Pixabay
Biggest exports from South Carolina
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 South Carolina using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Commodities are ranked by the highest value of exports in 2020 from South Carolina.
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 South Carolina were in 2020.
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Pixabay
#30. Aluminum and articles thereof
- Exports: $107.1 million (0.4% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($22.0 million), Malaysia ($11.3 million), Mexico ($10.5 million)
- Imports: $370.1 million (0.9% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Germany ($82.1 million), Canada ($56.1 million), Australia ($30.5 million)
- Trade balance: $262.9 million trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($22.0 million), Malaysia ($11.3 million), Mexico ($10.5 million)
- Imports: $370.1 million (0.9% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Germany ($82.1 million), Canada ($56.1 million), Australia ($30.5 million)
- Trade balance: $262.9 million trade deficit
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Atiyadlc // Wikimedia Commons
#29. Impregnated etc text fabrics; tex art for industry
- Exports: $108.5 million (0.4% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($52.9 million), Canada ($28.8 million), China ($5.9 million)
- Imports: $109.2 million (0.3% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Mexico ($21.2 million), China ($20.1 million), Italy ($12.1 million)
- Trade balance: $686,560 trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($52.9 million), Canada ($28.8 million), China ($5.9 million)
- Imports: $109.2 million (0.3% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Mexico ($21.2 million), China ($20.1 million), Italy ($12.1 million)
- Trade balance: $686,560 trade deficit
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milatiger // Shutterstock
#28. Nat etc pearls, prec etc stones, pr met etc; coin
- Exports: $112.9 million (0.4% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Belgium ($100.9 million), India ($6.3 million), Germany ($2.5 million)
- Imports: $854.4 million (2.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: United Kingdom ($639.5 million), Thailand ($30.6 million), Germany ($30.5 million)
- Trade balance: $741.5 million trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Belgium ($100.9 million), India ($6.3 million), Germany ($2.5 million)
- Imports: $854.4 million (2.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: United Kingdom ($639.5 million), Thailand ($30.6 million), Germany ($30.5 million)
- Trade balance: $741.5 million trade deficit
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Qoan // Wikimedia Commons
#27. Miscellaneous manufactured articles
- Exports: $118.7 million (0.4% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($39.2 million), Mexico ($23.7 million), Brazil ($17.9 million)
- Imports: $50.1 million (0.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($27.8 million), Germany ($3.6 million), Canada ($2.7 million)
- Trade balance: $68.6 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($39.2 million), Mexico ($23.7 million), Brazil ($17.9 million)
- Imports: $50.1 million (0.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($27.8 million), Germany ($3.6 million), Canada ($2.7 million)
- Trade balance: $68.6 million trade surplus
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Pixabay
#26. Miscellaneous edible preparations
- Exports: $120.3 million (0.4% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($10.7 million), Guinea ($10.6 million), Cote d'Ivoire ($7.7 million)
- Imports: $129.0 million (0.3% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($108.5 million), Canada ($5.5 million), Netherlands ($5.2 million)
- Trade balance: $8.7 million trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($10.7 million), Guinea ($10.6 million), Cote d'Ivoire ($7.7 million)
- Imports: $129.0 million (0.3% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($108.5 million), Canada ($5.5 million), Netherlands ($5.2 million)
- Trade balance: $8.7 million trade deficit
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Photographee.eu // Shutterstock
#25. Furniture; bedding etc; lamps nesoi etc; prefab bd
- Exports: $128.4 million (0.4% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Russia ($32.4 million), Canada ($21.8 million), Thailand ($14.6 million)
- Imports: $1.2 billion (2.9% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($326.1 million), Mexico ($304.0 million), Vietnam ($98.9 million)
- Trade balance: $1.0 billion trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Russia ($32.4 million), Canada ($21.8 million), Thailand ($14.6 million)
- Imports: $1.2 billion (2.9% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($326.1 million), Mexico ($304.0 million), Vietnam ($98.9 million)
- Trade balance: $1.0 billion trade deficit
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Pixabay
#24. Essential oils etc; perfumery, cosmetic etc preps
- Exports: $142.4 million (0.5% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: China ($26.4 million), Canada ($19.6 million), Japan ($15.9 million)
- Imports: $45.7 million (0.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Israel ($24.3 million), China ($4.8 million), Germany ($3.9 million)
- Trade balance: $96.7 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: China ($26.4 million), Canada ($19.6 million), Japan ($15.9 million)
- Imports: $45.7 million (0.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Israel ($24.3 million), China ($4.8 million), Germany ($3.9 million)
- Trade balance: $96.7 million trade surplus
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sannse // Wikimedia Commons
#23. Manmade filaments, including yarns & woven fabrics
