EU high-tech sales rise as Brussels pushes sovereignty plan

The EU sold €414 billion worth of high-tech products in 2024, up from €273 billion in 2014, according to Eurostat. The increase represented an average annual rise of 4.3%, underscoring the sector’s role as Brussels pushes for greater tech sovereignty.

Pharmaceuticals accounted for 29% of sold production in 2024, ahead of electronics and telecommunications at 23% and scientific instruments at around 21%. Armaments made up the smallest category, with a 1.1% share.

Trade patterns show the bloc remains deeply exposed to major external suppliers. More than half of high-tech imports from non-EU countries came from China and the US combined in 2024, while 31% of exports went to the US, followed by China and the UK, both at 10%. The EU recorded a €92 billion deficit with China, alongside deficits of €19 billion with Taiwan and €20 billion with Vietnam, but surpluses of €11 billion with Turkey, €27 billion with the UK and €46 billion with the US.

The European Commission’s tech sovereignty package targets cloud infrastructure, AI services, open source and chips. The draft law sets out four initiatives across the value chain and would restrict non-European companies from some public contracts in sensitive sectors including defence and healthcare.