Top US imports from Mexico in 2023-24 

Total US imports from Mexico accounted for $480.08 billion in 2023. Mexico is ranked as the number one import partner of the US. The United States continues to have a strong trade relationship with Mexico. Mexico is one of the largest trading partners of the US, and the bilateral trade between the two countries continues to grow each year. Accoding to the latest US import data of the first six months of 2024, the US imports from Mexico amounted to $251.23 billion. The top US imports from Mexico in the first two quarters of 2024 include vehicles ($67.89 billion), nuclear reactors and machinery ($47.7 billion), electrical machinery ($42.77 billion), optical, medical, and surgical instruments ($11.58 billion), mineral fuels and mineral oils ($9.36 billion), edible fruits and nuts ($6.64 billion), furniture, bedding, and mattresses ($6.55 billion), beverages ($6.5 billion), edible vegetables ($6.01 billion), and plastics and articles thereof ($4.1 billion). Let's take a closer look at the top US imports from Mexico in 2023.

1. Vehicles: $130.03 billion

One of the top imports from Mexico to the US is vehicles. With a value of $130.03 billion, vehicles play a significant role in the trade between the two countries. Mexico is a major producer of vehicles, and many popular car brands have manufacturing plants in Mexico. Vehicles have the two-digit HS code 87. Motor cars ($44.96 billion), parts and accessories of tractors and motor vehicles ($35.11 billion), motor vehicles for transport of goods ($32.88 billion), tractors ($12.26 billion), and trailers and semi-trailers ($4.22 billion) are the top vehicle imports of the US from Mexico in 2023.

2. Electrical Machinery: $85.55 billion

Electrical machinery is another major import from Mexico to the US, totaling $85.55 billion in value. This category includes a wide range of products such as electrical appliances, telecommunication equipment, and more. Mexico has a strong manufacturing sector for electrical machinery, making it a key supplier to the US market. The two-digit HS code for electrical machinery is 85. Insulated wires and cables ($15.62 billion), telephones and smartphones ($10.36 billion), monitors and projectors ($10.16 billion), boards, panels, and consoles ($8.02 billion), and electrical transformers ($5.74 billion) are the top electrical machinery exports of the US from Mexico in 2023.

3. Nuclear reactors and machinery: $81.61 billion

Nuclear reactors are also among the top imports from Mexico to the US, with a value of $81.61 billion. These reactors are used in various industries, including power generation and healthcare. Mexico's expertise in producing nuclear reactors makes it a valuable partner in meeting the US demand for these products. The two-digit HS code for nuclear reactors is 84. Automatic data-processing machines ($27.72 billion), air conditioners ($6.85 billion), refrigerators ($6.38 billion), centrifuges ($4.10 billion), and parts suitable for use with internal combustion piston engines ($3.86 billion) are the top nuclear reactors and machinery imports of the US from Mexico in 2023.

4. Mineral fuels and mineral oils: $25.01 billion

Mineral fuels and mineral oils are essential commodities that the US imports from Mexico, totaling $25.01 billion in value. These products are crucial for various industries, including transportation and manufacturing. Mexico's abundant natural resources make it a dependable source of mineral fuels and oils for the US. The two-digit HS code for mineral fuels and mineral oils is 27. Crude oil ($20.35 billion), petroleum oil ($4.63 billion), oils of the distillation of high-temperature coal tar ($16.04 million), petroleum gas and other gaseous hydrocarbons ($5.63 billion), and coal ($438k) are the top mineral fuels and oils imported by the US from Mexico in 2023.

5. Optical, medical, or surgical instruments: $22.33 billion

Another top import from Mexico to the US is optical, medical, or surgical instruments, with a value of $22.33 billion. These instruments are essential for the healthcare industry, and Mexico's high-quality manufacturing capabilities make it a preferred supplier for these products. The two-digit HS code for optical, medical, or surgical instruments is 90. Instruments used in medical, surgical, and dental sciences ($11.80 billion), orthopedic appliances ($1.77 billion), gas, liquid, or electricity supply meters ($1.41 billion), regulating instruments ($1.37 billion), and revolution counters, milometers, and pedometers ($1.16 billion) are the top medical and surgical instruments imported by the US from Mexico in 2023.  

