Pixabay
Biggest exports from California
Significant drops in transport and travel due to coronavirus drove American exports in 2020 down 15.7% to their lowest levels since 2010, according to Commerce Department data released Feb. 5, 2021. The pandemic threw a monkey wrench into supply chains while flattening demand, all in the midst of significant tariffs imposed by the United States on China and the European Union.
The trade gap grew from $576.9 billion in 2019 to $678.7 billion in 2020. Meanwhile, China reestablished its standing as the top U.S. trade partner after being third in 2019 behind Mexico and Canada.
Stacker compiled a list of the biggest exports from California using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Commodities are ranked by the highest value of exports in 2020 from California.
The U.S. in 2020 shipped $1.4 trillion in goods internationally, a -13% decline from 2019 but 12% higher since 2010. Keep reading to find out what some of the biggest exports from California were in 2020.
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Unsplash
#30. Cereals
- Exports: $807.9 million (0.5% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Japan ($262.7 million), Korea, South ($157.5 million), Canada ($78.8 million)
- Imports: $482.0 million (0.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Thailand ($308.3 million), India ($66.8 million), Bolivia ($16.3 million)
- Trade balance: $325.9 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: Japan ($262.7 million), Korea, South ($157.5 million), Canada ($78.8 million)
- Imports: $482.0 million (0.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Thailand ($308.3 million), India ($66.8 million), Bolivia ($16.3 million)
- Trade balance: $325.9 million trade surplus
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W. Oelen // Wikimedia Commons
#29. Organic chemicals
- Exports: $968.7 million (0.6% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: France ($157.2 million), China ($89.6 million), Korea, South ($67.4 million)
- Imports: $1.9 billion (0.5% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($1.1 billion), Japan ($128.1 million), Canada ($126.6 million)
- Trade balance: $961.0 million trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: France ($157.2 million), China ($89.6 million), Korea, South ($67.4 million)
- Imports: $1.9 billion (0.5% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($1.1 billion), Japan ($128.1 million), Canada ($126.6 million)
- Trade balance: $961.0 million trade deficit
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PR Image Factory // Shutterstock
#28. Apparel articles and accessories, knit or crochet
- Exports: $974.3 million (0.6% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($421.4 million), Nicaragua ($142.0 million), Canada ($112.3 million)
- Imports: $9.0 billion (2.3% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($3.7 billion), Vietnam ($1.7 billion), Cambodia ($672.8 million)
- Trade balance: $8.0 billion trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($421.4 million), Nicaragua ($142.0 million), Canada ($112.3 million)
- Imports: $9.0 billion (2.3% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($3.7 billion), Vietnam ($1.7 billion), Cambodia ($672.8 million)
- Trade balance: $8.0 billion trade deficit
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Photographee.eu // Shutterstock
#27. Furniture; bedding etc; lamps nesoi etc; prefab bd
- Exports: $982.5 million (0.6% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($375.5 million), Canada ($293.0 million), Korea, South ($27.9 million)
- Imports: $14.4 billion (3.6% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($7.3 billion), Vietnam ($2.9 billion), Mexico ($1.1 billion)
- Trade balance: $13.4 billion trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($375.5 million), Canada ($293.0 million), Korea, South ($27.9 million)
- Imports: $14.4 billion (3.6% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($7.3 billion), Vietnam ($2.9 billion), Mexico ($1.1 billion)
- Trade balance: $13.4 billion trade deficit
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John Bearden // Flickr
#26. Toys, games & sport equipment; parts & accessories
- Exports: $1.0 billion (0.7% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($270.8 million), Mexico ($226.9 million), Japan ($80.0 million)
- Imports: $9.9 billion (2.5% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($8.2 billion), Taiwan ($340.3 million), Vietnam ($308.6 million)
- Trade balance: $8.9 billion trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($270.8 million), Mexico ($226.9 million), Japan ($80.0 million)
- Imports: $9.9 billion (2.5% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($8.2 billion), Taiwan ($340.3 million), Vietnam ($308.6 million)
- Trade balance: $8.9 billion trade deficit
