The United States imports over $337.5 billion worth of goods annually, creating opportunities for businesses worldwide. Learning the most imported products in the USA helps importers identify profitable market segments and develop effective sourcing strategies. Import businesses face complex challenges, including fluctuating prices, changing tariff structures, and evolving trade policies that can impact profit margins. Knowledge of product origins and import values enables importers to make better decisions about supplier selection and pricing strategies.
The Current State of the U.S. Import Market
The U.S. import market remains strong in 2025, with total imports reaching approximately $337.5 billion in June 2025. Mexico remains the largest trading partner, accounting for 44.9% of total imports, followed by Canada at 29.7% and China at 18.9%. The factors currently shaping import trends include supply chain diversification, reshoring initiatives, and evolving trade policies.
The USMCA agreement has increased imports from Mexico and Canada, while companies reduce dependence on single-source suppliers. E-commerce growth drives demand for consumer electronics, textiles, and household goods. Import volumes have stabilized after pandemic disruptions, with container shipping costs returning to pre-2020 levels. For instance, U.S. container imports in August 2024 rose 12.9% compared to August 2023, reaching 2,479,284 TEUs, with a 15.7% increase over August 2019, signalling a recovery to pre-pandemic levels. Port congestion has decreased significantly, improving delivery times for most imported products in USA.
List of Most Imported Products in the USA
1. Motor Vehicles and Parts
Motor vehicles and automotive parts is one of the largest categories of most imported products in USA, valued at over $214 billion annually. This category includes complete passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, and thousands of replacement parts ranging from engines to electronic components.
Top Exporting Countries: Mexico, Canada, Japan, Germany, South Korea
Common Uses in the U.S.: Personal transportation, commercial fleet operations, automotive manufacturing, replacement parts market
2. Electrical Machinery and Equipment
Electronic components, computers, and electrical equipment account for approximately $478 billion in annual imports. This diverse category includes smartphones, semiconductors, computer hardware, and industrial automation equipment used across multiple sectors.
Top Exporting Countries: China, Mexico, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan
Common Uses in the U.S.: Consumer electronics, industrial automation, telecommunications, computer manufacturing
3. Crude Oil and Petroleum Products
Energy products remain among the most imported products in the USA, with 4.7 million barrels of petroleum imported per day. This category includes crude oil for refining as well as finished petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and heating oil.
Top Exporting Countries: Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq
Common Uses in the U.S.: Transportation fuel, heating oil, industrial processes, petrochemical production
4. Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment
Medical products and pharmaceuticals represent over $75 billion in annual imports. The category includes prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, medical devices, and sophisticated diagnostic equipment serving the healthcare industry.
Top Exporting Countries: Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Belgium, India
Common Uses in the U.S.: Healthcare facilities, retail pharmacies, medical research, consumer health products
5. Textiles and Apparel
Clothing and textile products account for approximately 106.6 billion in annual imports. This broad category includes finished garments, fabric materials, home textiles, and industrial textile products used in manufacturing.
Top Exporting Countries: China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Mexico, India
Common Uses in the U.S.: Retail clothing, industrial textiles, home furnishings, protective equipment
6. Plastics and Plastic Products
Plastic materials and finished products represent US$78.23 billion in annual imports. The category spans raw plastic resins used in manufacturing, packaging materials, and molded plastic components for various industries.
Top Exporting Countries: China, Canada, Germany, Mexico, Taiwan
Common Uses in the U.S.: Packaging industry, construction materials, automotive components, consumer products
7. Food Products and Agricultural Goods
Agricultural imports total approximately $213 billion annually, making food products among the most imported products in the USA. This category includes fresh produce, processed foods, beverages, and agricultural commodities like coffee and cocoa beans.
Top Exporting Countries: Mexico, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Brazil
Common Uses in the U.S.: Retail food sales, restaurant industry, food processing, agricultural feed
8. Footwear
Shoe imports represent 25.6 billion annually in the U.S. market. The category covers athletic shoes, dress shoes, boots, sandals, and specialty footwear for various professional and recreational activities.
