Written by Marijn Overvest | Reviewed by Sjoerd Goedhart | Fact Checked by Ruud Emonds | Our editorial policy
US Import and Export Statistics – 17 Key Figures of 2025
Key take-aways
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Despite challenges, the U.S. remains a major trade force, with intricate ties influencing its economic and geopolitical standing.
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The U.S.-China trade disputes have far-reaching effects, impacting job markets and revealing vulnerabilities in key sectors.
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The fluctuating U.S. dollar plays a dual role, affecting export competitiveness while offering domestic consumers favorable import prices.
The country is one of the largest trading nations in the world and plays an important role in the global economy as both an importer and exporter of goods and services. Its import and export activities drive diverse international trade, economic, growth, innovation, and technological advancements, promote global supply chain, forge diplomatic relations, and support millions of jobs in its country and abroad.
This article digs into the determiners affecting the U.S. import and export conditions and provides statistical information that shapes the past, current, and future economy.
US Import and Export Facts and Figures in 2025
1. The United States Census Bureau records the top 5 imports to the country by value:
- Crude Petroleum – $87.7 billion
- Passenger Cars – $61.4 billionRefined Petroleum – $35.8 billion
- Integrated Circuits/micro assemblies – $32.2 billion
- Pharmaceuticals – $30.2 billion
2. Majority of the United States imported goods come from these countries:
- China (19%)
- Mexico (13%)
- Canada (12%)
- Japan (5%)
- Germany (4%).
3. The highest recorded U.S. trade deficit was $679 billion during the pandemic time.
4. In the field of government procurement, the U.S. Small Business Administration study shows that the U.S. government spends over $500 billion annually on procurement, making it the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world.
5. The U.S. government’s procurement process is designed to be competitive and transparent, with opportunities for businesses of all sizes to participate.
In terms of U.S export controls, figures, and free-trade agreements, studies from the United States Census Bureau revealed the following:
6. The U.S. government has export control laws and regulations to balance the shipment of sensitive goods and technology to foreign countries, in order to protect national security and foreign policy interests. These are:
- Military items such as weapons, ammunition, and military vehicles.
- Nuclear-related items such as nuclear energy and nuclear weapons
- Missile technology such as guidance systems and rocket engines
- Chemical and biological agents such as certain chemicals and biological agents
- Encryption technology such as certain encryption technologies as can be used to protect sensitive information or to conduct illegal activities.
7. The United States has free trade agreements (FTAs) with 20 countries, including Canada, Mexico, and several countries in Asia and South America.
8. The U.S. FTAs (Free Trade Agreements) can lower trade barriers such as tariffs and non-tariff barriers and can provide more predictable and transparent rules for trade.
9. The U.S. has special trade relationships with some countries such as Israel and Jordan where it receives preferential treatment for certain imported goods.
10. The US is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which provides a framework for global trade rules in imports and exports and dispute resolution.
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis dropped the following U.S. supply and procurement export statistics according to their study:
11. The United States exports the most goods to Canada, which accounts for 17% of all U.S. exports. Other top destinations for its exports are:
- Mexico: 14%
- China: 7%
- Japan: 4%
- United Kingdom: 4%
12. The country’s trade surplus in services was $232 billion, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
13. The US is a major exporter of capital goods, which include machinery, aircraft, and other high-tech products.
14. The U.S. government plays a role in promoting exports through various programs and initiatives. For example:
- The Export-Import Bank of the United States provides financing and insurance to support its exports.
- The International Trade Administration offers export assistance and market research to U.S. companies.
- The Small Business Administration provides export loans and counseling services to small businesses.
15. The U.S. is a major exporter of soybean, corn, and wheat, accounting for a yearly $100 billion agricultural shipment, according to its Department of Agriculture.
16. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) plans to help companies create multiple jobs through the export sector by prioritizing infrastructure projects in emerging economies.
17. The country’s Federal Sustainability Plan organizes medium and long-term plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2030, 100% zero-emission vehicle acquisitions by 2035, net-zero emissions buildings by 2045, net-zero emissions procurement by 2050, and net-zero emissions operations by 2050.
Covid-19
The significant impact of the pandemic put the procurement and logistics sectors to a stop as factories and transportation closed operations. Additionally, trade restrictions added salt to the burn leading to changes in consumer behavior and reduced demand for its exports as countries implemented strict lockdowns to contain the virus.
Furthermore, the U.S. Census Bureau recorded a sharp export decline of 30% amounting to $2.11 trillion. Although it bounced back due to some countries easing restrictions which brought trading activity slowly, the economy is still struggling while racing its negative balance.
Moreover, Covid had a profound impact on SMBs (small to medium-sized businesses). The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) documented that 43% temporarily closed, 40% failed to pay office rent on time, 20% reduced their workforce, and 2% permanently closed small enterprises.
Overall, the effect and repercussions of COVID-19 on the U.S. import and export trade didn’t shake its very core but extended its consequences to both big and small businesses.
The US-China Growing Tension
The long-standing feud between China and the United States not only rocks the trading relationships between the two but it also influences international commerce. Exchanging retaliatory tariffs and bans drive potential investments from the two giant markets.
For example, China’s technology import dependence on semiconductors increased from 30% to 80% percent as the U.S. imposed export restrictions on the grounds of industrial and security espionage by the Chinese government. Additionally, Canada and the U.S. ban the country’s tech giants like ZTE and Huawei.
Conversely, U.S. soybean agriculture also suffered significant loss as Chinese imports from the country steeply decreased by more than 4-fold. From $14 billion to $3.1 billion due to tariffs.
Overall, this trading tension led to 245,000 U.S. job losses concentrated in the agriculture, technology, and manufacturing sectors. While the Biden administration is currently addressing the national issue, it exposes the country’s trading vulnerability which will have long-term effects on the U.S. and global economy.
Dollar Fluctuation
Though the U.S. holds the standard trading currency, its market performance and variation won’t recognize any authority. For example, the appreciation of the U.S. dollar since COVID-19 resulted in a 15.7% decrease in the country’s total exports of goods and services.
The demand for safe-haven assets during the pandemic made dollar value even higher which made U.S. exports more expensive and less competitive in the global market as buyers looked for a cheaper deal. On the contrary, American consumers can benefit from its strong currency as it buys imported goods reasonably.
Generally, the dollar fluctuation is a two-way street; the positive and negative consequences are both present in the import and export activities. However, it all boils down to various and specific factors affecting parties. A proper understanding of the currency movement and market dynamics will maintain the economy’s competitiveness.
Conclusion
The U.S., a key player in global trade, faced unprecedented challenges in the aftermath of the pandemic. Despite disruptions caused by COVID-19, the nation’s import-export dynamics remain pivotal, influencing international relations, economic growth, and innovation.
Frequently asked questions
How did COVID-19 impact U.S. import and export activities?
The pandemic caused a 30% export decline, disrupted supply chains, and adversely affected small businesses, leading to temporary closures and job losses.
What are the repercussions of the U.S.-China trade tensions?
The tensions resulted in job losses, especially in the agriculture and technology sectors, affecting exports and revealing vulnerability in the global supply chain.
How did the fluctuation of the U.S. dollar affect trade?
Dollar appreciation led to a 15.7% decrease in exports, making U.S. goods more expensive globally, impacting competitiveness but benefiting American consumers.
About the author
My name is Marijn Overvest, I’m the founder of Procurement Tactics. I have a deep passion for procurement, and I’ve upskilled over 200 procurement teams from all over the world. When I’m not working, I love running and cycling.
