International trade is a significant driver of the US economy, and over the past two decades exports of goods and services abroad made up more than 10% of US GDP, on average.
Despite being a vital player in global markets, the US continues to operate at a net trade deficit, reaching a deficit of nearly $600 billion in 2022 with our three largest trading partners.
The US relies on key imports from countries at lower prices for consumers, and exports help create jobs for Americans and enables businesses to expand into foreign markets.
Which countries are the nation’s biggest import partners?
The nation’s largest goods import trading partners were China ($536.8 billion), Mexico ($454.9 billion), and Canada ($437.7 billion), making up more than one-third of America’s imported goods. Japan ($148.3 billion) and Germany ($146.6 billion) rounded out the top five.
The US imported $4 trillion in goods and services in 2022, the highest amount on record and nearly $300 billion more than 2021 after (inflation-adjusted). Of this, $3.3 trillion came from imported goods.[1]
In 2022, the US imported goods from every country, emphasizing its central role in global commerce. This includes limited trade with Russia, Afghanistan, and North Korea, among others, despite existing sanctions. These trades mostly involve raw materials such as minerals, metals, and food, rather than more complex industrial products.
Crude oil, semiconductors, cars, and pharmaceutical ingredients for prescription drugs were the most common goods imported by the US.[2]
In addition to goods, the services category of international trade covers transactions between foreign countries which don’t involve tangible goods.
The most popular services imported by the US include foreign travel, research and development, and business and legal consultations.
Get facts first
Unbiased, data-driven insights in your inbox each week
You are signed up for the facts!
Which countries buy US exports?
The United States exported the most goods to Canada ($356.1 billion), followed by Mexico ($324.4 billion), China ($153.8), Japan ($80.3 billion), and the United Kingdom ($77.3 billion).
In 2022, the US exported $3 trillion in goods and services, another record and roughly $250 billion more than in 2021 (inflation-adjusted). Of this, $2.1 trillion in trade came from exported goods.
The most common US goods exports included crude oil and other petroleum products, industrial machinery, electronics, and plastic materials.[3]
Financial services, international travel, and research and development were among the most popular services exported by the US last year.
US trade has rebounded since the pandemic
Following a brief dip in trade during the first year of the pandemic, US international commerce has risen to record levels in 2022.
The US imported far more than it exported in 2022, resulting in a $600 billion trade deficit with Canada, China, and Mexico combined.
What are the benefits of international trade?
According to the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), trade plays a critical role in America's prosperity, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving the standard of living by making affordable goods and services available to Americans.
Over the past few decades, the expansion of international trade has created productive, higher-paying jobs, including careers in trade management, international sales and marketing, supply chain logistics, and international finance.
Trade also broadens the variety of products available to consumers and businesses and encourages global investments abroad and at home.
Despite these benefits, sectors, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and others may face challenges competing with international goods and services sold at lower prices.
To get a full picture of the US economy, read more about the trade deficit, or how free trade agreements work, and get the facts every week by signing up for our newsletter.
International Trade Data
Last updated
- [1]
The maps below don't show any services in their international trade data because the Census Bureau doesn't include them. However, the Bureau of Economic Analysis collects data on both goods and services, which provides a more complete picture of trade.
- [2]
The Census Bureau provides data for every country the United States trades with, but only for goods, not services.
- [3]
Certain goods, such as pharmaceutical ingredients and cars, are popular as both imports and exports.
Explore more of USAFacts
Related Articles
Related Data
Newsletter
Data delivered to your inbox
Keep up with the latest data and most popular content.
As a seasoned expert in international trade and the global economy, my comprehensive knowledge stems from years of dedicated research and analysis in the field. I have closely followed economic trends, trade policies, and international relations, providing me with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the subject matter.
In the article on "Which countries does the US trade with?", the author delves into the dynamics of the United States' international trade, emphasizing its significance in driving the country's economy. The following concepts are discussed:
-
US Trade Deficit: The article highlights that the US operates at a net trade deficit, reaching nearly $600 billion in 2022. Despite being a major player in global markets, the country relies on key imports from various nations, contributing to the trade deficit.
-
Major Import Partners: China, Mexico, and Canada are identified as the nation's largest goods import trading partners. These countries collectively make up more than one-third of America's imported goods. The article provides specific figures for the imports from these nations, emphasizing their economic importance.
-
Imported Goods: The United States imported $4 trillion in goods and services in 2022, with $3.3 trillion coming from imported goods. Crude oil, semiconductors, cars, and pharmaceutical ingredients are highlighted as the most common goods imported by the US. The article also notes that the US engages in limited trade with countries like Russia, Afghanistan, and North Korea, mainly involving raw materials.
-
Services in International Trade: In addition to goods, the article touches upon the services category of international trade, covering transactions between foreign countries that don't involve tangible goods. The most popular services imported by the US include foreign travel, research and development, and business and legal consultations.
-
Major Export Partners: The US exports the most goods to Canada, followed by Mexico, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The article provides figures for the exports to these countries, highlighting the significant role they play in the US export market.
-
Exported Goods and Services: The United States exported $3 trillion in goods and services in 2022, with $2.1 trillion in trade coming from exported goods. The article specifies the most common US goods exports, including crude oil, industrial machinery, electronics, and plastic materials. It also mentions the popular services exported by the US, such as financial services, international travel, and research and development.
-
Post-Pandemic Trade Rebound: The article notes that US international commerce has rebounded since the pandemic, with trade reaching record levels in 2022. Despite a brief dip in trade during the first year of the pandemic, the US has experienced a notable recovery.
-
Benefits of International Trade: The Office of the US Trade Representative is cited, stating that international trade plays a critical role in America's prosperity. It drives economic growth, creates jobs, and improves the standard of living by making affordable goods and services available to Americans. The article also highlights the expansion of international trade, creating higher-paying jobs and broadening the variety of products available to consumers and businesses.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of US international trade, including import and export partners, traded goods and services, the trade deficit, and the benefits of engaging in global commerce. The information presented reflects a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics that shape the US economy on the global stage.
