Monthly trade report
United States trade: January 2026
In January 2026, the United States imported US$261 billion of goods, down 7.6% from December 2025 and down 18.1% from January 2025, according to US Census Bureau data compiled by CargoFax.
ImportsExports
- Imports, January 2026
- US$261 billion
- Exports, January 2026
- US$186 billion
- Trade balance, January 2026
- -US$74.2 billion
US imports fell 18.1% from January 2025 as exports rose 13.0%
US general imports totaled US$261 billion in January 2026, down 7.6% from December and 18.1% from January 2025, according to US Census Bureau data. Imports from China fell to US$21.1 billion, down 49.6% from a year earlier, while Taiwan rose 95.9% to US$21.7 billion and Vietnam reached US$19.6 billion, its highest monthly level since January 2024. Computers (HS 8471) led all products at US$27.5 billion, up 97.4% year on year. Passenger cars (HS 8703) fell 24.0% from December to US$11.8 billion, their lowest level since January 2024.
Exports moved the other way. They reached US$186 billion, up 4.6% from December and 13.0% from January 2025. Gold (HS 7108) nearly doubled from December to US$10.2 billion, and exports to the United Kingdom rose 45.2% to US$13.0 billion, the highest since January 2024. Air carried 38.9% of export value, with JFK International Airport handling 10.1%.
Mexico remained the largest partner in both directions: US$42.5 billion of imports and US$31.6 billion of exports. The trade deficit narrowed to about US$74.2 billion.
What the data shows: January opened 2026 with lower imports and higher exports than a year earlier, and a clear shift in import origins from China toward Taiwan and Vietnam. The data does not show why, and one month of gold shipments can swing the export total.
Month at a glance
| Metric | January 2026 | December 2025 | Change | January 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Import value (US$, customs value) | 260,537,130,320 | 281,970,770,389 | -7.6% | 318,003,842,734 | -18.1% |
| Export value (US$, f.a.s.) | 186,386,441,751 | 178,214,707,278 | +4.6% | 165,002,115,616 | +13.0% |
| Trade balance (exports minus imports, US$) | -74,150,688,569 | -103,756,063,111 | -153,001,727,118 |
How does the month compare with the last three months, the quarter, and the year?
| Period | Total | Prior period | vs prior period | Same period last year | vs same period last year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imports Last 3 months Nov '25 – Jan '26 | 803,532,667,689 | 814,396,902,356 Aug – Oct '25 | -1.3% | 877,078,862,517 | -8.4% |
| Imports Quarter to date Jan '26 | 260,537,130,320 | 274,999,254,117 Oct '25 | -5.3% | 318,003,842,734 | -18.1% |
| Imports Year to date Jan '26 | 260,537,130,320 | 318,003,842,734 Jan '25 | -18.1% | 318,003,842,734 | -18.1% |
| Exports Last 3 months Nov '25 – Jan '26 | 545,973,463,340 | 567,311,943,809 Aug – Oct '25 | -3.8% | 503,887,901,817 | +8.4% |
| Exports Quarter to date Jan '26 | 186,386,441,751 | 202,678,773,830 Oct '25 | -8.0% | 165,002,115,616 | +13.0% |
| Exports Year to date Jan '26 | 186,386,441,751 | 165,002,115,616 Jan '25 | +13.0% | 165,002,115,616 | +13.0% |
Imports: What did the United States import in January 2026?
