In the global economy, few indicators are as revealing as the United States’ international trade data. As the world’s largest importer and one of the top exporters, the US plays a pivotal role in shaping global supply chains. The 2024–25 trade period has been rich in transformation: new alliances, nearshoring shifts, and sectoral booms. Let’s unpack the numbers and trends that are driving these changes with the US import-export data.

US Trade Overview: 2024–25

In 2024, the United States reached a total trade volume of $5.17 trillion, as per the US trade data. This was split between $2.17 trillion in exports as per the US export data and $3 trillion in imports, based on the US import data, resulting in a trade deficit of $830 billion. While the deficit remains significant, it narrowed by 4.6% compared to 2023, thanks in part to stronger domestic production and record-breaking energy exports.

Between January 2024 and April 2025:

• Exports grew by 5.2%
• Imports increased by 2.1%
• The energy trade surplus grew to $130 billion

Top US Export Markets: US Exports by Country

In 2024–25, as per the US shipment data and USA export data by country, the US goods were primarily shipped to:

• Canada ($366 billion)
• Mexico ($316 billion)
• United Kingdom ($145 billion)
• China ($131 billion)
• Japan ($111 billion)

Canada and Mexico, as NAFTA successors under USMCA, remain deeply integrated with American manufacturing. However, the United Kingdom rose notably due to expanded pharmaceutical and aerospace trade, especially as negotiations for the 2025 US–UK Free Trade Agreement accelerated. US exports to China dropped by 7% compared to 2023, reflecting ongoing geopolitical friction and reduced agricultural shipments.

What the US is Exporting: Top US Exports (2024)

The top-performing US export categories for 2024–25 include:

• Refined Petroleum ($172 billion)
• Aircraft & Aerospace Components ($145 billion)
• Pharmaceuticals ($98 billion)
• Industrial Machinery ($85 billion)
• Medical Devices & Instruments ($62 billion)

Energy exports to Europe and Asia were historic. In particular, LNG shipments to the EU increased by 34%, as the bloc sought to replace Russian gas. Meanwhile, US-made aerospace parts fueled Boeing’s export recovery, especially to Gulf and Southeast Asian airlines. Pharmaceutical exports rose by over 8%, with rising demand for mRNA vaccines and advanced biologics in Europe and Japan.

Key US Import Sources: US Imports by Country

The biggest exporters to the US in 2024–25, as per the US import data by country, were:

• China ($482 billion)
• Mexico ($413 billion)
• Canada ($353 billion)
• Germany ($172 billion)
• Vietnam ($136 billion)

China’s share of US imports dipped to 16%, its lowest since 2009, while Mexico grew to 13.7%, largely due to nearshoring of electronics, auto parts, and finished machinery. Vietnam gained ground, particularly in low-cost electronics, textiles, and coffee, seeing a 12% increase year-over-year, as per the data on US imports from Vietnam. Germany remained strong in the automotive and industrial engineering sectors.

What the US is Importing: Top US Imports (2024)

Key categories of US imports in 2024–25 include:

• Electrical Machinery & Equipment ($420 billion)
• Vehicles & Parts ($312 billion)
• Pharmaceuticals ($190 billion)
• Computers & Optical Devices ($157 billion)
• Apparel & Footwear ($94 billion)

Electric vehicle imports from Germany and South Korea grew 18% year-over-year, driven by rising consumer demand for EVs. Chinese brands like BYD also made inroads, albeit modestly, due to tariffs.

Meanwhile, the US imported over $110 billion in smartphones, primarily from China, Vietnam, and India, illustrating continued reliance on Asia for tech hardware.

Standout Trends Shaping the US Trade Data

1. Energy Independence Turns Into Dominance

The US exported over $270 billion in oil and natural gas, led by LNG shipments to Europe and East Asia. The US became the world’s top LNG exporter, outpacing Qatar and Australia.

2. CHIP Act Kicks In

While the US still imported over $130 billion in semiconductors, domestic chip output reduced dependency slightly. Imports from Taiwan declined 6%, while domestic fab capacity (led by Intel, Micron, and TSMC Arizona) increased.

3. Pharma Push

The US not only exported nearly $100 billion in pharmaceuticals, but also imported high-value medications, notably $52 billion from Ireland, $33 billion from Switzerland, and $27 billion from India.

4. Automotive Shifts

American auto exports hovered around $95 billion, mostly SUVs to Canada and Latin America. Imports, however, surged, particularly in EVs and hybrid components.

Agriculture & Food Trade

US agriculture exports hit $172 billion, led by:

• Soybeans ($32 billion)
• Corn ($27 billion)
• Beef ($18 billion)
• Dairy & Eggs ($11 billion)

China remained the top buyer of soy and pork, while Mexico and Japan led demand for corn and beef. A surprising newcomer was India, where exports of US almonds and dairy products rose by 22%.

US Trade Deficits & Surpluses by Sector

• Surplus:
  • Energy: +$130 billion
  • Agriculture: +$42 billion
  • Aerospace: +$31 billion
• Deficit:
  • Electronics: −$216 billion
  • Apparel: −$68 billion
  • Automobiles: −$94 billion

The structural trade gap in consumer electronics remains persistent, with US firms like Apple and Dell still relying heavily on Asian production chains.

What’s Next for the US Trade Data in 2025?

With the US–UK Free Trade Deal finalization, 2025 is poised for shifts in transatlantic trade:

• Pharma and medical device exports to the UK may grow by $7–10 billion
• UK food and spirits exports to the US may increase by 15% under new tariff rules
• Digital services and cross-border data flows are likely to be liberalized

In addition, the continued expansion of domestic chip manufacturing and green energy projects (fueled by IRA subsidies) may reduce tech and battery imports over the next 24 months.

Conclusion and Final Takeaway

The US trade data for 2024–25 shows a nation adapting strategically and competitively. From boosting energy exports to rebalancing critical supply chains, the US is navigating a complex global landscape with smart policy moves and evolving partnerships. While challenges like trade deficits in tech persist, sectors like energy, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals are pulling ahead. This is more than just numbers, it’s a story of transformation, resilience, and global re-engagement.

To get more customized reports on the US trade database as per your business requirement, and the latest US import-export data for the first quarter of 2025, contact USImportdata at info@tradeimex.in today!