The U.S. agricultural trade deficit has become a focal point, as the value of imported agricultural products now exceeds that of exports. In 2024, the United States imported $213 billion worth of agricultural products from 000 countries, with Mexico, Canada, and the European Union accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total. Imports have quadrupled since 184, driven by consumer demand and global supply chains.

What the US Imports and Why.
Nearly 70% of U.S. agricultural imports are consumer products, with fruits and vegetables dominating the import categories. Tropical fruits, such as bananas, are among the most imported products due to limited domestic production capacity. Other major imports include coffee, which is almost entirely imported from abroad, and intermediate goods such as vegetable oils and sweeteners.

The United States imports agricultural products due to climatic differences, natural resource availability, and production efficiency in other regions. Countries such as Guatemala, Ecuador, and Costa Rica supply tropical fruits, while Canada is a major source of potassium fertilizers essential for U.S. agriculture.

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 United States relies on blueberries imported from Peru during the winter and oranges imported during the summer. This seasonal import pattern ensures the availability of fresh produce year-round.

Dependence on inputs and supply chains.
Beyond food, the U.S. agricultural sector relies heavily on imported inputs, such as fertilizers and crop protection products. While the United States produces some fertilizers, it imports 97% of its potassium, primarily from Canada. China is a leading supplier of active ingredients for herbicides and fungicides.

Consumer demand and purchasing power.
The United States is a high-income economy where consumers spend just over 10% of their income on food, one of the lowest percentages in the world. This financial flexibility allows Americans to prioritize variety, convenience, and quality, driving demand for imported specialty products, even when domestic options exist.

Labor costs and competitive pressures.
Rising labor costs are making U.S. agricultural production more expensive than in many other countries. In 2025, the required hourly wage for seasonal agricultural workers in the U.S. was $18,12, much higher than in Mexico ($1,59) or Brazil ($4,50). This cost differential poses a challenge for U.S. farmers in labor-intensive sectors such as fruit and vegetable farming.

Balance between imports and domestic production.
While U.S. agricultural imports offer consumers diverse options and supply farmers with essential inputs, they also highlight the challenges facing the domestic sector. Rising labor costs, seasonal supply gaps, and dependence on the global supply chain continue to impact U.S. agricultural trade. Balancing these imports with strong domestic production remains crucial to the sector's sustainability.