Overall Agricultural Trade

Both imports and exports of agricultural products have increased over time. In nominal terms, imports have grown an average of 6.6% per year since the 1990s, reaching $215 billion in 2024 (see Figure 1). Prior to 2013, agricultural imports were less than agricultural exports, meaning that the U.S. ran a trade surplus in agriculture. In recent  years, the value of agricultural imports have exceeded that of exports.

Horticultural products have been driving the increase in agricultural imports.  The Federal definition of horticultural products includes fruit, vegetables, tree nuts, wine, beer, and spirits.  Imports of fresh vegetables such as bananas, avocados, strawberries, and blueberries have grown in recent years (see, Russel and Kenner).  Any tariffs on these products would increase the costs of these products to consumers, as well as reduce the amount of these products imported.

Canada and Mexico are the first and third largest countries in terms of agricultural imports into the U.S. The European Union nations are between Canada and Mexico. Any tariffs on agricultural imports would likely have the greatest impact on Canada, the EU, and Mexico. Agricultural exports reached a high of $156.8 billion in 2014 before declining (see Figure 1). Between 2015 and 2020, their value varied between $133.7 billion and $148.6 billion before increasing to $196.8 billion in 2020.

The three largest countries receiving US agricultural exports are China, Canada, and Mexico. 

Source: Illinois, farmdoc