By HS chapter
| HS | Category | Value (US$) | Share | vs Dec 2025 | vs Jan 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84 | Machinery and computers | 61,316,858,729 | 23.5% | -5.2% | +31.0% |
| 85 | Electrical equipment | 43,173,786,750 | 16.6% | -6.4% | +4.5% |
| 87 | Vehicles and parts | 22,100,361,918 | 8.5% | -18.7% | -22.1% |
| 27 | Mineral fuels and oils | 16,780,305,788 | 6.4% | -2.2% | -16.9% |
| 30 | Pharmaceutical products | 11,282,492,780 | 4.3% | -27.4% | -39.1% |
| 98 | Special classification provisions | 10,353,228,162 | 4.0% | -2.9% | +12.7% |
| 90 | Optical and medical instruments | 8,940,788,896 | 3.4% | -12.8% | -8.8% |
| 71 | Precious stones and metals | 5,604,160,874 | 2.2% | -22.8% | -85.7% |
| 39 | Plastics | 5,393,038,911 | 2.1% | +3.5% | -15.9% |
| 94 | Furniture and lighting | 4,670,259,910 | 1.8% | -0.8% | -19.5% |
By product (HS4)
| HS | Product | Value (US$) | Share | vs Dec 2025 | vs Jan 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8471 | Computers | 27,488,062,732 | 10.6% | -1.5% | +97.4% |
| 8517 | Phones and network equipment | 14,044,545,657 | 5.4% | -6.0% | +23.6% |
| 8703 | Passenger cars | 11,849,473,645 | 4.5% | -24.0% | -26.8% |
| 2709 | Crude petroleum | 10,580,065,347 | 4.1% | -7.6% | -23.5% |
| 8473 | Computer and office machine parts | 9,143,069,511 | 3.5% | -19.3% | +52.0% |
| 9801 | Special national tariff items | 8,904,729,078 | 3.4% | -1.4% | +5.1% |
| 8708 | Vehicle parts and accessories | 6,118,599,990 | 2.3% | +6.4% | -8.2% |
| 3004 | Packaged medicines | 5,364,507,606 | 2.1% | -6.1% | -37.0% |
| 3002 | Vaccines, blood, and immunological products | 5,312,200,329 | 2.0% | -40.5% | -41.5% |
| 8542 | Integrated circuits (chips) | 4,057,995,325 | 1.6% | -16.8% | +15.6% |
Imports: what went up, what went down
Biggest increases
The largest increase came from natural gas and LPG (HS 2711): US$908 million more than in December 2025, up 65.9%.
| HS | Product | Prior month | This month | Change | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2711 | Natural gas and LPG | 1,377,793,950 | 2,285,461,535 | +907,667,585 | +65.9% |
| 8708 | Vehicle parts and accessories | 5,752,089,942 | 6,118,599,990 | +366,510,048 | +6.4% |
| 7403 | Refined and copper alloys, unwrought | 2,144,599,822 | 2,390,428,956 | +245,829,134 | +11.5% |
| 8523 | Discs, tapes, solid-state non-volatile storage devices,... | 2,426,593,318 | 2,626,750,325 | +200,157,007 | +8.2% |
| 9401 | Seats (not those of heading no. 9402), whether or not... | 1,753,555,601 | 1,885,788,824 | +132,233,223 | +7.5% |
Biggest decreases
Passenger cars (HS 8703) fell by US$3.74 billion from December 2025, more than any other product.
| HS | Product | Prior month | This month | Change | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8703 | Passenger cars | 15,590,807,993 | 11,849,473,645 | -3,741,334,348 | -24.0% |
| 3002 | Vaccines, blood, and immunological products | 8,933,560,506 | 5,312,200,329 | -3,621,360,177 | -40.5% |
| 8802 | Aircraft n.e.c. in heading no. 8801, except unmanned... | 3,397,726,526 | 801,899,028 | -2,595,827,498 | -76.4% |
| 8473 | Computer and office machine parts | 11,324,751,270 | 9,143,069,511 | -2,181,681,759 | -19.3% |
| 8704 | Trucks and pickups | 3,521,095,319 | 2,388,111,615 | -1,132,983,704 | -32.2% |
Where did the United States' imports come from?