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PxHERE
#25. Works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques
- Exports: $1.0 billion (0.7% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: United Kingdom ($312.2 million), Germany ($168.9 million), Hong Kong ($121.7 million)
- Imports: $624.2 million (0.2% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: United Kingdom ($106.5 million), France ($91.4 million), Japan ($77.6 million)
- Trade balance: $409.2 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: United Kingdom ($312.2 million), Germany ($168.9 million), Hong Kong ($121.7 million)
- Imports: $624.2 million (0.2% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: United Kingdom ($106.5 million), France ($91.4 million), Japan ($77.6 million)
- Trade balance: $409.2 million trade surplus
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Pixabay
#24. Meat and edible meat offal
- Exports: $1.0 billion (0.7% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Korea, South ($178.6 million), Hong Kong ($169.1 million), Japan ($158.5 million)
- Imports: $2.9 billion (0.7% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Mexico ($903.5 million), Canada ($590.0 million), Australia ($587.2 million)
- Trade balance: $1.9 billion trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Korea, South ($178.6 million), Hong Kong ($169.1 million), Japan ($158.5 million)
- Imports: $2.9 billion (0.7% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Mexico ($903.5 million), Canada ($590.0 million), Australia ($587.2 million)
- Trade balance: $1.9 billion trade deficit
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Meal Makeover Moms // Flickr
#23. Prep vegetables, fruit, nuts or other plant parts
- Exports: $1.0 billion (0.7% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($360.2 million), Mexico ($132.0 million), Japan ($100.9 million)
- Imports: $1.6 billion (0.4% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($259.5 million), Thailand ($257.3 million), Mexico ($185.0 million)
- Trade balance: $577.2 million trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($360.2 million), Mexico ($132.0 million), Japan ($100.9 million)
- Imports: $1.6 billion (0.4% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($259.5 million), Thailand ($257.3 million), Mexico ($185.0 million)
- Trade balance: $577.2 million trade deficit
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Pixabay
#22. Wood pulp etc; recovd (waste & scrap) ppr & pprbd
- Exports: $1.1 billion (0.7% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: China ($582.9 million), Vietnam ($87.6 million), Taiwan ($80.0 million)
- Imports: $40.2 million (0.0% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Canada ($36.1 million), Mexico ($2.0 million), Chile ($1.7 million)
- Trade balance: $1.0 billion trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: China ($582.9 million), Vietnam ($87.6 million), Taiwan ($80.0 million)
- Imports: $40.2 million (0.0% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Canada ($36.1 million), Mexico ($2.0 million), Chile ($1.7 million)
- Trade balance: $1.0 billion trade surplus
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Fotohunter // Shutterstock
#21. Inorg chem; prec & rare-earth met & radioact compd
- Exports: $1.1 billion (0.7% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: China ($329.6 million), Mexico ($147.5 million), Korea, South ($123.9 million)
- Imports: $650.0 million (0.2% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Japan ($105.5 million), China ($94.3 million), Canada ($87.6 million)
- Trade balance: $468.0 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: China ($329.6 million), Mexico ($147.5 million), Korea, South ($123.9 million)
- Imports: $650.0 million (0.2% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Japan ($105.5 million), China ($94.3 million), Canada ($87.6 million)
- Trade balance: $468.0 million trade surplus
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Unsplash
#20. Oil seeds etc.; misc grain, seed, fruit, plant etc
- Exports: $1.4 billion (0.9% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: China ($264.9 million), Japan ($212.4 million), Mexico ($157.7 million)
- Imports: $574.1 million (0.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($75.4 million), Netherlands ($60.5 million), Mexico ($56.2 million)
- Trade balance: $795.4 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: China ($264.9 million), Japan ($212.4 million), Mexico ($157.7 million)
- Imports: $574.1 million (0.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($75.4 million), Netherlands ($60.5 million), Mexico ($56.2 million)
- Trade balance: $795.4 million trade surplus
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Bronzaclose // Wikimedia Commons
#19. Articles of iron or steel
