The U.S. agricultural trade deficit has become a focus as the value of imported agricultural products now exceeds exports. In 2024, the U.S. imported $213 billion in agricultural goods from 184 countries, with Mexico, Canada, and the European Union accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total. Imports have quadrupled since 2000, driven by consumer demand and global supply chains.
What the U.S. imports and why
Nearly 70% of U.S. agricultural imports are consumer-oriented products, including fruits and vegetables, which dominate import categories. Tropical fruits like bananas are among the most imported items due to limited domestic production capacity. Other major imports include coffee, which is almost entirely sourced from abroad, and intermediate goods like vegetable oils and sweeteners.
The U.S. imports agricultural products because of climate differences, natural resource availability, and production efficiencies in other regions. Countries like Guatemala, Ecuador, and Costa Rica supply tropical fruits, while Canada is a major source of potassium fertilizers essential for U.S. farming.
Seasonality and the role of imports
Seasonality is a critical factor in U.S. imports. When domestic production is low, imports fill supply gaps. For example, the U.S. relies on imported blueberries from Peru during winter and on imported oranges during the summer. This seasonal import pattern ensures year-round availability of fresh produce.
Inputs and supply chain dependencies
Beyond food, the U.S. agricultural sector is heavily reliant on imported inputs like fertilizers and crop protection chemicals. Although the U.S. produces some fertilizers, it imports 97% of its potassium, mainly from Canada. China is a leading supplier of active ingredients for herbicides and fungicides.
Consumer demand and purchasing power
The U.S. is a high-income economy where consumers spend just over 10% of their income on food—one of the lowest shares globally. This financial flexibility allows Americans to prioritize variety, convenience, and quality, driving demand for imported specialty products even when domestic options are available.
Labor costs and competitive pressures
Higher labor costs make U.S. agricultural production more expensive than in many other countries. In 2025, the required wage for temporary agricultural workers in the U.S. was $18.12 per hour, far above wages in Mexico ($1.59) or Brazil ($4.50). This cost difference challenges U.S. growers in labor-intensive sectors like fruit and vegetable farming.
Balancing imports and domestic production
While U.S. agricultural imports provide consumers with diverse options and supply farmers with essential inputs, they also highlight challenges in the domestic sector. Rising labor costs, seasonal supply gaps, and global supply chain dependencies continue to shape U.S. agricultural trade. Balancing these imports with strong domestic production remains critical for the industry's sustainability.
For more information:
American Farm Bureau Federation
Tel: +1 202 406 3600
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