Have you ever wondered what America sells to the world? As the second-largest exporter globally, the United States ships an impressive $ 2.06 trillion worth of goods to countries across the globe. Let’s explore the top 10 U.S. exports and discover which countries are buying American products.

You might be surprised to learn that every day, massive quantities of American-made products leave our ports bound for international destinations. These exports not only fuel our economy but also create millions of jobs across the country. In 2024, U.S. exports reached a record-breaking $2.06 trillion—that’s roughly $6,150 worth of exports for every American!

Top 10 U.S. Exports

Rank	Export Category	Value ($ billions)	% of Total Exports	Major Destination Countries
1	Mineral Fuels & Oil	320.1	15.5%	Mexico, Canada, Netherlands, UK, Chile
2	Machinery & Computers	252.4	12.2%	Canada, Mexico, China, Europe
3	Electrical Equipment	213.9	10.4%	Mexico, Canada, China, Japan
4	Aircraft & Spacecraft	98.3	4.8%	France, UK, China, Japan, UAE
5	Vehicles & Auto Parts	78.5*	3.8%*	Canada, Mexico, Germany, Japan
6	Pharmaceuticals	70.2*	3.4%*	Ireland, UK, Switzerland, Canada
7	Plastics & Articles	65.8*	3.2%*	Mexico, Canada, China
8	Precious Metals & Gems	62.4*	3.0%*	UK, Switzerland, India, Hong Kong
9	Organic Chemicals	56.2*	2.7%*	Canada, Mexico, China, Belgium
10	Agricultural Products	51.7*	2.5%*	China, Mexico, Canada, Japan, S. Korea

* Estimated values based on percentage of total exports

1- Mineral Fuels and Oil ($320.1 billion)

America’s energy revolution has transformed the country into an energy powerhouse. Our top export category, accounting for 15.5% of all exports, includes crude oil, refined petroleum, and natural gas.
Who’s buying? Mexico has become our biggest customer for gasoline, purchasing about half of all we export. Canada, European countries like the Netherlands and UK, and South American nations like Chile, Brazil, and Peru are also major buyers of American energy products.

2- Machinery including Computers ($252.4 billion)

From industrial equipment to cutting-edge computing technology, American machinery is in high demand worldwide. This category makes up 12.2% of our total exports and includes computer accessories, industrial machinery, and complete computer systems.
Who’s buying? Our neighbors Canada and Mexico are major customers, along with China and various European countries. American-made machines help power factories, businesses, and homes across the globe.

3- Electrical Machinery & Equipment ($213.9 billion)

Think semiconductors, electronic components, and the building blocks of our digital world. This category represents 10.4% of U.S. exports and showcases America’s technological innovation.
Who’s buying? Mexico, Canada, China, and Japan are hungry for American electronics, using these components to manufacture finished products that often make their way back to American consumers.

4- Aircraft & Spacecraft ($98.3 billion)

When it comes to advanced aerospace technology, America remains a global leader. From commercial airliners to aircraft parts and engines, the world trusts American aerospace engineering.
Who’s buying? European countries like France and the UK, along with China, Japan, and wealthy Middle Eastern nations like the UAE purchase billions of dollars worth of American aircraft annually.

5- Vehicles & Automotive Parts

American-made cars, trucks, and auto parts continue to be sought after around the world, with major automotive manufacturing centers in states like Michigan, Tennessee, and Alabama.
Who’s buying? Not surprisingly, our neighbors Canada and Mexico are the biggest markets due to our integrated North American automotive supply chain. Germany and Japan—despite being auto manufacturing powerhouses themselves—also import significant amounts of American vehicles and parts.

6- Pharmaceuticals & Medical Equipment

From life-saving medications to cutting-edge medical devices, American pharmaceutical and medical innovations help improve healthcare outcomes worldwide.
Who’s buying? European countries (especially Ireland, UK, and Switzerland), along with Canada and Japan, are major importers of American medical products. Blood plasma, vaccines, and specialized medical instruments are particularly in demand.

7- Plastic & Plastic Articles

American-made plastics and plastic products serve as essential inputs for countless manufacturing processes globally.
Who’s buying? Mexico, Canada, and China use American plastics in their manufacturing sectors, highlighting how U.S. exports often form part of complex international supply chains.