- Exports: $147.8 million (0.5% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($27.1 million), Japan ($24.6 million), El Salvador ($20.0 million)
- Imports: $280.0 million (0.7% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Canada ($102.6 million), China ($45.6 million), India ($40.7 million)
- Trade balance: $132.3 million trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($27.1 million), Japan ($24.6 million), El Salvador ($20.0 million)
- Imports: $280.0 million (0.7% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Canada ($102.6 million), China ($45.6 million), India ($40.7 million)
- Trade balance: $132.3 million trade deficit
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Canva
#22. Tanning & dye ext etc; dye, paint, putty etc; inks
- Exports: $151.0 million (0.5% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Belgium ($29.9 million), Canada ($26.3 million), Mexico ($17.4 million)
- Imports: $201.5 million (0.5% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Germany ($63.4 million), Spain ($35.1 million), Canada ($26.6 million)
- Trade balance: $50.5 million trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Belgium ($29.9 million), Canada ($26.3 million), Mexico ($17.4 million)
- Imports: $201.5 million (0.5% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Germany ($63.4 million), Spain ($35.1 million), Canada ($26.6 million)
- Trade balance: $50.5 million trade deficit
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Jan van der Straet // Wikimedia Commons
#21. Animal or vegetable fats, oils etc. & waxes
- Exports: $153.6 million (0.5% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Netherlands ($59.3 million), Switzerland ($21.3 million), Singapore ($17.5 million)
- Imports: $41.0 million (0.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Italy ($16.0 million), India ($5.5 million), China ($4.9 million)
- Trade balance: $112.6 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: Netherlands ($59.3 million), Switzerland ($21.3 million), Singapore ($17.5 million)
- Imports: $41.0 million (0.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Italy ($16.0 million), India ($5.5 million), China ($4.9 million)
- Trade balance: $112.6 million trade surplus
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Pixabay
#20. Glass and glassware
- Exports: $164.8 million (0.5% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: China ($48.7 million), Japan ($39.2 million), Canada ($15.0 million)
- Imports: $168.6 million (0.4% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($44.4 million), Taiwan ($27.0 million), Mexico ($24.7 million)
- Trade balance: $3.8 million trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: China ($48.7 million), Japan ($39.2 million), Canada ($15.0 million)
- Imports: $168.6 million (0.4% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($44.4 million), Taiwan ($27.0 million), Mexico ($24.7 million)
- Trade balance: $3.8 million trade deficit
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Daria Minaeva // Shutterstock
#19. Soap etc; waxes, polish etc; candles; dental preps
- Exports: $169.3 million (0.6% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($58.0 million), Belgium ($27.3 million), China ($19.8 million)
- Imports: $76.3 million (0.2% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Germany ($26.0 million), Japan ($8.4 million), China ($6.8 million)
- Trade balance: $93.0 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($58.0 million), Belgium ($27.3 million), China ($19.8 million)
- Imports: $76.3 million (0.2% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Germany ($26.0 million), Japan ($8.4 million), China ($6.8 million)
- Trade balance: $93.0 million trade surplus
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Bronzaclose // Wikimedia Commons
#18. Articles of iron or steel
- Exports: $176.6 million (0.6% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($61.9 million), Germany ($27.7 million), Mexico ($27.4 million)
- Imports: $806.5 million (2.0% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($163.2 million), Germany ($86.4 million), Canada ($79.8 million)
- Trade balance: $629.9 million trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($61.9 million), Germany ($27.7 million), Mexico ($27.4 million)
- Imports: $806.5 million (2.0% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($163.2 million), Germany ($86.4 million), Canada ($79.8 million)
- Trade balance: $629.9 million trade deficit
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AgainErick // Wikimedia Commons
#17. Manmade staple fibers, incl yarns & woven fabrics
- Exports: $196.4 million (0.6% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Honduras ($46.6 million), Canada ($25.4 million), Nicaragua ($22.5 million)
- Imports: $177.7 million (0.4% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Korea, South ($39.4 million), Japan ($28.3 million), India ($20.5 million)
- Trade balance: $18.7 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: Honduras ($46.6 million), Canada ($25.4 million), Nicaragua ($22.5 million)
- Imports: $177.7 million (0.4% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Korea, South ($39.4 million), Japan ($28.3 million), India ($20.5 million)
- Trade balance: $18.7 million trade surplus
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Shanti Hesse // Shutterstock
#16. Cotton, including yarn and woven fabric thereof
- Exports: $230.5 million (0.8% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Honduras ($54.6 million), China ($42.6 million), Guatemala ($18.8 million)
- Imports: $83.3 million (0.2% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Pakistan ($28.3 million), China ($18.9 million), India ($17.6 million)
- Trade balance: $147.2 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: Honduras ($54.6 million), China ($42.6 million), Guatemala ($18.8 million)
