Are you curious about what goods the US imports from Mexico? At GayMexico.net, we want to shine a light on the strong economic connection between the United States and Mexico, highlighting how a diverse range of products, from vehicles to vibrant produce, cross the border daily. Let’s explore the variety of Mexican exports to the USA, showing the economic and cultural relationships between our countries.
1. Vehicles
Did you realize that Mexico makes about 16 out of every 100 cars sold in the United States? Mexico has been the leading automotive supplier to the United States since 2019. Major car manufacturers like General Motors, Nissan, FCA Mexico, Volkswagen, KIA, Mazda, Toyota, Audi, and Honda have been well-established in many Mexican cities. Even though imports have dropped recently because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the car industry is set to bounce back soon.
2. Auto Parts and Equipment
According to the Mexican Auto Parts Industry, the number of auto parts Mexico sends to the United States is about 1.3 times higher than the value of light car shipments, and 5 times more than the revenue from exports of trucks and tractors. With shippers looking to cut costs, making auto parts in Mexico is a good option.
3. Electronics and Appliances
Electronics are becoming more important in our lives, and a large number of them come from Mexico. Many computers, monitors, and telephones are brought in from across the border. Mexico spends billions of dollars each year to make this happen. We also get appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners from Mexico, which also cost a few billion dollars.
4. Crude Petroleum
Mexico is recognized as one of the world’s top oil producers. It sends about 48 percent of its oil to the United States, totaling over 210 million barrels. Mexico makes about $18 billion annually from crude oil exports alone, and this is expected to stay high due to the country’s large oil reserves.
5. Medical Instruments
Mexico leads Latin America in exporting medical devices and is a major supplier to the United States. The Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) reports that the country exported nearly $11.7 billion in medical devices in 2019, ranking it as the eleventh largest exporter worldwide.
6. Beer
Although there are many breweries, distilleries, and distributors in the United States, some of America’s most popular beers come from Mexico. If you enjoy Corona or Dos Equis, you’re drinking Mexican beer. Beer is a popular import and a staple for any Super Bowl party. The next time you open a Modelo Especial, remember it came from Mexico.
7. Plastic Items
According to World Integrated Trade Solutions (WITS), Mexico is the top supplier of plastic products to the United States, making nearly $21 billion. Canada is second with $18 billion, and China is third with only $6 million. Plastic is used widely, but there’s a big push to cut down on it because it takes a long time to recycle and adds to global pollution.
8. Gems & Precious Metals
India is the biggest supplier of gems and precious metals to the United States, holding 20.5 percent of the market over the last five years. China is second with 14.5 percent, followed by Thailand at 12.9 percent, and then Italy and France, each with about 9 percent. Mexico is among the top ten suppliers with 3% of the market share.
9. Vegetables
Mexico is the second-largest supplier of agricultural products to the United States. We spend nearly two billion dollars on tomatoes alone, and we also import vegetables like berries and avocados, as well as snack foods and processed fruits and vegetables.
10. Fruits and Nuts
Americans are increasingly focused on healthy lifestyles, which boosts the demand for natural products like fruits and nuts. Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Ecuador are the main suppliers, making up 75 percent of all purchases in the United States. This trend has been consistent over the past five years.
1. What Automotive Products Does The US Import From Mexico?
The US imports a variety of automotive products from Mexico, as Mexico has become the United States’ primary automotive supplier since 2019. This includes finished vehicles from manufacturers like General Motors, Nissan, FCA Mexico, Volkswagen, KIA, Mazda, Toyota, Audi, and Honda, in addition to auto parts and equipment. The scale of auto part exports often exceeds that of finished vehicles, making Mexico an invaluable source for both vehicle assembly and individual components in the automotive industry.
Vehicle exports from Mexico to the US:
- Passenger cars
- Trucks
- Tractors
Auto parts and equipment exports from Mexico to the US:
- Engines
- Transmissions
- Body parts
- Electrical components
2. How Significant Is Mexico As A Source Of Electronics And Appliances For The US?
Mexico is a crucial source for electronics and appliances for the US. The US imports billions of dollars worth of computers, monitors, and telephones from Mexico each year, which are essential for both personal and business use. Mexico also supplies significant amounts of appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners to the US market. This makes Mexico a key partner in providing the electronics and appliances that many people rely on.