- Exports: $1.4 billion (0.9% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($605.2 million), Canada ($166.0 million), China ($69.8 million)
- Imports: $4.6 billion (1.2% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($2.3 billion), Taiwan ($531.5 million), Mexico ($451.2 million)
- Trade balance: $3.3 billion trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($605.2 million), Canada ($166.0 million), China ($69.8 million)
- Imports: $4.6 billion (1.2% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($2.3 billion), Taiwan ($531.5 million), Mexico ($451.2 million)
- Trade balance: $3.3 billion trade deficit
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Pixabay
#18. Aluminum and articles thereof
- Exports: $1.5 billion (0.9% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($508.7 million), Korea, South ($246.4 million), China ($112.3 million)
- Imports: $1.8 billion (0.5% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($621.2 million), Mexico ($170.2 million), Canada ($161.0 million)
- Trade balance: $364.1 million trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($508.7 million), Korea, South ($246.4 million), China ($112.3 million)
- Imports: $1.8 billion (0.5% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($621.2 million), Mexico ($170.2 million), Canada ($161.0 million)
- Trade balance: $364.1 million trade deficit
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Pixabay
#17. Edible vegetables & certain roots & tubers
- Exports: $1.5 billion (1.0% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($1.0 billion), Mexico ($208.8 million), Japan ($77.3 million)
- Imports: $2.6 billion (0.6% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Mexico ($2.0 billion), Canada ($183.6 million), China ($113.1 million)
- Trade balance: $1.1 billion trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($1.0 billion), Mexico ($208.8 million), Japan ($77.3 million)
- Imports: $2.6 billion (0.6% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Mexico ($2.0 billion), Canada ($183.6 million), China ($113.1 million)
- Trade balance: $1.1 billion trade deficit
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Pixabay
#16. Essential oils etc; perfumery, cosmetic etc preps
- Exports: $1.6 billion (1.0% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($225.8 million), United Kingdom ($141.7 million), Australia ($134.2 million)
- Imports: $1.3 billion (0.3% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($381.4 million), Korea, South ($268.7 million), Italy ($104.2 million)
- Trade balance: $241.5 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($225.8 million), United Kingdom ($141.7 million), Australia ($134.2 million)
- Imports: $1.3 billion (0.3% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($381.4 million), Korea, South ($268.7 million), Italy ($104.2 million)
- Trade balance: $241.5 million trade surplus
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Pixabay
#15. Beverages, spirits and vinegar
- Exports: $1.6 billion (1.0% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($520.5 million), United Kingdom ($237.9 million), Japan ($140.1 million)
- Imports: $4.1 billion (1.0% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: France ($642.2 million), Mexico ($518.2 million), Austria ($458.9 million)
- Trade balance: $2.5 billion trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($520.5 million), United Kingdom ($237.9 million), Japan ($140.1 million)
- Imports: $4.1 billion (1.0% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: France ($642.2 million), Mexico ($518.2 million), Austria ($458.9 million)
- Trade balance: $2.5 billion trade deficit
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Alchemist-hp // Wikimedia Commons
#14. Iron and steel
- Exports: $1.7 billion (1.1% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Taiwan ($419.9 million), Mexico ($282.3 million), Vietnam ($174.0 million)
- Imports: $1.1 billion (0.3% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Brazil ($297.7 million), Korea, South ($242.2 million), Taiwan ($110.3 million)
- Trade balance: $517.3 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: Taiwan ($419.9 million), Mexico ($282.3 million), Vietnam ($174.0 million)
- Imports: $1.1 billion (0.3% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Brazil ($297.7 million), Korea, South ($242.2 million), Taiwan ($110.3 million)
- Trade balance: $517.3 million trade surplus
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Pixabay
#13. Dairy prods; birds eggs; honey; ed animal pr nesoi
- Exports: $1.7 billion (1.1% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Philippines ($250.9 million), Mexico ($240.8 million), Korea, South ($148.3 million)
- Imports: $304.6 million (0.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: New Zealand ($60.1 million), Mexico ($58.8 million), Italy ($20.8 million)
