionally, covering several markets in Central and Eastern Europe and in the Balkan countries. [...]
For more information, please see Chapter 1 of our "Country Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies: Doing Business in Austria". Subject report can be downloaded from this website, or you may contact the U.S. Commercial Service Austria directly to receive a free .pdf copy via e-Mail.