8- Precious Metals & Gems

From gold to jewelry and unmounted diamonds, American precious metals and gems find markets around the world.
Who’s buying? Financial centers like the UK and Switzerland, along with India and Hong Kong, are major destinations for these high-value exports.

9- Organic Chemicals

The U.S. chemical industry produces specialized compounds used in manufacturing, agriculture, and pharmaceutical production.
Who’s buying? Canada, Mexico, China, Belgium, and the Netherlands import significant quantities of American-made chemicals for their industrial sectors.

10- Agricultural Products

American farmers feed the world with exports of soybeans, corn, wheat, meat products, and fruits.
Who’s buying? China remains the largest buyer of American soybeans, while Mexico, Canada, Japan, and South Korea purchase a diverse range of American agricultural products.

U.S. Exports by Country (2022-2024)

Here is a top destination countries for U.S. goods exports in 2022:

• Canada: $356.5 billion (17.3% of total U.S. goods exports)
• Mexico: $324.3 billion
• China: $150.4 billion
• Japan: $80.2 billion
• United Kingdom: $76.2 billion
• European Union (27): $350.8 billion (as a bloc)

Countries with Trade Surpluses with the U.S. (2024)

The U.S. maintained trade surpluses (exported more than imported) with:

• Netherlands: $55.5 billion surplus
• South and Central America: $47.3 billion surplus
• Hong Kong: $21.9 billion surplus
• Australia: $17.9 billion surplus
• United Kingdom: $11.9 billion surplus

Top Destinations for U.S. Services Exports (2022)

• Ireland: $83.1 billion (9% of total U.S. services exports)
• United Kingdom: $80.9 billion
• Canada: $69.5 billion
• Switzerland: $52.4 billion
• China: $42.2 billion
• European Union (27): $238.6 billion (as a bloc)

Second-largest Exporter Globally: U.S.

Did you know that for every $1 billion in exports, approximately 5,000 American jobs are supported? That means our export economy helps maintain over 10 million jobs across the country. But the benefits don’t stop there.

Many U.S. companies have found tremendous success in international markets. Take Boeing, for example. This aerospace giant exports approximately 70% of the commercial aircraft it produces, generating billions in revenue and supporting a vast supply chain of American businesses.
Similarly, American energy companies have transformed from importers to major exporters in just over a decade. U.S. refineries now ship gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum products to markets worldwide, while our natural gas exports have surged as liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities have come online.

