What Kinds of Foods Are Imported to the US?

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

Over half of all fresh fruit consumed in the United States is imported. The answer to "What kinds of foods are imported to the US?" is a complex one, encompassing everything from out-of-season produce and specialty seafood to processed goods and spices sourced from all over the globe.

Quick Summary

The US imports a diverse array of food products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, spices, and processed goods, from numerous countries to meet consumer demand and fill seasonal gaps. Major categories include produce from Mexico and Canada, seafood from Asia, and specialty items from Europe.

Key Points

Fresh Produce Reliance: The US imports over half of its fresh fruit and a third of its fresh vegetables, primarily from Mexico and Canada, to ensure year-round availability.
Diverse Seafood Imports: To meet high domestic demand, the US imports various seafood, including shrimp and tilapia from countries in Asia like China, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Specialty and Processed Goods: Imports extend to canned foods, packaged items, and condiments, with Spain, Greece, and China supplying a significant volume.
Spice and Flavor Imports: A large variety of spices are imported from countries like India, Pakistan, and China, enriching the American palate with global flavors.
Cost and Demand Factors: Key drivers for importing food include cost-effectiveness, seasonal availability, and growing consumer demand for specialized international products.
Regulatory Oversight: All imported food is subject to strict US safety and labeling regulations enforced by agencies like the FDA and CBP.

Fresh Produce: Filling Seasonal Gaps

Due to variations in climate and growing seasons, the US relies heavily on imported fresh fruits and vegetables. This ensures that American consumers have access to a wide variety of produce year-round, from bananas and pineapples to tomatoes and avocados. Mexico and Canada are primary partners, but countries in Central and South America also play a crucial role.

Fruits from Across the Hemisphere

Fresh fruits are one of the most significant import categories. Consumers can enjoy a steady supply of tropical fruits like bananas, pineapples, and mangoes, along with out-of-season temperate fruits like grapes and berries. In fact, when bananas are included, imports account for over 60% of the fresh fruit supply in the US.

Vegetables from Our Neighbors and Beyond

Similar to fruits, vegetables are imported to provide a continuous supply of fresh options regardless of the season. Mexico alone supplies more than half of the fresh fruit and vegetables imported into the US, with tomatoes, peppers, and avocados being key products. Other countries like Guatemala and Peru also contribute. Some specialty vegetables, such as mushrooms and garlic, are also sourced from countries like China.

Seafood: Meeting Diverse Culinary Demands

With a high domestic demand for diverse seafood, the US imports a significant portion of its supply, particularly for specialty and mass-market products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other agencies regulate these imports to ensure safety and compliance.

Common Imported Fish and Shellfish

Imported seafood includes a wide range of products, from familiar fish like tilapia and cod to high-end shellfish. Popular imported items include shrimp from China, tilapia from Chinese fish farms, and various species of crab from countries like Indonesia and Vietnam. High demand for crabmeat, for instance, far outstrips domestic supply, making imports essential.

Top Seafood Importers

Countries in Asia, such as China, Vietnam, and Thailand, are major exporters of seafood to the US. These countries produce large volumes of both fresh and frozen seafood, which helps keep American grocery stores and restaurants well-stocked.

Canned, Packaged, and Processed Foods

Beyond fresh produce and seafood, a vast array of canned, packaged, and processed foods are imported to the US. These items cater to specific consumer tastes and provide ingredients that are not produced domestically.

Canned Foods: The US imports significant amounts of canned food, with Spain being a major supplier, followed by Greece and India. Products range from canned mandarins and sauces to pickled goods and processed snacks.
Spices and Condiments: Many spices and specialty condiments are imported to the US, with top source countries including Spain, India, Pakistan, and China. This ensures a diverse range of flavors are available for both home cooking and the restaurant industry.
Specialty Items: Imports also include unique items such as gourmet cheeses from Italy and other European nations, exotic fruits like jackfruit from Southeast Asia, and various baked goods.

Comparison of Major Imported Food Categories


Food Category	Top Source Countries	Reason for Import	Examples of Items
Fresh Fruits & Vegetables	Mexico, Canada, Guatemala, Peru	Climate, seasonality, variety	Tomatoes, avocados, bananas, grapes
Seafood	China, Vietnam, Thailand	Domestic demand exceeds supply, cost	Tilapia, shrimp, crabmeat
Spices	Spain, India, Pakistan, China	Specialization, climate	Turmeric, paprika, ginger, pepper
Canned & Processed Foods	Spain, Greece, China	Cost, specialized manufacturing	Canned fruit, apple juice, preserved goods

A Complex Global Supply Chain

The variety of imported foods in the US is a testament to a complex and interconnected global supply chain. Many factors influence what is imported, including cost-effectiveness, seasonal availability, and consumer demand for diverse and exotic products. While the US is a major agricultural producer, the variety and quantity of food imports continue to grow, driven by market economics and the desire for international flavors. Regulations by agencies like the FDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ensure imported products meet US safety and labeling standards.

Conclusion

The array of what kinds of foods are imported to the US is vast and crucial to the American diet. From fresh produce that keeps store shelves stocked year-round to specialty seafood, spices, and processed goods, international trade provides a depth of variety and availability that domestic production alone cannot match. This global food web, while complex and heavily regulated, ensures that consumers enjoy a rich and diverse culinary landscape every day. Consumers can expect to see an evolving mix of imported foods as trade dynamics, tariffs, and consumer tastes continue to change.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the US imports a wide variety of foods, bananas are consistently one of the largest food import commodities by volume.

Yes, the US imports meat, although in more limited and tightly regulated quantities than other food categories. High-end meats and specialty products are more likely to be imported, and these products must meet stringent US agricultural and health standards.

Mexico and Canada are the top two countries for US food imports, particularly for fresh produce. Other major exporters include China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Spain, depending on the food category.

The US imports food to supplement domestic production, especially for products that are out of season or cannot be grown easily in the US climate. Imports also meet consumer demand for a wider variety of specialized or exotic foods, often at a lower cost.

Yes, all food imported into the US must comply with strict safety and labeling regulations established by agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Shipments are inspected and can be refused if they do not meet standards.

Climate is a major factor, as it dictates what can be grown and when. The US imports produce from countries with different climates and seasons, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh fruits and vegetables like tropical bananas or winter berries, which would otherwise be unavailable.

Tariffs can significantly raise the cost of imported goods for consumers. Recent tariffs, particularly on products from certain countries like China, have led to increased grocery costs for items such as packaged foods and some seafood.