Electronic products from Mexico to the US:
- Computers
- Monitors
- Telephones
Appliances from Mexico to the US:
- Refrigerators
- Air conditioners
3. What Role Does Mexico Play In Supplying The US With Petroleum?
Mexico is a major oil producer and a key supplier of crude petroleum to the United States. Approximately 48% of Mexico’s oil exports go directly to the US, totaling over 210 million barrels annually. This makes Mexico a significant player in meeting the petroleum demands of the United States, contributing substantially to the energy sector.
Key aspects of Mexico’s role in supplying petroleum to the US:
- Export Volume: Over 210 million barrels annually
- Percentage of Exports: 48% of Mexico’s total oil exports
- Revenue: $18 billion annually from crude oil exports
4. How Important Is Mexico In The Medical Device Supply Chain For The United States?
Mexico is Latin America’s leading exporter of medical devices and a major supplier to the United States. The country exported close to $11.7 billion in medical devices in 2019, making it the world’s eleventh-largest exporter. This highlights Mexico’s significant role in providing vital medical instruments to the US healthcare system.
Types of medical instruments exported from Mexico to the US:
- Diagnostic equipment
- Surgical instruments
- Medical appliances
5. What Kinds Of Alcoholic Beverages Does The US Import From Mexico?
The US imports a range of alcoholic beverages from Mexico, with beer being one of the most popular. Mexican brands like Corona and Dos Equis are widely consumed and enjoyed in the United States. The import of beer from Mexico is a key component of social events and gatherings, such as Super Bowl parties, underscoring its cultural importance.
Popular beer brands imported from Mexico to the US:
- Corona
- Dos Equis
- Modelo Especial
6. In What Ways Does Mexico Contribute To The US Plastics Market?
Mexico is the leading supplier of plastic products to the United States, with total revenues of nearly $21 billion. This makes Mexico an essential source for a variety of plastic goods used across numerous sectors in the US, despite growing global efforts to reduce plastic use.
Plastic products exported from Mexico to the US:
- Packaging materials
- Industrial plastics
- Consumer plastic goods
7. How Does Mexico Rank As A Supplier Of Gems And Precious Metals To The US?
Mexico is among the top ten suppliers of gems and precious metals to the United States, holding about 3% of the market share. While not the largest supplier, its contribution is significant, adding to the diversity of sources for these valuable materials in the US.
Key suppliers of gems and precious metals to the US:
- India (20.5% market share)
- China (14.5% market share)
- Thailand (12.9% market share)
- Mexico (3% market share)
8. What Types Of Agricultural Products Does The US Import From Mexico?
Mexico is the second-largest supplier of agricultural products to the United States. The US imports a wide range of vegetables, including tomatoes (nearly $2 billion worth), berries, and avocados. Additionally, the US imports snack foods and processed fruits and vegetables from Mexico, which are very important for the food supply.
Vegetables imported from Mexico to the US:
- Tomatoes
- Berries
- Avocados
Other agricultural products imported from Mexico to the US:
- Snack foods
- Processed fruits
- Processed vegetables
9. Why Are Fruits And Nuts Important Imports From Mexico To The US?
Fruits and nuts are vital imports from Mexico to the US due to the increasing health-conscious lifestyle trends among American consumers. Mexico, along with Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Ecuador, accounts for 75% of the total fruit and nut purchases in the US. This reliable distribution ensures that the US market has access to a steady supply of these essential, healthy products.
Key fruit and nut suppliers to the US:
- Mexico
- Guatemala
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
10. How Has Nafta And Usmca Impacted The Trade Relationship Between The Us And Mexico?
NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and its successor, USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), have significantly shaped the trade relationship between the US and Mexico. These agreements have reduced tariffs and trade barriers, which has increased trade volumes and economic integration. They have fostered stronger economic ties, making Mexico a major source of various products for the US market. According to research from the Congressional Research Service in July 2023, USMCA provides updated rules of origin and labor provisions.
