Trade can feel abstract, until you realize it’s all around you. The United States imports vast amounts of food, energy, machinery, and consumer goods from around the world while exporting everything from cars to software. These trade flows may seem random but they reflect what we produce competitively, what we need but don’t grow or make, and how deeply American companies are integrated into global supply chains.
Understanding what the U.S. trades is the first step in understanding how trade policy affects the national economy, individual lives, and global influence.
WHAT DOES THE U.S. TRADE?
U.S. businesses are among the world’s largest trading nations. They import and export trillions of dollars in goods and services annually, spanning everything from aircraft and semiconductors to soybeans and natural gas.
For authoritative data, the U.S. Census Bureau publishes detailed monthly trade reports, including breakdowns of exports, imports, and major trading partners like Canada, Mexico, China, and the EU.
Here’s an overview of U.S. trade, organized by sector.
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
The U.S. is a top global exporter of food, with major markets in China, Mexico, Canada, and Japan. Trade agreements often focus on lowering tariffs and ensuring sanitary standards for U.S. farm goods. Learn more about trade agreements in The Policy Circle’s Trade Brief.
- Exports: Key goods include soybeans, corn, wheat, cotton, pork, beef, dairy, almonds, wine.
- Imports: Coffee, bananas, tropical fruits, seafood, spices.
Explore more about agricultural trade through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Trade Data Overview.
ENERGY AND NATUAL RESOURCES
The U.S. became a net exporter of energy in recent years due to a shale boom. LNG exports are a key tool in geopolitical strategy, especially in Europe.
- Exports: Crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), coal, refined petroleum products.
- Imports: Rare earth elements, uranium, select crude oil.
While the U.S. is rich in resources and energy sources, it still imports what it lacks. Some options are cheaper abroad, particularly rare minerals critical to tech and defense. However, the proportion of the energy supply imported in 2024 was the lowest in 40 years.
For more on energy, take a look at The Policy Circle’s Energy and Environment Brief.
INDUSTRIAL AND CAPITAL GOODS
Many U.S. manufacturers rely on imported components to complete final products assembled in the U.S., making trade barriers a significant focus of the U.S. Trade Representative.
- Exports: Aircraft and transportation equipment, construction equipment, medical devices, industrial machinery.
- These high-value exports reflect U.S. leadership in advanced manufacturing and innovation.
- Imports: Auto parts, heavy machinery, semiconductors, factory tools.
TECHNOLOGY AND ELECTRONICS
Tech exports are a major driver of U.S. trade and foreign investment.
- Exports: Software, telecommunications equipment, cloud computing services.
- Imports: Consumer electronics (phones, TVs, laptops), microchips, batteries.
Many U.S. tech firms design in the U.S. but manufacture abroad, especially in Asia, then import finished goods.
PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICAL PRODUCTS
U.S. companies are major players in global health and biotech innovation.
- Exports: Vaccines, biotech products, and medical devices.
- Imports: Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), generic medicines, and personal protection equipment (PPE).
Many inputs are sourced from India, China, and Europe; COVID-19 highlighted the risks of depending on global supply chains for life-saving items.
CONSUMER GOODS
Strong demand for American lifestyle and culture supports this export type.
- Exports: Packaged food, beauty products, household goods.
- Imports: Clothing, shoes, furniture, toys, household electronics.
Many consumer goods are manufactured in countries with lower labor costs, like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Mexico.
SERVICES MATTER, TOO
In addition to goods, the U.S. is the world’s largest exporter and importer of services. Unlike physical goods that are shipped to other countries, services are intangible and can be accessed in a variety of ways, including digitally. Business, travel, transport, and financial services are all top exports and imports for the United States. Revenue from intellectual property and information services are also key trades in this sector. Altogether, services make up more than 30% of total U.S. exports and are often covered in trade agreements.
EXPLORE MORE
These trade flows don’t happen in a vacuum. They’re shaped by decades of policy developments like trade deals, tariff structures, import limits, and more.
Read The Policy Circle’s Trade Brief to unpack how those decisions are made, what’s working, and where U.S. trade policy can evolve in a changing world. You can also join the conversation about this issue in The Policy Circle Community! When we understand what we trade and why, we are better equipped to shape the policies that directly impact the global market, national economy, and our local communities.