- Trade balance: $1.4 billion trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: Philippines ($250.9 million), Mexico ($240.8 million), Korea, South ($148.3 million)
- Imports: $304.6 million (0.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: New Zealand ($60.1 million), Mexico ($58.8 million), Italy ($20.8 million)
- Trade balance: $1.4 billion trade surplus
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Pixabay
#12. Miscellaneous edible preparations
- Exports: $2.2 billion (1.4% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($472.0 million), Korea, South ($350.6 million), Canada ($237.6 million)
- Imports: $1.3 billion (0.3% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($167.8 million), Thailand ($160.7 million), Mexico ($144.0 million)
- Trade balance: $935.7 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($472.0 million), Korea, South ($350.6 million), Canada ($237.6 million)
- Imports: $1.3 billion (0.3% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($167.8 million), Thailand ($160.7 million), Mexico ($144.0 million)
- Trade balance: $935.7 million trade surplus
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PetarM // Wikimedia Commons
#11. Mineral fuel, oil etc.; bitumin subst; mineral wax
- Exports: $3.0 billion (1.9% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($492.5 million), Chile ($330.2 million), Guatemala ($259.6 million)
- Imports: $15.2 billion (3.8% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Saudi Arabia ($2.5 billion), Ecuador ($2.4 billion), Iraq ($2.2 billion)
- Trade balance: $12.1 billion trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($492.5 million), Chile ($330.2 million), Guatemala ($259.6 million)
- Imports: $15.2 billion (3.8% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Saudi Arabia ($2.5 billion), Ecuador ($2.4 billion), Iraq ($2.2 billion)
- Trade balance: $12.1 billion trade deficit
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Charles O'Rear // Wikimedia Commons
#10. Miscellaneous chemical products
- Exports: $3.8 billion (2.5% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: China ($529.2 million), Germany ($292.0 million), United Kingdom ($289.5 million)
- Imports: $3.8 billion (1.0% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($947.0 million), Japan ($922.0 million), Singapore ($365.2 million)
- Trade balance: $47.2 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: China ($529.2 million), Germany ($292.0 million), United Kingdom ($289.5 million)
- Imports: $3.8 billion (1.0% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($947.0 million), Japan ($922.0 million), Singapore ($365.2 million)
- Trade balance: $47.2 million trade surplus
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Pixabay
#9. Plastics and articles thereof
- Exports: $4.2 billion (2.7% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($2.0 billion), Canada ($306.9 million), China ($296.9 million)
- Imports: $9.6 billion (2.4% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($5.1 billion), Mexico ($964.7 million), Taiwan ($700.4 million)
- Trade balance: $5.4 billion trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($2.0 billion), Canada ($306.9 million), China ($296.9 million)
- Imports: $9.6 billion (2.4% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($5.1 billion), Mexico ($964.7 million), Taiwan ($700.4 million)
- Trade balance: $5.4 billion trade deficit
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Pixabay
#8. Pharmaceutical products
- Exports: $4.6 billion (2.9% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Switzerland ($784.2 million), Germany ($675.1 million), Japan ($545.8 million)
- Imports: $2.7 billion (0.7% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Ireland ($681.0 million), Singapore ($382.1 million), China ($339.5 million)
- Trade balance: $1.9 billion trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: Switzerland ($784.2 million), Germany ($675.1 million), Japan ($545.8 million)
- Imports: $2.7 billion (0.7% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Ireland ($681.0 million), Singapore ($382.1 million), China ($339.5 million)
- Trade balance: $1.9 billion trade surplus
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milatiger // Shutterstock
#7. Nat etc pearls, prec etc stones, pr met etc; coin
- Exports: $5.6 billion (3.6% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: India ($2.5 billion), Germany ($1.3 billion), Israel ($330.5 million)
- Imports: $4.8 billion (1.2% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Germany ($955.6 million), Canada ($599.4 million), Switzerland ($574.7 million)
- Trade balance: $853.6 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: India ($2.5 billion), Germany ($1.3 billion), Israel ($330.5 million)
