Staples imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of staples by the United States reached $127.0 million in 2024 (65.1 thousand tonnes). It ranks 1st of 209 countries for imports of this product. Value rose 23% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $199.9 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $127.0M | 65.1K t |
| 2023 | $103.3M | 47.9K t |
| 2022 | $199.9M | 79.7K t |
| 2021 | $167.8M | 81.8K t |
| 2020 | $114.5M | 64.9K t |
| 2019 | $122.4M | 67.4K t |
| 2018 | $125.7M | 69.0K t |
| 2017 | $109.8M | 62.5K t |
Where the United States imports staples from
Most of the value came from China (26%), South Korea (19%), Oman (10%). Among the main suppliers, Malaysia grew fastest (+80% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $32.7M | 26% |
| South Korea | $24.1M | 19% |
| Oman | $12.2M | 9.6% |
| Taiwan | $12.2M | 9.6% |
| Malaysia | $10.2M | 8% |
| Austria | $6.8M | 5.3% |
| Thailand | $6.3M | 4.9% |
| Japan | $5.0M | 4% |
| Sweden | $3.3M | 2.6% |
| Vietnam | $3.2M | 2.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.95 per kg, close to the world average of $2.13.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Staples exports from the United States
The United States exported $14.1 million of staples in 2024 (2.5 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 7th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 122 countries. One buyer market dominates: Mexico accounted for 53% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, United Kingdom grew fastest (+33% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $7.4M | 53% |
| Canada | $2.5M | 18% |
| United Kingdom | $686K | 4.9% |
| Netherlands | $441K | 3.1% |
| Japan | $392K | 2.8% |
| Peru | $366K | 2.6% |
| Ecuador | $214K | 1.5% |
| New Zealand | $172K | 1.2% |
| Paraguay | $162K | 1.2% |
| Australia | $159K | 1.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States staples imports (HS 8305.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 8305.20: Stationery: staples in strips, (e.g. for offices, upholstery, packaging), of base metal.
Common questions
What is the value of staples imported by the United States?
The United States imported staples worth $127.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 65.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 209 countries worldwide, with 25% of world imports. The value was up 23% on 2023.
Which countries supply staples to the United States?
China was the largest supplier with 26% of the value ($32.7 million), followed by South Korea (19%) and Oman (10%). The top three together account for 54%, out of 45 supplier countries in total. Malaysia grew fastest among the top ten, up 80% on the year.
What is the average import price of staples per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.95 per kg in 2024, 8% below the world average of $2.13 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of staples to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $109.8 million in 2017 to $127.0 million in 2024, an increase of 16%. The peak was 2022 at $199.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $133.8 million a year.
Does the United States also export staples?
Yes. The United States exported $14.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mexico, Canada and the United Kingdom. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $112.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for staples?
The HS code for staples is subheading 8305.20. It sits in HS chapter 83 (metal; miscellaneous products of base metal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8305 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United States, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
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