Top Exporting Countries: China, Vietnam, Italy, Indonesia, Brazil
Common Uses in the U.S.: Retail sales, athletic wear, work safety equipment, fashion industry
9. Furniture and Home Goods
Furniture imports total $25.5 billion annually. This category includes residential furniture, office furniture, decorative items, and home accessories ranging from basic functional pieces to luxury designer items.
Top Exporting Countries: China, Vietnam, Mexico, Italy, Canada
Common Uses in the U.S.: Residential furnishing, commercial office spaces, hospitality industry, retail sales
10. Toys and Sporting Goods
Consumer recreation products account for US$43.41 billion in annual imports. The category includes children's toys, electronic games, exercise equipment, and outdoor recreational gear for all age groups.
Top Exporting Countries: China, Mexico, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand
Common Uses in the U.S.: Retail toy stores, sporting goods retailers, educational institutions, recreation facilities
How to Maximize Your Importing Strategy
Effective importing requires strategic planning and a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics affecting the most imported products in the USA. Importers must balance product selection, cost management, and supply chain optimization to achieve sustainable profitability.
Choosing Products Wisely: Research demand trends and seasonal patterns for target products before committing to suppliers. Focus on categories with stable or growing market demand and avoid oversaturated markets where competition reduces profit margins.
Managing Costs Including Tariffs and Fees: Calculate total landed costs, including product price, shipping, insurance, customs duties, and storage fees before finalizing orders. Monitor tariff rate changes and consider how trade policy shifts affect different product categories and supplier countries.
Optimizing Supply Chains: Establish relationships with multiple suppliers across different countries to reduce dependency risk and maintain a consistent supply. Work with experienced freight forwarders and logistics providers who understand customs procedures and can expedite shipments.
Using Financing Options Like Inventory Financing: Consider inventory financing solutions to manage cash flow during extended import cycles and seasonal demand fluctuations. Banks and specialized lenders offer credit facilities that help importers purchase goods before receiving payment from customers, enabling larger orders and better supplier negotiation positions.
The most imported products in the USA span diverse categories from automotive parts to consumer electronics, offering numerous opportunities for importers. Success depends on understanding market demand, managing costs effectively, and navigating trade regulations properly. The main factors for import success include supplier diversification, comprehensive cost analysis, and staying current with trade policy changes. Importers who focus on high-demand categories while managing risks through proper financing and logistics partnerships position themselves for long-term success in the American market.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where does the USA import most goods from?
The USA imports most goods from China, which accounts for 16.5% of the total import value, followed by Mexico at 14.8% and Canada at 13.2%. Other major sources include Japan (12%), Germany (11.1%), and Vietnam (17.7%). The USMCA agreement has strengthened trade relationships with Mexico and Canada, while companies increasingly diversify sourcing away from single countries to reduce supply chain risk.
2. How do tariffs impact U.S. import trends?
Tariffs directly affect import costs and can shift demand between different countries and products. Higher tariffs make imports more expensive, potentially reducing demand or encouraging domestic production. For example, tariffs on Chinese goods have led many importers to source from Vietnam, Mexico, and other countries. Tariff rates vary significantly by product category, ranging from zero on many raw materials to over 30% on certain manufactured goods.
3. How to Start an Import Business in the USA?
Starting an import business requires obtaining proper licenses, including an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and potentially state business licenses. Register with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and obtain an importer number. Research target products and suppliers thoroughly, considering factors like demand, competition, and import costs. Develop relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers. Consider obtaining trade credit insurance and establishing banking relationships for international transactions. Start with smaller orders to test market demand and supplier reliability.
4. What is the top exported product from the USA?
Refined petroleum products represent the largest U.S. export category by value, followed by crude oil and agricultural products like soybeans and corn. The U.S. also exports significant amounts of aircraft, machinery, and pharmaceutical products. Energy products have become major exports due to increased domestic oil and gas production from shale resources. c
