The United States is an economic powerhouse. The mixed economy of the country paves the way for a combination of free-market entrepreneurship and government intervention. Ranking as the largest economy and the highest GDP globally, import trade in the US is on the rise.
Here’s a list of United States top imports.
Largest US Imports
1. Machinery (including computers and hardware)
Topping the list of US imports is machinery that cost more or less $475.9 billion in 2023. Major suppliers machinery and equipment, including computers, hardware components, and industrial machinery are China, Mexico, Japan, Canada and Germany. A huge fraction of this is made up of computers and related equipment as the estimated importation expense of these is $100 billion yearly.
2. Electrical machinery
Imports used for generating, distributing, or utilizing electrical energy in the US reached $477.1 billion in 2023. Electrical equipment, appliances, and machinery such as generators, transformers, electric motors, and electrical wiring that are sold for different usage in homes, offices, and industries typically come from China, Mexico, Japan, Canada, and Germany.
3. Vehicles and automobiles
Popular among Americans, automobiles are highly in demand in the country. In fact, the United States is the world’s second-largest importer of vehicles as evidenced by its $329.6 billion expenditure in vehicles and automobiles in 2023. A variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles, along with auto parts and accessories are purchased mostly from Canada, Mexico, Japan, Germany, and South Korea.
4. Minerals, fuels, and oil
Fuel sources are necessary to power the vastly diverse US industries so $322.7 billion worth of minerals, fuels and oil were imported to the country in 2023. This number grows year by year and Canada supplies $20 billion worth of crude oil annually, strengthening bilateral ties between the neighboring nations.
Aside from Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iraq sell crude oil, natural gas, coal, and petroleum products among others to the US.
5. Pharmaceuticals
Medicinal drugs, pharmaceutical products, and healthcare supplies for the treatment of diseases, and managing the overall health of the American populace were valued at $165 billion in 2023. Public health increasingly requires safeguards to ensure safety for all. Leading business partners in pharmaceuticals are Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, India and Belgium.
6. Medical equipment and supplies
The importation of medical equipment and supplies to US reached $115 billion in 2023, underpinning the country’s focus on advancing its healthcare infrastructure. It is made up of an extensive variety of medical devices, equipment, and supplies seen in healthcare facilities, laboratories, and clinics including diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, and medical consumables. Among the largest suppliers are China, Germany, Mexico, Ireland, and Switzerland.
7. Furniture, Lighting, and Signs
The real estate industry is a huge part of US economy so it is no wonder that furniture products, lighting fixtures, and signage used for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes summed $86.7 billion in 2023. Chairs, tables, lamps, chandeliers, illuminated signs as well as other household products mainly arrive from China, Canada, Mexico, Vietnam, and Italy.
8. Plastics
Plastic goods, from raw materials to finished products always make their way to different industries and are always sought after, driving $89.9 billion in US spending last 2023. Electronics, food, manufacturing, and other industries made plastics flow into the United States from trade partners in China, Canada, Mexico, Germany, and South Korea.
9. Gems and precious metals
Many high-end societies exist in the US and this fact is further strengthened by the country’s $97 billion worth of gems and precious metals expenditure. Luxury items are sourced predominantly from Switzerland, Hong Kong, India, Belgium and the United Kingdom.
10. Organic chemicals
US imported organic chemicals totaling $75.9 billion in 2023 with the majority from China, Germany, South Korea, Japan and Canada. These products include organic chemical compounds such as organic solvents, polymers, and industrial chemicals among others that support development in manufacturing processes the fields of pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and petrochemicals.
Conclusion
Doors of opportunity await in the US. If you own a business, whether on the list or not, you have boundless possibilities for international trade. Seems daunting? Pangea, a reputable freight forwarder, is here to help you every step of the way.
Visit our website at https://pangea-network.com/ to learn more about importation to US and in any part of the globe.