6. Furniture, bedding, and mattresses: $13.35 billion

Furniture, bedding, and mattresses are also significant imports from Mexico to the US, with a total value of $13.35 billion. Mexico produces a wide range of furniture and bedding products that cater to the US market's demand for quality and affordable home furnishings. The two-digit HS code for furniture, bedding, and mattresses is 94. Seats ($8.28 billion), furniture and parts thereof ($2.46 billion), luminaires and lighting fittings ($1.78 billion), mattress supports ($604.09 million), and medical, surgical, and dental furniture ($160.47 million) are the top imports of furniture, bedding, and mattresses by the US from Mexico in 2023.   

7. Beverages, spirits, and vinegar: $11.75 billion

Mexico is known for its beverages, spirits, and vinegar, which are popular imports in the US market. With a value of $11.75 billion, these products contribute significantly to the bilateral trade between the two countries. Mexican beverages and spirits are enjoyed by consumers in the US, adding to Mexico's export success in this category. The two-digit HS code for beverages, spirits, and vinegar is 22. Beer ($5.80 billion), undenatured ethyl alcohol ($4.85 billion), mineral waters and aerated waters ($876.89 million), natural or artificial mineral waters ($152.25 million), and cider, perry, mead, and other fermented beverages ($49.70 million) are the top beverages imports by the US from Mexico in 2023.

8. Edible fruits and nuts: $10.86 billion

Edible fruits and nuts are popular imports from Mexico to the US, with a value of $10.86 billion. Mexico's favorable climate allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of fruits and nuts, making it a key supplier of these products to the US market. The two-digit HS code for edible fruits is 08. Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries ($3.95 billion), dates, figs, pineapples, avocados, guavas, and mangoes ($3.40 billion), citrus fruits ($892.53 million), grapes ($851.82 million), and melons ($611.96 million) are the top edible fruits imports by the US from Mexico in 2023.

9. Edible vegetables: $9.52 billion

Finally, edible vegetables are important imports from Mexico to the US, with a total value of $9.52 billion. Mexico's agricultural sector produces a wide range of vegetables that are in high demand in the US, contributing to the robust trade relationship between the two countries. The two-digit HS code for edible vegetables is 07. Other vegetables ($3.07 billion), tomatoes ($2.82 billion), cucumbers ($841.89 million), cabbages and cauliflowers ($731.36 million), and vegetables cooked or uncooked by steaming or boiling in water ($671.95 million) are the major edible vegetables imports by the US from Mexico in 2023. 

10. Plastics and articles thereof ($7.90 billion)

Plastics and articles thereof are important imports from Mexico, totaling $7.90 billion in 2023. This category includes products such as plastic containers, packaging materials, and construction materials. Mexico is a key supplier of plastic goods to the US market. The two-digit HS code for plastics is 39. Articles of plastics ($1.92 billion), articles for packaging of goods ($1.54 billion), plates, sheets, and foil of non-cellular plastics ($750.52 million), tubes, pipes, and hoses ($664.74 million), and polyacetals ($607.21 million) are the top imports of plastics and articles thereof by the US from Mexico in 2023. 

Total US imports from Mexico in the last 10 years

US Trades With Mexico More trade than ever before in 2023

The trade occurred between Mexico and the United States in 2023, which saw Mexico reclaim its position as the USA's top trading partner. Due to trade with Mexico, which took the lead over Canada as the USA's largest trading partner after two years, Port Laredo concluded as the nation's largest port for the first time. Trade between the United States and Mexico totaled $798.83 billion in 2023, falling short of the $817.36 billion in commerce between the United States and China in 2018. Even with a modest rise in trade this year, the United States would only be the second nation with whom it has ever done more than $800 billion in bilateral trade and commerce.

The US-Mexico Trade Agreement

A trade agreement known as the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement (USMCA) was signed by the US, Mexico, and Canada on July 1, 2020. Its goal is to help businesses, farmers, ranchers, and laborers in North America. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was replaced by it. Fairer trade, more open markets, and economic expansion in North America are the goals of the USMCA. In addition, the USMCA contains clauses that limit internet platforms' civil liability for content created by third parties, encourage cooperation on cybersecurity issues, and permit open access to publicly supplied government data. It has clauses that address:

• Origin rules: Better regulations for vehicles, trucks, and other goods.

• Currency manipulation: A look at the disciplines involved in currency manipulation.

• Agriculture and food: Modernization and expansion of commerce in food and agriculture, with special access to markets for agricultural and food goods from the United States

• Intellectual property: New safeguards and protection of the United States' intellectual property.