Key impacts of NAFTA and USMCA on US-Mexico trade:
- Reduced tariffs and trade barriers
- Increased trade volumes
- Stronger economic ties
- Updated rules of origin and labor provisions (USMCA)
11. What Are The Key Challenges And Opportunities In The Us-Mexico Trade Relationship?
The US-Mexico trade relationship faces both challenges and opportunities. Challenges include trade disputes, regulatory differences, and economic inequalities. Opportunities lie in further economic integration, technological innovation, and addressing supply chain vulnerabilities. Managing these factors is essential for fostering a balanced and beneficial trade relationship. According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative in August 2024, addressing concerns related to labor rights and environmental standards presents a significant opportunity for improvement.
Challenges in US-Mexico trade:
- Trade disputes
- Regulatory differences
- Economic inequalities
Opportunities in US-Mexico trade:
- Further economic integration
- Technological innovation
- Addressing supply chain vulnerabilities
- Improving labor rights and environmental standards
12. How Does Cultural Exchange And Tourism Influence Trade Between The Us And Mexico?
Cultural exchange and tourism significantly influence trade between the US and Mexico. Increased tourism fosters a greater appreciation for Mexican products and culture, which can boost demand for Mexican goods in the US. Cultural exchange programs and events also enhance understanding and collaboration, leading to stronger trade relationships. According to a report by the International Trade Administration in June 2025, tourism enhances trade relations.
Impact of cultural exchange and tourism on US-Mexico trade:
- Increased demand for Mexican goods
- Enhanced understanding and collaboration
- Stronger trade relationships
13. How Can The Us And Mexico Work Together To Create More Sustainable Trade Practices?
The US and Mexico can collaborate to create more sustainable trade practices through several strategies. These include promoting environmentally friendly production methods, reducing carbon emissions in transportation, and encouraging the use of renewable energy sources. Joint initiatives aimed at sustainable development can help ensure that trade benefits both economies while protecting the environment. According to research from the United Nations Environment Programme in May 2024, investing in renewable energy and promoting sustainable agriculture can significantly reduce the environmental impact of trade.
Strategies for sustainable trade practices:
- Promoting environmentally friendly production methods
- Reducing carbon emissions in transportation
- Encouraging the use of renewable energy sources
- Investing in sustainable agriculture
14. What Are The Main Differences Between Importing Goods From Mexico Versus China?
Importing goods from Mexico differs significantly from importing from China. Mexico benefits from its geographic proximity to the US, resulting in lower transportation costs and shorter delivery times. Additionally, trade agreements like USMCA provide preferential treatment to Mexican goods. China, however, often offers lower production costs but faces longer shipping times and potential trade tensions. According to a study by the Peterson Institute for International Economics in April 2023, nearshoring to Mexico can reduce supply chain risks.
Key differences between importing from Mexico and China:
| Feature | Mexico | China |
|---|---|---|
| Proximity | Closer to the US, lower transport costs | Further from the US, higher transport costs |
| Trade Agreements | USMCA provides preferential treatment | Faces potential trade tensions |
| Production Costs | Generally higher | Generally lower |
| Delivery Times | Shorter | Longer |
15. How Does The Import Of Vegetables And Fruits From Mexico Affect The Us Agricultural Sector?
The import of vegetables and fruits from Mexico significantly impacts the US agricultural sector. It provides US consumers with access to a wider variety of produce at competitive prices, especially during off-seasons. However, it also poses challenges to US farmers who may struggle to compete with lower labor costs and production expenses in Mexico. According to the United States Department of Agriculture in March 2025, imports from Mexico supplement domestic production.
Impacts on the US agricultural sector:
- Wider variety of produce for consumers
- Competitive prices
- Challenges for US farmers due to lower costs in Mexico
Are you planning a trip to Mexico? At GayMexico.net, we invite you to explore our website for comprehensive travel guides, find exciting events, and connect with the LGBTQ+ community in Mexico. Discover the best gay-friendly destinations, hotels, bars, and clubs, all while staying informed about the latest news and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers. Contact us at Address: 3255 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010, United States. Phone: +1 (213) 380-2177, or visit our website at gaymexico.net.
