The United States of America has established itself as a global economic powerhouse, with a robust demand for imported goods. In 2022, China imported a staggering $3.376 trillion worth of products, representing a significant increase of 29.4% compared to the previous year. This article delves into the top imports of the United States, offering valuable insights into the categories that dominate the American import market.

Author Name:Tiffany Lee – Marketing Analyst at FreightAmigo

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The Continental Perspective: Imports by Region

When examining imports from a continental perspective, it becomes clear that Asia is the primary provider of goods to the United States. In 2022, a substantial 45.1% of America’s total imports originated from Asia. North American trade partners, Canada and Mexico, accounted for 26.9% of import sales, while Europe contributed 21.4%. Latin America, excluding Mexico and including the Caribbean, supplied a smaller percentage of American import purchases at 4.7%. Africa and Oceania accounted for mere fractions of the total imports.

Per Capita Imports: A Reflection of Product Demand

Considering the United States’ population of 333 million people, the total import value of $3.376 trillion in 2022 translates to approximately $10,100 in yearly product demand per U.S. resident. This metric surpasses the average of $8,900 per person in the previous year, indicating an increasing appetite for imported goods among Americans. Notably, the rising cost of U.S. imported products outpaced the average increase in the inflation rate for consumer prices during the same period.

The Top 10 Import Categories

The following product categories represent the highest dollar value in America’s import purchases during 2022, each holding a significant share of the overall imports into the U.S.:

  1. Electrical machinery, equipment: This category accounted for $477.1 billion, contributing 14.1% of the total imports.
  2. Machinery including computers: With a value of $475.9 billion, this category held a 14.1% share.
  3. Vehicles: Importing vehicles amounted to $329.6 billion, representing 9.8% of the total imports.
  4. Mineral fuels including oil: This category captured $322.7 billion, comprising 9.6% of the imports.
  5. Pharmaceuticals: The import value of pharmaceuticals reached $165 billion, accounting for 4.9% of the total imports.
  6. Optical, technical, medical apparatus: This category saw imports worth $115 billion, representing 3.4% of the total.
  7. Gems, precious metals: With an import value of $97 billion, this category held a 2.9% share.
  8. Plastics, plastic articles: This category accounted for $89.9 billion, contributing 2.7% of the imports.
  9. Furniture, bedding, lighting, signs, prefabricated buildings: Importing goods in this category amounted to $86.7 billion, representing 2.6% of the total imports.
  10. Organic chemicals: With an import value of $75.9 billion, this category held a 2.2% share.

These top 10 categories alone make up about two-thirds (66.2%) of the total imports into the United States during 2022. Among them, mineral fuels, including oil, experienced the highest growth rate of 71.4% compared to the previous year. Crude oil exports constituted a significant subcategory within the mineral fuels category, driving its growth. Other categories that experienced notable growth include organic chemicals, vehicles, and electrical machinery and equipment.

Major US Imports of Electronics Products

When delving into the import subcategories of electronics equipment, it becomes evident that American importers heavily invested in the following 10 subcategories in 2022:

  1. Phone devices including smartphones: The import value of phone devices reached an impressive $126.7 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 13.6% compared to the previous year.
  2. Integrated circuits/microassemblies: This category accounted for $43.7 billion, representing a 6% growth rate.
  3. Insulated wire/cable: Importing goods in this category amounted to $29.9 billion, reflecting a significant growth rate of 20.6%.
  4. TV receivers/monitors/projectors: With an import value of $25.3 billion, this category experienced a slight decline of -6.5%.
  5. Electric storage batteries: This category saw imports worth $23.9 billion, reflecting a remarkable growth rate of 58.7%.
  6. Electrical converters/power units: Importing goods in this category amounted to $23.4 billion, representing a growth rate of 23.6%.
  7. Unrecorded sound media: The import value of unrecorded sound media reached $18.6 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 8.8%.
  8. Solar power diodes/semi-conductors: This category experienced significant growth, reaching an import value of $18 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 34.1%.
  9. Electrical machinery: Importing electrical machinery amounted to $17.1 billion, reflecting a remarkable growth rate of 48.2%.
  10. Electrical/optical circuit boards, panels: The import value of electrical/optical circuit boards and panels reached $16.3 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 15.6%.

Among these import subcategories, electric storage batteries, electrical machinery, and solar power diodes and semi-conductors experienced the fastest growth rates compared to the previous year.

Major US Imports of Machinery Products Including Computers

When examining the import subcategories of machinery, including computers, it becomes clear that American importers heavily invested in the following 10 subcategories in 2022:

  1. Computers, optical readers: This category accounted for a significant import value of $123.8 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 4.8%.
  2. Computer parts, accessories: Importing computer parts and accessories amounted to $34.1 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 12.2%.
  3. Turbo-jets: With an import value of $23.8 billion, this category experienced a growth rate of 21.3%.
  4. Taps, valves, similar appliances: Importing goods in this category amounted to $18.1 billion, representing a growth rate of 15.7%.
  5. Printing machinery: This category saw imports worth $16.2 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 5.2%.
  6. Air or vacuum pumps: Importing goods in this category amounted to $15.6 billion, representing a growth rate of 14.1%.
  7. Refrigerators, freezers: The import value of refrigerators and freezers reached $15 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 5.7%.
  8. Air conditioners: This category experienced significant growth, reaching an import value of $14 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 20.6%.
  9. Centrifuges, filters and purifiers: Importing goods in this category amounted to $13.9 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 7.7%.
  10. Liquid pumps and elevators: The import value of liquid pumps and elevators reached $13.1 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 12.9%.

