Tag: Trade deficit

The United States, despite being a global agriculture powerhouse, has become a net food importer since 2015, with tropical fruits and seafood among the heavily imported items. So, what percent of the food we eat is imported is not a single, universal number, but rather a complex figure that fluctuates dramatically depending on your location and specific diet. This article explores the varied statistics and reasons behind our global dependency.

According to a 2025 analysis, the United States' food trade deficit surged to a record $58.7 billion in 2024, signaling a significant shift in the nation's food economy. This marks a definitive turn for a country historically known as a global agricultural leader, raising questions about America's evolving reliance on foreign food sources.

While the United States was historically a net agricultural exporter, it became a net food importer for the first time in 2023. This shift raises a critical question: Could the United States feed itself if necessary? The answer is not a simple yes or no, involving complex factors from policy to production.