Contact Us USA: Export and market entry for Styrian companies
The USA is one of Austria’s most important export markets and offers Styrian companies enormous sales, technology and investment opportunities. At the same time, tariffs, industrial policy, re-shoring and new investment priorities are changing the rules of the game. ICS supports you in choosing the right state, sales channel and market entry strategy, and in clarifying legal, tax and operational issues at an early stage.
Night skyline of San Francisco from Treasure Island. 
Golden Gate Bridge after sunset A large market – with 50 states, strong regions and new rules of the game
In 2025, the USA remained Austria’s second most important export market after Germany; around 6.8% of Austrian goods exports went to the United States. AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA expects moderate real GDP growth of around 2% for 2026. Investments in artificial intelligence, re-shoring, infrastructure and industrial capacity are particularly influential.
At the same time, the trade-policy environment has become more challenging. AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA estimates the effective average US tariff rate in 2026 at around 15%; individual product groups are subject to their own rules and exemptions. For companies, this means that opportunities and burdens must be assessed on a product-specific basis – blanket statements about “US tariffs” are not sufficient.
The USA is a growth and innovation market with high purchasing power, but it is not a uniform market. The state, industry, price positioning, sales model, liability, tax and customs duties must fit the specific project.
Clara Lenz, USA country expert at ICS
Where special business opportunities arise
The USA offers Styrian companies a wide range of opportunities – from highly specialised niches to major industrial and technology markets.
Mobility & Automotive
Large vehicle markets, strong clusters and new mobility technologies open up opportunities for specialised suppliers and solutions.
Industry 4.0 & digitalisation
Automation, robotics and digital production create potential for efficient, competitive industrial processes.
Health & Life Sciences
Strong research landscapes and large healthcare markets offer opportunities for innovative technologies and specialized solutions.
Green Tech, Energy & Raw Materials
Clean tech, energy infrastructure, and Canada’s raw material base create opportunities for sustainable technologies and partnerships.
Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota at night time as seen from the famous stone arch bridge Market entry in the USA: Clarify the state, sales model and risk architecture
A successful entry into the US market starts with choosing the right region and customer group. Differences in industry clusters, taxes, incentives, logistics, talent and regulation can be significant. The question of whether direct sales, a distributor, a sales representative, a subsidiary or project business is the right fit should also be derived from the business model.
Legal issues, product liability, contracts, taxes, employment, export controls and customs duties should be considered early on. Since 2025/26, the tariff burden for EU goods has been significantly higher than before and depends on the product. Companies should therefore check the specific HS code, origin, delivery terms and any sector-specific special rules before finalising prices and contracts.
How ICS supports you when entering the USA
Keeping an eye on the US market
As the most important trading partner, the USA is changing rapidly. In US Watch, we provide a concise assessment of current economic developments, market opportunities and new framework conditions – with a focus on what they specifically mean for export-oriented companies from Styria.
16. November 2026 
Silicon Valley 
On Site 
Expert Advice – Direct and Simple
Our expert provides reliable advice on all matters relating to the USA.
Clara Lenz
Senior Project Management
FAQ: Export and market entry USA
Opportunities exist in particular in advanced manufacturing, AI and software, mobility and aerospace, energy and green tech, health & life sciences, as well as selected security and defence segments. What matters is the right regional and industry-specific fit rather than a one-size-fits-all USA strategy.
First define your target customers, state or region, competition and sales model. Then you should review pricing and tariff calculations, contracts, liability, tax, service and, where applicable, incorporation issues. Only on this basis should operational market development begin.
Qualified contacts are built through industry ecosystems, B2B matchmaking, trade events, business missions and structured partner research. ICS connects Styrian companies with USA experts and the AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA network.
The burden depends on the specific product, HS code, origin and any sector-specific rules. In 2026, the general tariff level is significantly higher than in previous years; special rules apply to certain product groups. Companies should therefore check the specific classification and current regulation before calculating.
The ICS Internationalisation Center Styria offers Styrian companies market advice and USA-specific formats. On the USA consultation day, companies can also book individual meetings with experts on legal, tax, economic and operational issues.