US-Canada Trade Relationship – A Pillar of North American Prosperity

When it comes to global trade, few partnerships are as vital and long-standing as the one between the United States and Canada. Sharing an 8,800-kilometre border and deeply integrated economies, these two nations exchanged over $762.1 billion in goods in 2024. Canada continues to be the top export market for the USA, and the U.S. remains Canada’s largest import source.

What Does Canada Import from the USA?

In 2024, Canada’s imports from the USA surpassed CAD 420 billion (USD 310 billion), accounting for nearly 50% of its total imports. Let’s break down the top Canada imports from the USA:

These figures reflect Canada's reliance on American industrial, energy, and technological goods. High-value imports, such as machinery and vehicles, indicate strong consumer demand and manufacturing dependencies.

Also Read: Canada Export Data 2025: Analyzing the Biggest Export of Canada and Its Top Trade Partners

Top US Exports to Canada: Products Driving Bilateral Trade

The USA’s exports to Canada are diverse and high in value. As of 2024, the top 10 products include:

• Cars – $15.5 billion

• Trucks – $15 billion

• Auto Parts – $14.1 billion

• Processed Petroleum Oils – $11.8 billion

• Crude Oil – $10.2 billion

• Computers, Optical Readers – $6.1 billion

• Phone Devices – $4.5 billion

Interestingly, three-fifths (60.1%) of all U.S. exports to Canada are concentrated in just 100 product categories.

US Trade Deficit and Surplus Trends

While the U.S. trade deficit with Canada hit $63.3 billion in 2024, this gap is largely due to energy imports. When excluding oil and petroleum, the United States enjoys a services trade surplus of $31.7 billion with Canada.

This balance reflects a mature, interconnected trade environment shaped by agreements like USMCA (formerly NAFTA), which eliminates tariffs and facilitates smooth cross-border business.

Canada’s Biggest Imports in 2025

1. Vehicles (Other than Railway or Tramway)

Valued at $51.58 billion, these include trucks, passenger cars, and commercial vehicles. The US and Canada share deeply integrated automotive manufacturing networks, especially under the USMCA agreement.

2. Machinery, Nuclear Reactors, Boilers

Worth $38.84 billion, this category includes industrial machines, turbines, and manufacturing tools. Canada’s construction and energy sectors rely heavily on US-made machinery.

3. Mineral Fuels, Oils, and Distillation Products

Canada imports over $26.75 billion in refined fuels and petroleum products. While Canada is an oil producer, US imports balance regional refinery needs and fuel grades.

4. Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Totalling $14.84 billion, this category includes consumer electronics, communication systems, and industrial control units. The tech infrastructure boom in Canada drives this demand.

5. Plastics and Plastic Articles

With a value of $13.15 billion, plastics are used in packaging, manufacturing, construction, and daily consumer goods. Canada depends on US suppliers for both raw and finished products.

6. Pharmaceutical Products

At $6 billion, US pharmaceutical exports support Canada’s healthcare and pharma industries. Prescription drugs and biotech products dominate this import category.

Canada also saw a record surge in data processing units and crude oil imports, highlighting a growing demand for energy and tech infrastructure.

How Does This Compare Globally? The China Factor

Although Canada is a top U.S. trade partner, it's worth noting the scale of US imports from China. Electronics, computers, apparel, and industrial parts dominate this stream. Businesses importing from China to USA often focus on cost efficiency and mass production, while Canada-US trade emphasizes quality, regulatory alignment, and shared infrastructure.

When comparing major US imports, both China and Canada stand tall — but Canada’s proximity and agreements give it an edge in sectors like energy, automotive, and machinery.

Finding Canada Buyers and Importers: Your Next Move

If you're a business looking to expand into Canada, understanding what Canada imports and where to find buyers is critical. You need access to:

• Canada importers database

• Live trade statistics

• Product-wise HS code data

• Canada’s biggest imports by value

Partnering with a trusted data provider like Seair Exim Solutions helps you navigate the trade landscape with confidence and precision.

Final Thoughts

The U.S.-Canada trade relationship is a beacon of economic cooperation. With the United States supplying everything from high-tech machinery to refined petroleum, and Canada reciprocating with energy and manufacturing components, this partnership ensures both countries remain globally competitive.

Stay informed, align with market trends, and explore real-time data to unlock new trade opportunities in North America.