| Origin | Value (US$) | Share | vs Dec 2025 | vs Jan 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 42,517,650,656 | 16.3% | +0.3% | +2.2% |
| Canada | 28,330,595,475 | 10.9% | -10.5% | -27.3% |
| Taiwan | 21,692,763,908 | 8.3% | -12.1% | +95.9% |
| China | 21,057,908,407 | 8.1% | -0.2% | -49.6% |
| Vietnam | 19,595,498,360 | 7.5% | +5.8% | +50.8% |
| South Korea | 11,641,957,617 | 4.5% | -1.3% | +9.6% |
| Japan | 11,043,989,675 | 4.2% | -9.2% | -13.8% |
| Germany | 10,457,041,592 | 4.0% | -31.5% | -23.4% |
| Thailand | 9,319,094,051 | 3.6% | -8.3% | +65.3% |
| India | 7,867,869,461 | 3.0% | -5.8% | -3.4% |
Ports of entry
| Port | Value (US$) | Share | vs Dec 2025 | vs Jan 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | 20,676,351,498 | 7.9% | -13.1% | -28.6% |
| Los Angeles, CA | 19,953,249,701 | 7.7% | +1.3% | -30.2% |
| Laredo, TX | 18,162,149,663 | 7.0% | +4.2% | +4.5% |
| Newark, NJ | 15,921,005,595 | 6.1% | -1.3% | -9.8% |
| San Francisco International Airport, CA | 11,021,382,638 | 4.2% | -19.8% | +96.6% |
Imports: How did imports arrive: by sea, air, or land?
| Transport mode | Value (US$) | Share | vs Dec 2025 | vs Jan 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea (vessel) | 103,120,245,130 | 39.6% | +0.4% | -14.1% |
| Air | 82,788,245,650 | 31.8% | -19.1% | -28.2% |
| Land and other | 74,628,639,540 | 28.6% | -2.9% | -9.7% |
Sea (vessel): top products, partners, and carriers
| # | Product | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Passenger cars 8.5% | China 14.1% |
| 2 | Crude petroleum 4.5% | Vietnam 9.8% |
| 3 | Refined petroleum fuels 3.0% | Japan 7.6% |
Air: top products, partners, and carriers
| # | Product | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computers 19.9% | Taiwan 22.4% |
| 2 | Phones and network equipment 13.7% | Vietnam 10.7% |
| 3 | Computer and office machine parts 10.1% | Thailand 5.9% |
Land and other: top products, partners, and carriers
| # | Product | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computers 13.1% | Mexico 53.1% |
| 2 | Crude petroleum 8.0% | Canada 34.6% |
| 3 | Vehicle parts and accessories 5.0% | China 2.5% |
Imports: Which import routes carried the most?
| # | Route | Value (US$) | Share | vs Dec 2025 | vs Jan 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico → Laredo, TX | 17,412,209,621 | 6.7% | +4.6% | +4.5% |
| 2 | Taiwan → San Francisco International Airport, CA | 6,853,056,223 | 2.6% | -28.7% | +138.6% |
| 3 | Mexico → Ysleta, TX | 6,161,488,042 | 2.4% | +8.0% | +29.0% |
| 4 | China → Los Angeles, CA | 4,865,916,096 | 1.9% | +3.1% | -61.0% |
| 5 | Canada → Port Huron, MI | 4,635,991,220 | 1.8% | -5.4% | -16.4% |
| 6 | Vietnam → Los Angeles, CA | 4,090,200,060 | 1.6% | +3.8% | +15.7% |
| 7 | Canada → Detroit, MI | 3,577,055,784 | 1.4% | -18.8% | -32.1% |
| 8 | Taiwan → Chicago, IL | 3,360,093,779 | 1.3% | +8.8% | +221.7% |
| 9 | Vietnam → Chicago, IL | 3,324,081,338 | 1.3% | +10.9% | +87.5% |
| 10 | Canada → Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY | 3,022,223,096 | 1.2% | +0.8% | -27.7% |
Imports: Which imports grew and declined over the last three months?
Nov 2025 to Jan 2026 compared with Nov 2024 to Jan 2025. Items under 0.5% of the three-month total are left out.