Among these import subcategories, turbo-jets, air conditioners, and taps, valves, and similar appliances experienced the fastest growth rates compared to the previous year.

Major US Imports of Vehicles Plus Related Products

The United States has a strong demand for vehicles and related products, as evidenced by the significant investments in the following 10 subcategories in 2022:

  1. Cars: The import value of cars reached an impressive $168.3 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 13.7% compared to the previous year.
  2. Automobile parts/accessories: Importing automobile parts and accessories amounted to $86.2 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 16.7%.
  3. Trucks: This category accounted for $35.2 billion, representing a growth rate of 13.1%.
  4. Tractors: With an import value of $18.8 billion, this category experienced remarkable growth of 43.6%.
  5. Trailers: The import value of trailers reached $7 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 35.1%.
  6. Motorcycles: Importing motorcycles amounted to $5.1 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 39.4%.
  7. Motorcycle parts/accessories: This category saw imports worth $2.4 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 10.6%.
  8. Bicycles, other non-motorized cycles: The import value of bicycles and other non-motorized cycles reached $2.2 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 2.4%.
  9. Special purpose vehicles: Importing special purpose vehicles amounted to $985 million, reflecting a growth rate of 11.3%.
  10. Automobile bodies: The import value of automobile bodies reached $759.4 million, reflecting a growth rate of 27.7%.

Among these import subcategories, tractors, motorcycles, and trailers experienced the fastest growth rates compared to the previous year.

Major US Imports of Mineral Fuels Plus Related Products

The United States heavily relies on imports for mineral fuels and related products, as demonstrated by the substantial investments in the following subcategories in 2022:

  1. Crude oil: The import value of crude oil reached an impressive $204.7 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 47.8% compared to the previous year.
  2. Processed petroleum oils: Importing processed petroleum oils amounted to $82.3 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 27.9%.
  3. Petroleum gases: This category accounted for $24.1 billion, representing a growth rate of 59.3%.
  4. Electrical energy: With an import value of $4.2 billion, this category experienced remarkable growth of 61%.
  5. Petroleum oil residues: The import value of petroleum oil residues reached $3.7 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 89%.
  6. Coal tar oils (high-temperature distillation): Importing coal tar oils amounted to $1.2 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 151%.
  7. Coal, solid fuels made from coal: This category accounted for $761 million, representing a growth rate of 49.4%.
  8. Petroleum jelly, mineral waxes: The import value of petroleum jelly and mineral waxes reached $624.5 million, reflecting a growth rate of 26.5%.
  9. Peat: Importing peat amounted to $554.2 million, reflecting a decline of -6.2%.
  10. Asphalt/petroleum bitumen mixes: The import value of asphalt and petroleum bitumen mixes reached $197.3 million, reflecting a growth rate of 53.8%.

Among these import subcategories, high-temperature distilled coal tar oils, petroleum oil residues, and electrical energy experienced the fastest growth rates compared to the previous year.

FreightAmigo: Optimizing the Supply Chain for importing

As the United States continues to rely heavily on imported goods, businesses face the challenge of managing an efficient supply chain. FreightAmigo, a leading logistics and freight management company, offers comprehensive solutions to handle the shipping and delivery of these top imported goods.

By leveraging their expertise in customs clearance procedures, FreightAmigo ensures the smooth entry of these products into the United States, overcoming complex regulatory requirements. Their in-depth knowledge of international trade and customs regulations enables businesses to navigate the intricacies of global trade seamlessly.

FreightAmigo’s supply chain optimization services provide valuable market insights, empowering businesses to make informed decisions and adapt strategies for the top imported goods. Their expertise in risk management solutions further safeguards against potential disruptions, ensuring a reliable and timely supply of these goods in the U.S. market.

Partnering with FreightAmigo allows businesses to leverage their logistics prowess, customs expertise, and supply chain optimization, facilitating the seamless handling and distribution of the top U.S. imports. With FreightAmigo as a trusted partner, businesses can streamline their operations, enhance efficiency, and focus on their core competencies while leaving the complexities of logistics and supply chain management in capable hands.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the United States’ top imports reflect the diverse needs and demands of the American market. By understanding these import trends and partnering with a reliable logistics and freight management company like FreightAmigo, businesses can optimize their operations and ensure a seamless flow of goods into the United States. With FreightAmigo’s comprehensive services, businesses can navigate the complexities of global trade, overcome regulatory challenges, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.

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Kenneth Poon