- Imports: $83.3 million (0.2% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Pakistan ($28.3 million), China ($18.9 million), India ($17.6 million)
- Trade balance: $147.2 million trade surplus
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Alchemist-hp // Wikimedia Commons
#15. Iron and steel
- Exports: $239.5 million (0.8% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($122.7 million), Canada ($41.6 million), Pakistan ($12.4 million)
- Imports: $267.6 million (0.7% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Canada ($52.7 million), Brazil ($33.7 million), China ($30.1 million)
- Trade balance: $28.0 million trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($122.7 million), Canada ($41.6 million), Pakistan ($12.4 million)
- Imports: $267.6 million (0.7% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Canada ($52.7 million), Brazil ($33.7 million), China ($30.1 million)
- Trade balance: $28.0 million trade deficit
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Pixabay
#14. Meat and edible meat offal
- Exports: $257.7 million (0.9% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: China ($92.9 million), Hong Kong ($17.8 million), Angola ($16.0 million)
- Imports: $42.2 million (0.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Canada ($12.5 million), Poland ($8.1 million), Netherlands ($7.3 million)
- Trade balance: $215.5 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: China ($92.9 million), Hong Kong ($17.8 million), Angola ($16.0 million)
- Imports: $42.2 million (0.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Canada ($12.5 million), Poland ($8.1 million), Netherlands ($7.3 million)
- Trade balance: $215.5 million trade surplus
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Montanabw // Wikimedia Commons
#13. Food industry residues & waste; prep animal feed
- Exports: $258.7 million (0.9% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: China ($58.4 million), Canada ($45.2 million), Vietnam ($24.2 million)
- Imports: $73.7 million (0.2% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Chile ($31.2 million), Australia ($10.6 million), United Kingdom ($6.8 million)
- Trade balance: $185.0 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: China ($58.4 million), Canada ($45.2 million), Vietnam ($24.2 million)
- Imports: $73.7 million (0.2% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Chile ($31.2 million), Australia ($10.6 million), United Kingdom ($6.8 million)
- Trade balance: $185.0 million trade surplus
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Fotohunter // Shutterstock
#12. Inorg chem; prec & rare-earth met & radioact compd
- Exports: $325.8 million (1.1% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: India ($212.4 million), Thailand ($35.8 million), Poland ($18.9 million)
- Imports: $1.1 billion (2.9% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Russia ($396.5 million), Germany ($307.7 million), Netherlands ($190.3 million)
- Trade balance: $821.5 million trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: India ($212.4 million), Thailand ($35.8 million), Poland ($18.9 million)
- Imports: $1.1 billion (2.9% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Russia ($396.5 million), Germany ($307.7 million), Netherlands ($190.3 million)
- Trade balance: $821.5 million trade deficit
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Pixabay
#11. Wood pulp etc; recovd (waste & scrap) ppr & pprbd
- Exports: $367.4 million (1.2% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: China ($62.8 million), India ($45.8 million), Japan ($42.7 million)
- Imports: $136.0 million (0.3% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Canada ($117.3 million), Brazil ($17.6 million), Chile ($761,996)
- Trade balance: $231.4 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: China ($62.8 million), India ($45.8 million), Japan ($42.7 million)
- Imports: $136.0 million (0.3% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Canada ($117.3 million), Brazil ($17.6 million), Chile ($761,996)
- Trade balance: $231.4 million trade surplus
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Charles O'Rear // Wikimedia Commons
#10. Miscellaneous chemical products
- Exports: $426.5 million (1.4% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($62.1 million), Brazil ($60.9 million), China ($47.2 million)
- Imports: $295.4 million (0.7% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Canada ($116.2 million), Germany ($79.9 million), Japan ($17.9 million)
- Trade balance: $131.1 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($62.1 million), Brazil ($60.9 million), China ($47.2 million)
- Imports: $295.4 million (0.7% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Canada ($116.2 million), Germany ($79.9 million), Japan ($17.9 million)
- Trade balance: $131.1 million trade surplus
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Pixabay
#9. Paper & paperboard & articles (inc papr pulp artl)
- Exports: $444.3 million (1.5% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($71.7 million), China ($51.8 million), United Kingdom ($30.1 million)
- Imports: $310.8 million (0.8% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Germany ($70.5 million), United Kingdom ($50.9 million), Canada ($43.7 million)
- Trade balance: $133.5 million trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($71.7 million), China ($51.8 million), United Kingdom ($30.1 million)
- Imports: $310.8 million (0.8% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Germany ($70.5 million), United Kingdom ($50.9 million), Canada ($43.7 million)
- Trade balance: $133.5 million trade surplus
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W. Oelen // Wikimedia Commons
#8. Organic chemicals
- Exports: $575.9 million (1.9% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Switzerland ($99.3 million), Belgium ($78.5 million), Canada ($48.4 million)