Products
| Grew | Comparison period | Last 3 months | Change | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computers | 38,376,025,893 | 83,295,295,309 | +44,919,269,416 | +117.1% |
| Computer and office machine parts | 17,052,180,845 | 28,180,608,309 | +11,128,427,464 | +65.3% |
| Phones and network equipment | 33,033,253,774 | 42,496,639,738 | +9,463,385,964 | +28.6% |
| Refined and copper alloys, unwrought | 2,210,811,079 | 5,174,554,481 | +2,963,743,402 | +134.1% |
| Commodities not specified according to kind | 6,176,392,187 | 8,473,129,206 | +2,296,737,019 | +37.2% |
| Declined | Comparison period | Last 3 months | Change | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of precious metal or of metal clad with... | 42,915,530,842 | 1,975,371,652 | -40,940,159,190 | -95.4% |
| Hormones, prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes,... | 14,049,926,980 | 572,453,609 | -13,477,473,371 | -95.9% |
| Passenger cars | 54,059,576,010 | 41,273,091,339 | -12,786,484,671 | -23.7% |
| Crude petroleum | 39,797,057,022 | 31,541,091,894 | -8,255,965,128 | -20.7% |
| Packaged medicines | 24,801,259,319 | 16,862,683,589 | -7,938,575,730 | -32.0% |
Countries
| Grew | Comparison period | Last 3 months | Change | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | 30,458,908,655 | 66,598,555,963 | +36,139,647,308 | +118.7% |
| Vietnam | 36,859,784,435 | 55,153,298,077 | +18,293,513,642 | +49.6% |
| Thailand | 16,423,354,085 | 28,518,160,978 | +12,094,806,893 | +73.6% |
| Mexico | 122,663,970,399 | 129,281,141,316 | +6,617,170,917 | +5.4% |
| France | 15,571,633,139 | 17,869,630,883 | +2,297,997,744 | +14.8% |
| Declined | Comparison period | Last 3 months | Change | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 117,662,698,296 | 62,806,157,743 | -54,856,540,553 | -46.6% |
| Switzerland | 43,736,968,216 | 11,171,457,460 | -32,565,510,756 | -74.5% |
| Canada | 108,221,833,968 | 88,503,182,262 | -19,718,651,706 | -18.2% |
| Ireland | 31,710,504,188 | 12,522,768,712 | -19,187,735,476 | -60.5% |
| Brazil | 11,520,617,870 | 7,962,131,083 | -3,558,486,787 | -30.9% |
What did the United States export in January 2026?
By HS chapter
| HS | Category | Value (US$) | Share | vs Dec 2025 | vs Jan 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84 | Machinery and computers | 27,984,809,225 | 15.0% | +13.2% | +35.9% |
| 27 | Mineral fuels and oils | 25,807,051,434 | 13.8% | -3.9% | -4.8% |
| 85 | Electrical equipment | 19,512,182,363 | 10.5% | -3.6% | +2.5% |
| 71 | Precious stones and metals | 18,933,454,876 | 10.2% | +97.3% | +265.2% |
| 88 | Aircraft | 13,482,583,263 | 7.2% | -16.6% | +13.2% |
| 87 | Vehicles and parts | 10,027,250,219 | 5.4% | +9.6% | +7.8% |
| 90 | Optical and medical instruments | 7,932,998,344 | 4.3% | -7.4% | -3.4% |
| 30 | Pharmaceutical products | 6,914,827,607 | 3.7% | -1.7% | -5.3% |
| 39 | Plastics | 5,845,396,192 | 3.1% | +1.8% | -10.5% |
| 98 | Special classification provisions | 5,545,163,569 | 3.0% | -3.3% | +17.1% |
By product (HS4)
| HS | Product | Value (US$) | Share | vs Dec 2025 | vs Jan 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8800 | HS heading 8800 | 12,385,687,625 | 6.6% | -17.1% | +13.1% |
| 7108 | Gold, unwrought or semi-manufactured | 10,193,721,300 | 5.5% | +86.5% | +565.6% |
| 2710 | Refined petroleum fuels | 9,011,899,879 | 4.8% | -8.1% | -3.2% |
| 8471 | Computers | 8,561,274,332 | 4.6% | +36.4% | +142.1% |
| 2711 | Natural gas and LPG | 7,682,800,075 | 4.1% | -0.4% | +7.6% |
| 2709 | Crude petroleum | 7,548,042,417 | 4.0% | -3.4% | -19.2% |
| 8473 | Computer and office machine parts | 5,115,901,193 | 2.7% | +32.7% | +160.4% |
| 8542 | Integrated circuits (chips) | 4,756,007,211 | 2.6% | +9.7% | -3.9% |
| 9880 | HS heading 9880 | 4,715,103,787 | 2.5% | -2.3% | +19.0% |
| 7106 | Silver (including silver plated with gold or platinum) | 4,708,036,133 | 2.5% | +406.8% | >+999% |
Exports: what went up, what went down
Biggest increases
Exports of gold, unwrought or semi-manufactured (HS 7108) rose US$4.73 billion from December 2025, the largest increase of any export product.
