American workers generate a wide array of goods and services, but the United States still imports goods from many other countries.
The U.S. Department of Commerce keeps track of the value of such imported goods. Many Americans assume we import more goods from China than any other nation, but that is not the case.
Following are the countries from which the U.S. imported the highest value of goods in 2024.
10. India
Value of goods the U.S. imported from this country in:
- 2024: $87.4 billion
- 2023: $83.7 billion
Change in import value from 2023 to 2024: 4.5% increase
India is known for exporting refined petroleum — which may include gasoline, kerosene and other fuel oils — in addition to diamonds, jewelry and garments, according to the CIA World Factbook‘s most recent data.
The U.S. remains India’s primary trading partner and chief market for exports.
9. Ireland
Value of goods the U.S. imported from this country in:
- 2024: $103.3 billion
- 2023: $82.3 billion
Change in import value from 2023 to 2024: 25.4% increase
Ireland is known for exporting integrated circuits — often called microchips — packaged medicine and nitrogen compounds. About 30% of all Irish goods exports are shipped to the U.S., and America is Ireland’s top export market.
8. Taiwan
Value of goods the U.S. imported from this country in:
- 2024: $116.3 billion
- 2023: $87.8 billion
Change in import value from 2023 to 2024: 32.5% increase
In June 2023, the first agreement was signed under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade. U.S. imports from Taiwan surged last year.
Taiwan’s major exports include microchips, computers, machine parts and refined petroleum.
7. South Korea
Value of goods the U.S. imported from this country in:
- 2024: $131.5 billion
- 2023: $116.2 billion
Change in import value from 2023 to 2024: 13.3% increase
The United States and South Korea are major trading partners, with “large-scale flows of manufactured goods, agricultural products, services, and hi-tech goods,” according to the U.S. Department of State.
South Korea’s major exports include cars, refined petroleum, ships and broadcasting equipment.
6. Vietnam
Value of goods the U.S. imported from this country in:
- 2024: $136.6 billion
- 2023: $114.4 billion
Change in import value from 2023 to 2024: 19.3% increase
Trade between the United States and Vietnam has surged from $451 million in 1995 to more than $136 billion in 2024. Economic cooperation really took off after the two countries signed a bilateral trade agreement in 2001.
Vietnam exports broadcasting equipment, telephones, microchips and garments.
5. Japan
Value of goods the U.S. imported from this country in:
- 2024: $148.2 billion
- 2023: $147.2 billion
Change in import value from 2023 to 2024: 0.7% increase
The United States and Japan have two of the largest economies in the world, and economic ties are deep. The U.S. has a large goods trade deficit with Japan. Autos and auto parts account for about three-quarters of that deficit.
Japan has long been known for exporting cars and machinery. It also provides vehicle parts and microchips.
4. Germany
Value of goods the U.S. imported from this country in:
- 2024: $160.4 billion
- 2023: $159.3 billion
Change in import value from 2023 to 2024: 0.7% increase
U.S. imports from Germany have grown in recent years. Taken as a whole, member states in the European Union are the biggest trading partner for the United States, and Germany is the biggest economy in Europe.
Top German exports include cars, packaged medicine and vaccines.
3. Canada
Value of goods the U.S. imported from this country in:
- 2024: $412.7 billion
- 2023: $418.6 billion
Change in import value from 2023 to 2024: 1.4% decrease
Canada and the U.S. are each other’s largest markets for exports. The U.S. Department of State characterizes the ties between the two nations as “the world’s most comprehensive trading relationship.”
Our neighbor to the north counts crude petroleum, natural gas, gold and cars as its major exports.
2. China
Value of goods the U.S. imported from this country in:
- 2024: $438.9 billion
- 2023: $426.9 billion
Change in import value from 2023 to 2024: 2.8% increase
Economic ties between the United States and China are deep, but political tensions continue to rise. The U.S. Department of State characterizes the economic relationship as a “competition” and says America is “firmly committed to taking on the PRC’s abusive, unfair, and illegal practices.”
In a country that exports seemingly everything, China’s top categories are broadcasting equipment, computers, microchips, machine parts and garments.
1. Mexico
Value of goods the U.S. imported from this country in:
- 2024: $505.9 billion
- 2023: $475.2 billion
Change in import value from 2023 to 2024: 6.4% increase
Mexico offers the world cars and car parts, computers and crude petroleum. The U.S. also buys about 80% of Mexico’s agricultural exports. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly three-quarters — 72.5% — of U.S. agricultural imports from Mexico consist of:
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Beverages
- Distilled spirits
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