• Additional clauses: investment protections, labor and environmental regulations, automation, customs inspections, handling of low-value items, digital trade, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions on US Mexico Trade 

How did Mexico become the USA's leading import partner?

Mexico is now the leading import partner of the US. In February 2023, Mexico surpassed China in terms of monthly shipments to the United States; in fact, Mexico had led in exports for all but January and November of that year. Together, the US imports from Mexico in 2023 came to an overall value of $480.08 billion. The US's renewed interest in investing in Mexico is the primary factor contributing to its rise. The tactic also referred to as "nearshoring," has prompted several businesses to declare multibillion-dollar investments in the nation.

Why US import oil from Mexico?

For several reasons, the US imports oil from Mexico, such as:

• Chemistry: Mexico's oil is commonly described as "heavy sour" since it contains a high sulfur content. This kind of oil is intended for processing in US refineries.

• Infrastructure: Pipelines are necessary in the US to move lighter sweeter crude oil to refineries, but these facilities are lacking in many places where there is a significant demand for motor gasoline. Rather, fuel is delivered to these states via trucking, rail, and shipping.

• Offers: Deals with nations who have substantial soured oil supply might be beneficial for the US.

• Wars: To satisfy demand from Britain and France and supplement its supply, the US bought oil from Mexico during World War I.

• Sanctions: The US imposed sanctions on Russian oil in 2022, which would have led to a rise in Mexican imports.

What are the major food commodities the US imports from Mexico?

Mexico accounts for over four-fifths (83.6%) of all food imports into the United States, including fruit, vegetables, drinks, and distilled spirits. Mexico is a supplier of several food items that the United States imports, such as fruits, vegetables, drinks, and distilled alcohol. 2023 saw $18.7 billion worth of food imports into the United States from Mexico, primarily in the form of processed, frozen, and fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts. The main food items that the United States imports from Mexico are:

• Beverages, spirits, and vinegar: $11.75 billion

• Edible fruits and nuts: $10.86 billion

• Edible vegetables: $9.52 billion

• Preparations of cereals, flour, and pastrycook products: $2.83 billion

• Sugars and sugar confectionery: $2.17 billion

What is the total value of US-Mexico trade?

According to the latest trade statistics for 2023, The US-Mexico trade is valued at $798.83 billion, out of which US imports from Mexico are valued at $480.08 billion, while US exports to Mexico are valued at $323.22 billion. 

Who are the top Mexico exporter companies to the USA?

The top Mexico exporter companies to the USA majorly include:

• Pan Weber

• Embalajes Ime Sa De

• Avomex International Sa De

• Agricultores El Fuerte

• Haldex Products De Mexico Sa 

What are the major ports for the US imports from Mexico?

The major ports for the US imports from Mexico include:

• Port of Manzanillo

• Port of Lázaro Cárdenas

• Port of Veracruz

• Port of Altamira

• Douglas port

• Lukeville port

• Naco port

• Nogales port

• Phoenix port

• San Luis port

How did Mexico overtake China or become the biggest US import partner?

The fact that the US imported more goods from Mexico in 2023 than China for the first time in 20 years shows how profoundly patterns of international business have shifted. The US and Mexico had $798 billion in commerce in 2023 as the US's imports of goods from the southern neighbor surpassed those from China and Canada. Mexico has risen to this position in part due to the popularity of "nearshoring," a snappy name for businesses moving closer to their desired market, in this instance, the US.

• Increased conflicts between Washington and Beijing are the cause of this sharp shift in the status of trade flows.

• Factual information indicates that the goods imports from China decreased by 20% to $427.2 billion, significantly narrowing the trade deficit between the US and China.

• The average trade imbalance for goods and services in the US, which is determined by comparing imports to exports, dropped to 18.7%.

Who are the major US oil importers from Mexico?

The major oil importers in the US who import oil from Mexico majorly include:

• Chevron (Pascagoula, MS)

•  Shell Deer Park (Houston, TX)

•  Valero (Port Arthur, TX)

•  ExxonMobil (Beaumont, TX)

•  Marathon (Garyville, LA)

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Top 10 US Main Exports in 2024

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the top US imports from Mexico in 2023 reflect the diverse range of products that Mexico contributes to the US market. From vehicles and electrical machinery to agricultural products and beverages, Mexico continues to play a crucial role in meeting the US demand for quality goods. This strong trade relationship benefits both countries and highlights the significance of their economic partnership.