| HS | Product | Prior month | This month | Change | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7108 | Gold, unwrought or semi-manufactured | 5,466,885,177 | 10,193,721,300 | +4,726,836,123 | +86.5% |
| 7106 | Silver (including silver plated with gold or platinum) | 929,006,598 | 4,708,036,133 | +3,779,029,535 | +406.8% |
| 8471 | Computers | 6,278,816,523 | 8,561,274,332 | +2,282,457,809 | +36.4% |
| 8710 | Tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles | 177,114,652 | 2,094,862,718 | +1,917,748,066 | >+999% |
| 8473 | Computer and office machine parts | 3,853,836,430 | 5,115,901,193 | +1,262,064,763 | +32.7% |
Biggest decreases
The largest export decrease was in hS heading 8800 (HS 8800), down 17.1% from December 2025.
| HS | Product | Prior month | This month | Change | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8800 | HS heading 8800 | 14,944,997,746 | 12,385,687,625 | -2,559,310,121 | -17.1% |
| 8703 | Passenger cars | 3,918,586,626 | 2,921,880,179 | -996,706,447 | -25.4% |
| 2710 | Refined petroleum fuels | 9,807,799,961 | 9,011,899,879 | -795,900,082 | -8.1% |
| 8517 | Phones and network equipment | 4,831,162,006 | 4,126,064,877 | -705,097,129 | -14.6% |
| 2937 | Hormones, prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes,... | 1,106,989,778 | 615,177,262 | -491,812,516 | -44.4% |
Where did the United States' exports go?
| Destination | Value (US$) | Share | vs Dec 2025 | vs Jan 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 31,587,219,287 | 16.9% | +12.6% | +12.8% |
| Canada | 24,510,292,823 | 13.2% | -3.6% | -10.0% |
| United Kingdom | 12,975,825,794 | 7.0% | +45.2% | +114.8% |
| China | 8,329,116,905 | 4.5% | +0.2% | -15.7% |
| Netherlands | 7,829,340,701 | 4.2% | -6.3% | +9.6% |
| Japan | 6,043,420,526 | 3.2% | -3.1% | +0.4% |
| Germany | 5,901,440,608 | 3.2% | -17.9% | -2.5% |
| Switzerland | 5,716,836,590 | 3.1% | +42.7% | +203.1% |
| South Korea | 5,572,655,876 | 3.0% | -4.7% | +6.1% |
| Taiwan | 4,914,174,756 | 2.6% | +1.9% | +46.4% |
Customs offices of exit
| Port | Value (US$) | Share | vs Dec 2025 | vs Jan 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jfk International Airport, NY | 18,742,301,780 | 10.1% | +66.7% | +118.7% |
| Houston, TX | 10,788,962,444 | 5.8% | +1.1% | +9.9% |
| Laredo, TX | 9,937,801,023 | 5.3% | +2.5% | -5.6% |
| New Orleans, LA | 9,122,185,802 | 4.9% | -5.1% | +13.5% |
| Los Angeles International Airport, CA | 8,434,407,640 | 4.5% | +51.8% | +61.0% |
Exports: How did exports leave: by sea, air, or land?
