High-value products drive growth in U.S. agricultural imports

The value of U.S. agricultural imports grew by 6 percent annually from 2014 to 2024, growing to a record $213 billion in 2024. In most years, at least half the growth was in horticultural products—a category including high-value products such as fruits, vegetables, alcoholic beverages, essential oils, tree nuts, and nursery stock. Growth in high-value agricultural imports has been driven by demand for year-round supply, changing consumer preferences, and a strong exchange rate. Beef imports, up 23 percent in 2024, from countries such as Australia and Brazil, helped ease tight domestic supplies. Imports of tropical products (especially cocoa and coffee) rose with global prices, while vegetable oil imports increased to meet U.S. biofuel feedstock demand.