Total U.S. imports to grow 20% in 2021, with major changes in many categories

Jungle Scout recently released the 2021 U.S. Global Import Report , which analyzes the U.S. maritime imports and trends in 237 countries and regions and all industries from 2015 to 2021. It also explores changes in the import landscape under the circumstances of the epidemic , changing consumer demand, and global supply chain disruptions.

The report stated that the total import volume of the United States in the first half of 2021 increased by 33% compared with the first half of 2020. Based on the import trends of previous years and the growth curve so far in 2021 , Jungle Scout predicts that the total import volume in 2021 will increase by 20% year-on-year-unless affected by the unpredictable epidemic .

At the same time, according to the report, the trade pattern of exports to the United States continues to be dominated by a few countries and industries. In 2021, the top 10 countries accounted for 72% of the total US imports, and the top three industries accounted for 45% of US imports , namely, electromechanical, miscellaneous (including furniture, toys, artworks, etc.) and textiles.

US import share by country/region, 2015-2021. Image from Jungle Scout

China continues to lead in trade with the United States, accounting for more than 40% of imports , more than six times the share of Vietnam ( 6.3%) , the second largest supplier to the United States .  

India ’s share of U.S. imports has grown faster than any other country — up 32% and 76% in total volume from the first half of 2020 to the first half of 2021. Vietnam ’s share of U.S. imports increased 14% in 2020 and 52% in total volume.

Meanwhile, Australia, New Zealand and Canada reduced their exports to the United States during this period.

In terms of the types of imports into the United States, imports of mechanical and electrical products are increasing, while imports of wood and textile products are decreasing.  

The machinery and electrical sector has remained around 20% of total U.S. imports since 2015 and is expected to grow by 37% in 2021. The wood and wood products category fell by 16%. In addition, after a 7% drop from 2019 to 2020, the textile category's share fell again by 9%.

Categories with faster export growth to the United States in 2021. Image from Jungle Scout

According to forecasts, stone, glass and miscellaneous items will all grow by more than 50% in 2021. Although these categories fluctuate greatly from a single category perspective, there is little overall change in their share of imports.

“Global trade to the U.S. has shown clear growth so far in 2021, but there have also been some notable shifts, ” said Greg Mercer, founder and CEO of Jungle Scout. “In the e-commerce community , we’ve seen tremendous demand and supply chain volatility , which means online brands and sellers need to remain nimble and stay abreast of changing consumer demands, supplier options, and global news. ”

Imports from the United States

Global Ocean Freight

US Trade