| Transport mode | Value (US$) | Share | vs Dec 2025 | vs Jan 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air | 72,502,240,528 | 38.9% | +16.0% | +39.6% |
| Sea (vessel) | 58,695,627,144 | 31.5% | -3.1% | +3.3% |
| Land and other | 55,188,574,079 | 29.6% | +0.1% | -1.9% |
Air: top products, partners, and carriers
| # | Product | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gold, unwrought or semi-manufactured 13.7% | United Kingdom 13.1% |
| 2 | HS heading 8800 11.0% | Switzerland 7.5% |
| 3 | Computers 9.5% | Mexico 6.4% |
Sea (vessel): top products, partners, and carriers
| # | Product | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Refined petroleum fuels 13.2% | Netherlands 7.8% |
| 2 | Crude petroleum 12.6% | China 6.8% |
| 3 | Natural gas and LPG 10.9% | South Korea 5.2% |
Land and other: top products, partners, and carriers
| # | Product | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HS heading 9880 8.5% | Mexico 44.8% |
| 2 | HS heading 8800 7.5% | Canada 40.4% |
| 3 | Computer and office machine parts 5.7% | United Kingdom 1.3% |
Exports: Which export routes carried the most?
| # | Route | Value (US$) | Share | vs Dec 2025 | vs Jan 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Laredo, TX → Mexico | 9,924,144,652 | 5.3% | +2.6% | -5.6% |
| 2 | Detroit, MI → Canada | 5,072,526,368 | 2.7% | -5.0% | -19.1% |
| 3 | Jfk International Airport, NY → Switzerland | 4,830,706,432 | 2.6% | +56.5% | +357.2% |
| 4 | Jfk International Airport, NY → United Kingdom | 4,406,393,866 | 2.4% | +154.1% | +513.0% |
| 5 | Port Huron, MI → Canada | 4,098,124,521 | 2.2% | -5.7% | -13.5% |
| 6 | Ysleta, TX → Mexico | 3,930,614,130 | 2.1% | +41.7% | +36.7% |
| 7 | Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY → Canada | 3,264,781,069 | 1.8% | +10.9% | +3.4% |
| 8 | Low Value → Canada | 3,209,734,991 | 1.7% | -18.5% | -10.8% |
| 9 | Los Angeles International Airport, CA → Mexico | 2,970,521,391 | 1.6% | +378.1% | new |
| 10 | Salt Lake City, UT → United Kingdom | 2,776,212,473 | 1.5% | +59.6% | new |
Exports: Which exports grew and declined over the last three months?
Nov 2025 to Jan 2026 compared with Nov 2024 to Jan 2025. Items under 0.5% of the three-month total are left out.
Products
| Grew | Comparison period | Last 3 months | Change | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold, unwrought or semi-manufactured | 6,156,609,502 | 28,105,890,793 | +21,949,281,291 | +356.5% |
| Computers | 10,725,240,043 | 20,490,709,399 | +9,765,469,356 | +91.1% |
| Computer and office machine parts | 5,753,333,271 | 12,699,433,207 | +6,946,099,936 | +120.7% |
| HS heading 8800 | 32,739,159,617 | 39,472,599,462 | +6,733,439,845 | +20.6% |
| Silver (including silver plated with gold or platinum) | 339,691,046 | 6,894,474,226 | +6,554,783,180 | >+999% |
| Declined | Comparison period | Last 3 months | Change | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crude petroleum | 27,482,009,751 | 22,643,230,857 | -4,838,778,894 | -17.6% |
| Soybeans | 9,861,096,158 | 6,241,537,916 | -3,619,558,242 | -36.7% |
| Passenger cars | 12,494,299,496 | 11,244,497,920 | -1,249,801,576 | -10.0% |
| Trucks and pickups | 4,520,079,966 | 3,311,665,999 | -1,208,413,967 | -26.7% |
| Vehicle parts and accessories | 10,466,361,339 | 9,444,274,608 | -1,022,086,731 | -9.8% |
Countries
| Grew | Comparison period | Last 3 months | Change | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 4,853,291,316 | 20,857,648,542 | +16,004,357,226 | +329.8% |
