The Top Import Partner Of Each US State

The United States stands as one of the largest and most influential economies in the world, with a GDP of over $27 trillion and consistently ranking among the top exporters and importers globally. Cutting-edge technology, agricultural products, vehicles and raw materials are some of US exports and imports that exemplify the staggering breadth of U.S. trade. But while the nation’s domestic production capabilities are immense, its true economic might also stems from a vast web of international trade partnerships that help supply key resources.

Trade relationships vary widely from coast to coast. For instance, Texas leads the country in export volume—much of it going to Mexico—due to its close proximity and strong energy sector, while states like Washington and California trade extensively with Asian nations, facilitated by Pacific ports and high-tech exports. Meanwhile, automotive manufacturing in the Midwest fosters deep ties with both Canada and Mexico, thanks to North America’s highly integrated supply chains. These regional differences illustrate that there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for U.S. trade; each state has a unique profile shaped by geography, industry, and resource availability.

Across the board, a handful of countries stand out for their enduring importance to the U.S. economy. Longstanding partners like Canada and Mexico benefit from the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), while China remains a major player in both imports and exports despite trade tensions. Japan and Germany also feature prominently, each with its own specialized ties to American industries. Below, we discuss the top import partners of the 10 most populous US states.

California - China

California’s top import partner is China, accounting for a quarter of the state’s international trade. The Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach serve as two of the most important entry points for goods, including electronics, machinery, and textiles.

California’s trade relationship with China gives light to its strong technology, manufacturing, and retail sectors, which rely on imported components and consumer products. Other key imports include vehicles and medical equipment.

While China leads, Mexico and Canada also play major roles in California’s trade economy. The state’s position on the Pacific Coast and its advanced infrastructure make it a vital hub for U.S. imports as a whole.

Texas - Mexico

Texas’s primary import partner is Mexico, its southern neighbor. Cross-border trade flows through key ports of entry, including Laredo and El Paso, making Texas a crucial link in North American supply chains.

The state’s leading imports from Mexico include, in large part, vehicles, auto parts, electronics, and machinery, supporting important industries such as manufacturing and technology. Texas also imports significant amounts of crude oil and agricultural products that supply its vast amounts of farmlands.

With its extensive transportation infrastructure, including highways, rail, and ports, Texas plays a central role in facilitating trade between the U.S. and Mexico, one of the country's biggest trading partners as a whole.

Florida - China

China is also Florida's top import partner, with an 11% portion of the state's imports consisting mainly of electronics, machinery, and textiles from the Asian manufacturing powerhouse.

The Port of Miami and Port Everglades serve as major entry points for these goods, supporting Florida's strong and growing retail and technology sectors. Other notable imports include medical devices, vehicles, and a number of other general consumer goods like clothing.

While China leads, the state also imports a variety of products from Mexico, including vehicles and agricultural products, reflecting the state's diverse trade relationships with a number of countries from around the world.

Florida's strategic location along the southeastern U.S. coast and its robust logistics infrastructure make it a vital gateway for international trade across the country.

New York - Canada

New York's greatest import partner is Canada, with the state receiving a variety of goods, including machinery, petroleum products, and agricultural commodities fueling a variety of industries. In addition to natural resources like crude oil and gas, New York imports vehicles, electronics, and industrial products, which support its diverse economy.

The Port of New York and New Jersey, along with numerous border crossings in Ontario (Canada's most wealthy and most populated province), facilitate this robust trade relationship. The state's strategic location and well-developed infrastructure make it a key player in U.S.-Canada trade, strengthening New York’s position as a central hub for goods entering the northeastern U.S.

Pennsylvania - China

Pennsylvania is another important state on the Atlantic coast whose largest import partner is China, with the state receiving substantial shipments of electronics, machinery, and textiles. These goods primarily enter through the Port of Philadelphia, which serves as a major gateway for most of Pennsylvania's international trade.

In addition to Chinese imports, Pennsylvania also sees significant shipments from Germany, especially vehicles and automotive parts, that support the state's vehicle manufacturing industries. Other key imports include chemicals, medical equipment, and raw materials for its well-established steel industry.

Illinois - Canada

Illinois’s top import partner is Canada, with the state receiving a wide range of goods including machinery, vehicles, and petroleum products from them. The state’s proximity to Canada and strong transportation networks, especially in Chicago and along the Great Lakes, facilitate a steady flow of imports.

In addition to natural resources like oil and gas, Illinois also imports a huge amount of agricultural products, chemicals, and industrial equipment from the northern country. This trade relationship is vital for the state’s vital manufacturing and energy sectors.

With a well-established infrastructure for cross-border trade, Illinois continues to be an important gateway for goods between the U.S. and Canada.

Ohio - Canada

Trade with Canada accounts for about 22% of Ohio’s imports, with key products including machinery, vehicles, and automotive parts. This trade relationship is critical to Ohio’s extensive manufacturing sector, like aerospace and defense, which relies heavily on components and raw materials from its northern neighbor. In addition to automotive products, Ohio imports a variety of industrial machinery, chemicals, and energy resources to keep its economy up and running.

The state’s proximity to Canada, along with its well-developed transportation infrastructure—especially its extensive rail and highway systems and proximity to Lake Erie—supports this strong cross-border trade relationship.

Georgia - China

Georgia has a highly diverse economy, which spans industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and agriculture, and is bolstered by its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and strong trade relationships, particularly with China, which remains central to its international commerce.

Because of this, Georgia’s top import partner is China, with the state receiving a significant share of electronics, machinery, and textiles from the country. These goods enter primarily through the Port of Savannah, one of the busiest and fastest-growing ports in the United States.

On top of these vital Chinese imports, Georgia also imports a variety of vehicles, industrial equipment, and agricultural products from Germany and Mexico.

North Carolina - Ireland

This state's role in global trade is strengthened by its diverse economy, which spans advanced manufacturing to biotechnology. North Carolina’s economy largely relies on imports from Ireland, with key imports from the European country including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and medical devices. This trade relationship is driven by the state’s strong life sciences and healthcare industries, which rely heavily on these Irish products.

The state’s well-developed infrastructure, including the Port of Wilmington, facilitates efficient trade with Ireland and other international partners.

Michigan - Mexico

Michigan’s largest import partner is Mexico, with the state receiving significant shipments of vehicles, auto parts, machinery, and electrical equipment fueling its well-established manufacturing industries. This trade relationship is essential to Michigan’s renowned automotive industry, which now depends highly on components and finished goods from Mexico.

The state's strong manufacturing base, combined with overland and water-based trade routes around Detroit and the U.S.-Mexico border, makes Michigan a vital link in North American trade, particularly within the automotive and industrial sectors.

Top Import Partner of Each US State