- Imports: $1.2 billion (3.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($204.0 million), Canada ($184.5 million), India ($158.9 million)
- Trade balance: $649.5 million trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Switzerland ($99.3 million), Belgium ($78.5 million), Canada ($48.4 million)
- Imports: $1.2 billion (3.1% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($204.0 million), Canada ($184.5 million), India ($158.9 million)
- Trade balance: $649.5 million trade deficit
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Jason7825 // Wikimedia Commons
#7. Optic, photo etc, medic or surgical instrments etc
- Exports: $813.2 million (2.7% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: China ($120.9 million), Germany ($100.3 million), Canada ($81.3 million)
- Imports: $1.2 billion (2.9% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Germany ($186.2 million), Taiwan ($137.8 million), China ($134.4 million)
- Trade balance: $341.2 million trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: China ($120.9 million), Germany ($100.3 million), Canada ($81.3 million)
- Imports: $1.2 billion (2.9% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Germany ($186.2 million), Taiwan ($137.8 million), China ($134.4 million)
- Trade balance: $341.2 million trade deficit
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Amazon
#6. Electric machinery etc; sound equip; tv equip; pts
- Exports: $1.3 billion (4.4% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($326.3 million), Canada ($322.3 million), China ($217.3 million)
- Imports: $5.9 billion (14.8% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Germany ($932.1 million), Mexico ($901.1 million), China ($666.7 million)
- Trade balance: $4.6 billion trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Mexico ($326.3 million), Canada ($322.3 million), China ($217.3 million)
- Imports: $5.9 billion (14.8% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Germany ($932.1 million), Mexico ($901.1 million), China ($666.7 million)
- Trade balance: $4.6 billion trade deficit
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Pixabay
#5. Plastics and articles thereof
- Exports: $1.3 billion (4.4% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($207.2 million), Mexico ($192.1 million), China ($146.1 million)
- Imports: $1.4 billion (3.4% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($258.0 million), Canada ($219.2 million), Germany ($174.1 million)
- Trade balance: $33.1 million trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($207.2 million), Mexico ($192.1 million), China ($146.1 million)
- Imports: $1.4 billion (3.4% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($258.0 million), Canada ($219.2 million), Germany ($174.1 million)
- Trade balance: $33.1 million trade deficit
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Pixabay
#4. Rubber and articles thereof
- Exports: $1.7 billion (5.7% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($417.7 million), Australia ($293.3 million), Mexico ($181.6 million)
- Imports: $1.8 billion (4.4% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Thailand ($313.3 million), Canada ($221.8 million), Mexico ($191.9 million)
- Trade balance: $27.7 million trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($417.7 million), Australia ($293.3 million), Mexico ($181.6 million)
- Imports: $1.8 billion (4.4% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Thailand ($313.3 million), Canada ($221.8 million), Mexico ($191.9 million)
- Trade balance: $27.7 million trade deficit
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Pixabay
#3. Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery etc.; parts
- Exports: $3.1 billion (10.2% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($570.9 million), Japan ($420.2 million), Mexico ($260.1 million)
- Imports: $9.0 billion (22.4% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($1.8 billion), Germany ($1.5 billion), Mexico ($794.3 million)
- Trade balance: $5.9 billion trade deficit
--- Countries export most to: Canada ($570.9 million), Japan ($420.2 million), Mexico ($260.1 million)
- Imports: $9.0 billion (22.4% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: China ($1.8 billion), Germany ($1.5 billion), Mexico ($794.3 million)
- Trade balance: $5.9 billion trade deficit
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Pixabay
#2. Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof
- Exports: $4.1 billion (13.4% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Spain ($668.0 million), Canada ($649.1 million), Saudi Arabia ($408.2 million)
- Imports: $402.7 million (1.0% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Canada ($190.6 million), Mexico ($109.4 million), Japan ($38.8 million)
- Trade balance: $3.7 billion trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: Spain ($668.0 million), Canada ($649.1 million), Saudi Arabia ($408.2 million)
- Imports: $402.7 million (1.0% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Canada ($190.6 million), Mexico ($109.4 million), Japan ($38.8 million)
- Trade balance: $3.7 billion trade surplus
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Pixabay
#1. Vehicles, except railway or tramway, and parts etc
- Exports: $11.4 billion (37.7% of exports)
--- Countries export most to: Germany ($3.4 billion), China ($2.4 billion), Belgium ($953.5 million)
- Imports: $4.8 billion (11.9% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Mexico ($1.6 billion), Germany ($1.5 billion), China ($248.8 million)
- Trade balance: $6.6 billion trade surplus
--- Countries export most to: Germany ($3.4 billion), China ($2.4 billion), Belgium ($953.5 million)
- Imports: $4.8 billion (11.9% of imports)
--- Countries import most from: Mexico ($1.6 billion), Germany ($1.5 billion), China ($248.8 million)
- Trade balance: $6.6 billion trade surplus