| United Kingdom | 19,654,519,849 | 30,855,470,096 | +11,200,950,247 | +57.0% |
| Mexico | 79,410,598,259 | 86,225,376,760 | +6,814,778,501 | +8.6% |
| Taiwan | 10,638,414,224 | 15,014,905,055 | +4,376,490,831 | +41.1% |
| Turkey | 4,922,354,184 | 7,493,880,389 | +2,571,526,205 | +52.2% |
| Declined | Comparison period | Last 3 months | Change | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 34,839,276,280 | 23,602,058,775 | -11,237,217,505 | -32.3% |
| Canada | 82,681,664,430 | 75,344,990,583 | -7,336,673,847 | -8.9% |
| Spain | 6,527,081,114 | 5,516,084,068 | -1,010,997,046 | -15.5% |
| Israel | 3,561,671,978 | 2,975,691,347 | -585,980,631 | -16.5% |
| France | 11,497,450,806 | 10,923,968,033 | -573,482,773 | -5.0% |
12-month trend
| Month | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2025 | 287,814,545,079 | 167,208,185,789 | -120,606,359,290 |
| Mar 2025 | 342,286,039,266 | 191,446,857,275 | -150,839,181,991 |
| Apr 2025 | 275,682,981,022 | 189,130,596,611 | -86,552,384,411 |
| May 2025 | 275,790,909,354 | 184,209,653,448 | -91,581,255,906 |
| Jun 2025 | 265,407,066,272 | 180,538,046,092 | -84,869,020,180 |
| Jul 2025 | 292,132,769,362 | 175,457,024,890 | -116,675,744,472 |
| Aug 2025 | 262,590,251,777 | 179,448,426,481 | -83,141,825,296 |
| Sep 2025 | 276,807,396,462 | 185,184,743,498 | -91,622,652,964 |
| Oct 2025 | 274,999,254,117 | 202,678,773,830 | -72,320,480,287 |
| Nov 2025 | 261,024,766,980 | 181,372,314,311 | -79,652,452,669 |
| Dec 2025 | 281,970,770,389 | 178,214,707,278 | -103,756,063,111 |
| Jan 2026 | 260,537,130,320 | 186,386,441,751 | -74,150,688,569 |
What looks unusual this month?
These changes may reflect a few large shipments, late records, or a classification change rather than a trend. Check them in the records before quoting them.
- Imports: Vehicles and parts (HS 87) fell to its lowest monthly level since January 2024.
- Imports: Pharmaceutical products (HS 30) fell to its lowest monthly level since January 2024.
- Imports: Optical and medical instruments (HS 90) fell to its lowest monthly level since January 2024.
- Imports: Rubber (HS 40) fell to its lowest monthly level since January 2024.
- Exports: HS 7106 (silver (including silver plated with gold or platinum)) went from US$929 million to US$4.71 billion. Treat with caution: jumps this size often reflect a few large transactions or a classification change.
- Exports: HS 8710 (tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles) went from US$177 million to US$2.09 billion. Treat with caution: jumps this size often reflect a few large transactions or a classification change.
- Exports: HS 7115 (articles of precious metal or of metal clad with...) went from US$204 million to US$623 million. Treat with caution: jumps this size often reflect a few large transactions or a classification change.
- Exports: Machinery and computers (HS 84) reached its highest monthly level since January 2024.
- Exports: Optical and medical instruments (HS 90) fell to its lowest monthly level since January 2024.
- Exports: Organic chemicals (HS 29) fell to its lowest monthly level since January 2024.
- Exports: Essential oils and cosmetics (HS 33) fell to its lowest monthly level since January 2024.
United States trade facts, January 2026
- In January 2026, the United States imported US$261 billion of goods, down 7.6% from December 2025 and down 18.1% from January 2025.
- No product heading was larger than computers (HS 8471), at US$27.5 billion.
