The bulk of U.S. imports fall into categories of consumer goods, capital goods and industrial supplies. However, agricultural products account for an increasing share of total U.S. imports.
From fiscal years 2004 to 2023, the value of U.S. imports of agricultural products rose an average 3.7% annually, adjusting for inflation, exceeding the overall rate of increase for total U.S. imports. Led by increases in processed food and beverages, horticultural products and livestock products, agricultural imports are forecast to reach $204 billion in fiscal year 2024 and a record $212 billion in fiscal year 2025.
Moreover, in 2023, agricultural imports accounted for 6.3% of the total value, up from 4.3% in 2004. U.S. consumers’ growing appetites for high-valued imported goods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, alcoholic beverages and processed grain products have helped drive the rapid expansion of agricultural imports.
Imported goods often include products that can’t easily be sourced in the U.S., such as tropical products, off-season produce or protected designated-origin products like Parmigiano Reggiano and Champagne. — USDA Economic Research Service