- Imports: $4.8 billion (1.2% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Germany ($955.6 million), Canada ($599.4 million), Switzerland ($574.7 million)
- Trade balance: $853.6 million trade surplus
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Pixabay
#6. Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof
- Exports: $6.6 billion (4.2% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Japan ($1.2 billion), Taiwan ($766.1 million), United Kingdom ($424.8 million)
- Imports: $4.1 billion (1.0% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: France ($3.2 billion), United Kingdom ($234.2 million), Mexico ($90.8 million)
- Trade balance: $2.5 billion trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: Japan ($1.2 billion), Taiwan ($766.1 million), United Kingdom ($424.8 million)
- Imports: $4.1 billion (1.0% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: France ($3.2 billion), United Kingdom ($234.2 million), Mexico ($90.8 million)
- Trade balance: $2.5 billion trade surplus
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Pixabay
#5. Edible fruit & nuts; citrus fruit or melon peel
- Exports: $10.5 billion (6.7% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($1.6 billion), India ($937.8 million), Japan ($743.3 million)
- Imports: $6.4 billion (1.6% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Mexico ($3.6 billion), Chile ($754.1 million), Peru ($567.6 million)
- Trade balance: $4.1 billion trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($1.6 billion), India ($937.8 million), Japan ($743.3 million)
- Imports: $6.4 billion (1.6% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Mexico ($3.6 billion), Chile ($754.1 million), Peru ($567.6 million)
- Trade balance: $4.1 billion trade surplus
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Pixabay
#4. Vehicles, except railway or tramway, and parts etc
- Exports: $11.1 billion (7.1% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Belgium ($2.2 billion), Mexico ($1.7 billion), Canada ($1.4 billion)
- Imports: $47.1 billion (11.9% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Canada ($15.9 billion), Mexico ($10.1 billion), Japan ($5.3 billion)
- Trade balance: $36.0 billion trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Belgium ($2.2 billion), Mexico ($1.7 billion), Canada ($1.4 billion)
- Imports: $47.1 billion (11.9% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Canada ($15.9 billion), Mexico ($10.1 billion), Japan ($5.3 billion)
- Trade balance: $36.0 billion trade deficit
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Jason7825 // Wikimedia Commons
#3. Optic, photo etc, medic or surgical instrments etc
- Exports: $16.0 billion (10.2% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: China ($2.2 billion), Netherlands ($1.6 billion), Japan ($1.4 billion)
- Imports: $15.6 billion (3.9% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Mexico ($3.9 billion), China ($3.1 billion), Japan ($1.4 billion)
- Trade balance: $375.3 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: China ($2.2 billion), Netherlands ($1.6 billion), Japan ($1.4 billion)
- Imports: $15.6 billion (3.9% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Mexico ($3.9 billion), China ($3.1 billion), Japan ($1.4 billion)
- Trade balance: $375.3 million trade surplus
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Pixabay
#2. Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery etc.; parts
- Exports: $25.0 billion (16.1% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: China ($3.7 billion), Mexico ($3.5 billion), Korea, South ($2.8 billion)
- Imports: $73.2 billion (18.5% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($31.5 billion), Mexico ($9.1 billion), Korea, South ($7.0 billion)
- Trade balance: $48.1 billion trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: China ($3.7 billion), Mexico ($3.5 billion), Korea, South ($2.8 billion)
- Imports: $73.2 billion (18.5% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($31.5 billion), Mexico ($9.1 billion), Korea, South ($7.0 billion)
- Trade balance: $48.1 billion trade deficit
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Amazon
#1. Electric machinery etc; sound equip; tv equip; pts
- Exports: $26.9 billion (17.3% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($5.9 billion), Hong Kong ($3.6 billion), Canada ($2.8 billion)
- Imports: $79.8 billion (20.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($33.5 billion), Mexico ($8.1 billion), Taiwan ($7.1 billion)
- Trade balance: $52.8 billion trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($5.9 billion), Hong Kong ($3.6 billion), Canada ($2.8 billion)
- Imports: $79.8 billion (20.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($33.5 billion), Mexico ($8.1 billion), Taiwan ($7.1 billion)
- Trade balance: $52.8 billion trade deficit