FAQ

1. What are the top categories of products that the U.S. exports?
   The U.S. primarily exports machinery including computers, electrical machinery and equipment, mineral fuels including oil, vehicles, aircraft and spacecraft parts, medical equipment, and agricultural products. In 2024, total U.S. goods exports reached $2.06 trillion, a new record.
2. Which countries buy the most U.S. exports?
   As of 2025, the top five purchasers of U.S. goods exports are Canada, Mexico, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Canada accounts for approximately 17% of total U.S. goods exports, followed closely by Mexico. The European Union as a whole is also a major market.
3. Is China still an important export market for the U.S. despite trade tensions?
   Yes, China remains the third-largest export market for U.S. goods despite ongoing trade tensions. In 2024, exports to China were valued at approximately $150 billion, though tariffs and geopolitical issues continue to create volatility in this trading relationship.
4. What U.S. agricultural products are most in demand globally?
   Soybeans, corn, wheat, meat products (especially pork and beef), and tree nuts (like almonds) are among the most exported U.S. agricultural products. These products are particularly important exports to markets in Asia, including China and Japan.
5. How significant are services in U.S. exports?
   Services are extremely important, accounting for about 30% of overall U.S. exports. The U.S. is the world’s largest services exporter, with financial services, intellectual property licensing, travel/tourism, and business services being major categories. Service exports reached $926 billion in 2022.
6. Has the U.S. export landscape changed significantly post-pandemic?
   Yes, the pandemic disrupted supply chains and shifted export patterns. While exports initially declined sharply in 2020, they’ve since rebounded and even reached record levels by 2024. However, the focus has shifted toward supply chain resilience and reduced dependence on certain markets.
7. What strategies do successful U.S. exporters use to find foreign buyers?
   Successful exporters research markets with high demand for their products, leverage government resources like the U.S. Commercial Service, participate in international trade shows, utilize online marketplaces, and develop relationships with distributors in target countries. Many also use export management companies to handle the complexities of international sales.
8. What impact do tariffs have on U.S. exports?
   Tariffs can significantly impact U.S. exports when foreign countries impose retaliatory measures in response to U.S. tariff policies. Recent tariff escalations have created volatility in export markets, with some sectors experiencing decreased demand due to higher prices. Agricultural exports have been particularly affected by retaliatory tariffs.
9. What are the main challenges U.S. exporters face in 2025?
   Major challenges include navigating complex and changing tariff structures, geopolitical tensions affecting trade relationships, supply chain disruptions, currency fluctuations, workforce shortages in logistics and shipping, and adapting to different regulatory requirements across markets. Compliance with sanctions has also become increasingly complex.
10. How do small and medium-sized businesses participate in U.S. exports?
    Despite common perceptions, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up the majority of U.S. exporters. They typically start by exporting to one or two markets with cultural or geographic proximity (like Canada or the UK), utilize digital platforms to reach foreign customers, and often take advantage of government export assistance programs.
11. What government resources help U.S. companies export?
    The U.S. government offers numerous resources including the U.S. Commercial Service, Export-Import Bank financing, Small Business Administration export loans, State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grants, and market research through U.S. embassies. The annual Export Week program provides education about market opportunities and trade skills.
12. Are U.S. energy exports increasing or decreasing?
    U.S. energy exports, particularly natural gas (LNG) and petroleum products, have significantly increased in recent years. The U.S. has become a major energy exporter, especially to European markets seeking alternatives to Russian energy sources.
13. What documentation is required for exporting from the U.S.?
    Essential export documentation includes commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, export licenses (for controlled items), shipping documents, and in some cases, specialized certificates (like phytosanitary certificates for agricultural products). The specific requirements vary by destination country and product type.
14. How has technology changed the U.S. export landscape?
    Technology has transformed exporting through e-commerce platforms that allow direct access to global customers, digital documentation systems, blockchain for supply chain transparency, and export compliance software. These technologies have made exporting more accessible for smaller businesses.
15. Which emerging markets offer the best opportunities for U.S. exporters?
    Southeast Asian markets (particularly Vietnam and Indonesia), India, parts of Latin America, and select African economies offer significant growth potential for U.S. exporters. These regions have growing middle classes with increasing purchasing power and demand for quality goods and services.
16. How do U.S. export controls affect technology companies?
    U.S. export controls significantly impact technology companies, especially those dealing with advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and other dual-use technologies. These companies must navigate complex regulations like the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which restrict exports to certain countries and entities for national security reasons.
17. What effect has the strong dollar had on U.S. exports?
    A strong dollar typically makes U.S. exports more expensive and less competitive in foreign markets. During periods of dollar strength, exporters often face challenges maintaining price competitiveness, which can lead to reduced export volumes unless the products have unique qualities that command premium pricing.
18. How do U.S. exporters handle payment risks in international transactions?
    U.S. exporters manage payment risks through methods like requiring advance payments, using letters of credit, export credit insurance (through private insurers or the Export-Import Bank), factoring export receivables, or working with established distributors with proven payment histories. The specific approach depends on the market risk level and relationship maturity.
19. What’s the difference between “de-risking” and “decoupling” in U.S. export strategy?
    “De-risking” involves diversifying supply chains and export markets to reduce overdependence on any single country (particularly China), while maintaining commercial relationships. “Decoupling” is more drastic, involving the complete severing of certain trade relationships for strategic or security reasons. Most U.S. exporters are pursuing de-risking rather than full decoupling.
20. How is climate policy affecting U.S. export opportunities?
    Climate policy is creating new export opportunities for U.S. companies in renewable energy technology, electric vehicles and components, energy storage solutions, and environmental monitoring equipment. Government initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act have boosted domestic manufacturing in these sectors, creating potential for increased “green technology” exports.