- The largest increase came from natural gas and LPG (HS 2711): US$908 million more than in December 2025, up 65.9%.
- Passenger cars (HS 8703) fell by US$3.74 billion from December 2025, more than any other product.
- Mexico was the top source of imports, supplying 16.3% of import value, followed by Canada at 10.9%.
- The United States recorded a trade deficit of US$74.2 billion in January 2026: exports minus imports.
- HS heading 8800 (HS 8800) was the top export heading, at US$12.4 billion.
- Exports of gold, unwrought or semi-manufactured (HS 7108) rose US$4.73 billion from December 2025, the largest increase of any export product.
- The largest export decrease was in hS heading 8800 (HS 8800), down 17.1% from December 2025.
- Mexico was the top destination, taking 16.9% of export value, followed by Canada at 13.2%.
Methodology
US Census Bureau international trade statistics: general imports (customs value). US Census Bureau international trade statistics: total exports (f.a.s. value). Import values are declared customs value values in US dollars. Export values are declared f.a.s. values in US dollars. Categories follow the Harmonized System. The latest month may be revised as late records arrive. The period table leaves out a comparison that reaches before January 2024, when the series starts, or that includes a month not used as a base. Year to date is compared with the same months a year earlier. Source: US Census Bureau international trade statistics (official), retrieved through the Census API at country, US port, and HS 6-digit level; the sums reconcile with the published totals. Imports are general imports at customs value by country of origin; exports are total exports (domestic and foreign goods) at f.a.s. value by destination. Transport mode: Census publishes vessel and air values; "Land and other" is the remainder, mainly truck, rail, and pipeline trade with Canada and Mexico, plus mail. Census data has no company names. Recent months may be revised, and the annual revision is published each June.
FAQ
United States trade, January 2026: frequently asked questions
How much did the United States import in January 2026?
The United States imported US$261 billion (customs value) in January 2026, down 7.6% from December 2025 and down 18.1% from January 2025, according to US Census Bureau data.
How much did the United States export in January 2026?
The United States exported US$186 billion (f.a.s.) in January 2026, up 4.6% from December 2025 and up 13.0% from January 2025, according to US Census Bureau data.
What does the United States import?
In January 2026, the United States' largest imports were computers (HS 8471, US$27.5 billion), phones and network equipment (HS 8517, US$14.0 billion), and passenger cars (HS 8703, US$11.8 billion). The largest HS chapter was machinery and computers, with 23.5% of the total.
What does the United States export?
In January 2026, the United States' largest exports were hs heading 8800 (HS 8800, US$12.4 billion), gold, unwrought or semi-manufactured (HS 7108, US$10.2 billion), and refined petroleum fuels (HS 2710, US$9.01 billion).
Where does the United States import from?
The top origin countries for the United States' imports in January 2026 were Mexico (16.3%), Canada (10.9%), and Taiwan (8.3%), by share of value.
Where does the United States export to?
The top destinations for the United States' exports in January 2026 were Mexico (16.9%), Canada (13.2%), and the United Kingdom (7.0%).
What is the United States' trade balance?
The United States recorded a trade deficit of US$74.2 billion in January 2026: exports of US$186 billion against imports of US$261 billion.
Are the United States' imports going up or down?
The United States' imports are falling. From November 2025 to January 2026, they totaled US$804 billion, down 8.4% from the same months last year. Year to date, the United States' imports are down 18.1% from the same period of 2025.
How do goods reach the United States: by sea, air, or land?
In January 2026, sea (vessel) freight carried 39.6%, air freight carried 31.8%, and land and other freight carried 28.6% of the United States' imports by value.
What are the United States' main ports of entry?
In January 2026, the United States' main points of entry were Chicago, IL with 7.9%, Los Angeles, CA with 7.7%, and Laredo, TX with 7.0% of imports.
Where can I get the United States import and export data?
CargoFax publishes this United States trade report free every month from official US Census Bureau statistics. The shipment-level US records behind US trade, with importers, exporters, carriers, and bills of lading, are searchable in Atlas Explorer and available in bulk through Files.
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