Washington

The United States is an important economic partner for Estonia. As supply chains become increasingly global in nature, US companies are finding that crucial links in those chains are European, and the positive, bilateral nature of the US-Estonian trade relationship means Estonia has an increasing attractivenes as a trade partner for American companies. Furthermore, as the UK has moved out of the European Union, Estonia has become a strong contender for US companies wishing to maintain a presence in the European Union.

Trade of goods

According to data from the Statistics Estonia, in 2024, the trade of goods between Estonia and US amounted to 1 billion euros, which was 2.8% of the total trade of goods and placed the US 8th in the list of trade partners.

In 2024, exports to the United States added up to 708.2 million euros – 4% of all exports – making the United States our 6th largest export partner. The export of goods has increased by as much as 41% over the year. The main growth has come from machinery and mechanical equipment (from 189 million euros to 319 million euros). This was also the leading export category, accounting for 44.7% of total exports.

In 2024, Estonia imported goods worth 314.8 million euros from the United States, accounting for 1.5% of total goods imports and placing the U.S. 15th among import partner countries. Imports have remained unchanged compared to the previous year. The import flow was driven primarily by machinery and mechanical equipment (51.3%).

Trade of goods between Estonia and US from 2021 to the first eight months of 2025

 

(Source: Statistics Estonia)

The export of services increased from 848.6 million euros in 2023 to one billion euros in 2024, representing annual growth of 27%. Growth occurred mainly in the telecommunications, computer, and information services sector, which amounted to 740.1 million euros in 2024.

The import of services reached 400.8 million euros in 2024, compared to 368.2 million euros the previous year (annual growth of 8.8%). Imports were also driven by the telecommunications, computer, and information services sector, with a value of 210.1 million euros.

In 2024, 996 Estonian companies exported to the United States. The largest among them were AS HELMES (programming, consultancy and related activities), OÜ DSVH (real estate activities), Helmes Group AS, NoCry OÜ (retail trade), Rush Street Interactive Development Estonia OÜ (programming, consultancy and related activities), Veriff OÜ (programming, consultancy and related activities), SaleMove OÜ (programming, consultancy and related activities), Clevum OÜ (retail trade), GlobeCoders OÜ (advertising, market research and public relations), and AS KONESKO (manufacture of electrical equipment).

Direct investments

The volume of direct investment from the United States into Estonia (as of 30 June 2025) amounts to 339 million euros, representing 1% of all foreign direct investment in Estonia. The largest share of investment — 132 million euros — has been directed into real estate activities, followed by the manufacturing sector with 115 million euros.

Estonia’s direct investment in the United States totals 450 million euros, accounting for 3.4% of all Estonian direct investment abroad. The largest investments — 195 million euros — have been made in the manufacturing industry. Investments in the information and communications sector amount to 183 million euros.

Tourism

Residents of United States made a total of 146,387 visits to Estonia in 2024, of which 81,283 were multi-day visits. A year earlier, there were 122,654 visits, out of which 67,200 lasted for more than a one day. Therefore, interest among American tourists in Estonia has increased over the past year.

Residents of Estonia made a total of 24,917 visits to US in 2024, of which 22,857 were multi-day visits. A year earlier, 23,622 visits were made to US (all were multi-day visits).

 E-Residency

Estonia is the first world’s first digital state, with 99% of government services accessible online. It is also the first country to offer “e-Residency” to qualified non-citizens through a government-issued digital identity and status that provides access to Estonia’s transparent digital business environment. It is a program that allows an individual to digitally manage a business from anywhere.

As of 16 September 2025, 4,483 citizens of the United States are e-residents, and 815 of them have registered a company in Estonia.

Business diplomacy | Välisministeerium