Canada and the United States share one of the most important trading relationships in the world. The two countries have a long border, closely connected supply chains, and industries that depend heavily on cross-border trade.

For American businesses, Canadian suppliers can offer several practical advantages. Goods can often move by truck or rail in a matter of days, manufacturers on both sides of the border frequently operate as part of the same supply chain, and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) provides preferential tariff treatment for qualifying products.

So, what does the United States actually buy from Canada?

The answer goes far beyond oil and natural resources. The U.S. imports energy products, vehicles, machinery, metals, agricultural goods, food products, plastics, chemicals, wood products, and many other manufactured items from Canadian suppliers.

In 2026, understanding these imports has become even more important because tariff policies, USMCA eligibility, rules of origin, and customs requirements can affect the final cost of Canadian goods entering the American market.

How Large Is US Trade With Canada in 2026?

The scale of trade between the two countries is enormous.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the United States imported approximately $233.7 billion worth of goods from Canada during the first seven months of 2026, while U.S. exports to Canada totaled about $205.5 billion during the same period.

For comparison, U.S. goods imports from Canada reached approximately $381.9 billion in 2025.

These numbers show why Canadian trade remains important to American manufacturers, retailers, distributors, contractors, and other businesses.

The relationship is also different from sourcing products from a distant overseas market. A manufacturer in Michigan, for example, may receive Canadian components by truck within a relatively short period, while a U.S. company can source Canadian agricultural or energy products through established transportation networks.

That proximity is one of Canada's biggest advantages as a U.S. trading partner.

1. Energy Products

Energy is one of the biggest categories within US imports from Canada.

Canada has significant reserves of crude oil, natural gas, and other energy resources. American refineries, utilities, manufacturers, and other businesses rely on Canadian energy supplies.

Crude petroleum is particularly important because Canada is a major supplier to the U.S. market. Canadian crude is transported into the United States through pipelines, rail networks, and other transportation systems.

Other energy-related products can include:

• Natural gas
• Refined petroleum products
• Electricity
• Petroleum-related materials
• Other energy commodities

The importance of Canadian energy goes beyond the value of individual shipments. Many U.S. facilities are designed around established North American supply chains, meaning replacing a Canadian source with a distant supplier may require changes to transportation, refining, processing, or production.

For businesses importing Canadian energy products, however, the tariff treatment must be reviewed carefully because different products can be subject to different rules and duties.

2. Vehicles and Automotive Parts

Automobiles and automotive components are another major part of trade between the two countries.

The North American automotive industry operates as an integrated manufacturing network. A vehicle may contain components manufactured in multiple facilities across Canada, the United States, and Mexico before the final vehicle reaches a customer.

Canadian exports to the United States can include:

• Passenger vehicles
• Motor vehicle components
• Engines
• Transmission components
• Electrical parts
• Automotive assemblies
• Specialized vehicle equipment

This interconnected system makes USMCA rules particularly important.

Automotive products have detailed origin requirements, and simply manufacturing or assembling something in Canada does not automatically make it eligible for preferential treatment.

Importers need to determine whether the product meets the applicable USMCA rules of origin before claiming a preferential tariff rate.

CBP continues to provide specific guidance on USMCA compliance, including provisions affecting automotive goods.

3. Machinery and Industrial Equipment

Canada is also an important source of machinery and industrial equipment for American businesses.

These imports can include equipment used in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, mining, energy, and other industries.

Examples include:

• Industrial machinery
• Agricultural equipment
• Construction machinery
• Specialized manufacturing equipment
• Pumps
• Compressors
• Mechanical equipment
• Industrial components

For a U.S. company, buying machinery from Canada can make logistical sense when the Canadian manufacturer specializes in a particular type of equipment.

Instead of sourcing heavy equipment from a supplier thousands of miles away, a company may be able to purchase from a Canadian manufacturer and transport the equipment across the land border.

However, businesses should not assume that geographic proximity automatically means simple customs treatment. Correct classification, valuation, country-of-origin determination, and documentation are still important.

4. Metals and Mineral Products

The United States imports substantial quantities of Canadian metals and mineral products.

Canada is a major producer of natural resources, including various metals and minerals used throughout American manufacturing.

Canadian exports can include products such as:

• Aluminum
• Nickel
• Copper
• Iron and steel products
• Zinc
• Precious metals
• Mineral concentrates
• Other processed metal products

These materials support industries ranging from construction and transportation to electronics and industrial manufacturing.

For American manufacturers, Canadian metals can become inputs rather than finished consumer products. A U.S. factory may import Canadian aluminum, use it to manufacture a component, and then sell that component to another American company.

This illustrates an important point about US imports from Canada: many imports are intermediate goods that become part of another product.

5. Agricultural Products

Agriculture is another major area of Canada-U.S. trade.

Canadian farms and food producers supply American businesses with a wide variety of agricultural commodities and processed food products.

Depending on the product, imports can include:

• Wheat
• Canola products
• Livestock
• Meat
• Dairy products
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Grains
• Seeds
• Processed agricultural products

The United States and Canada have highly integrated food supply chains. Food companies may source Canadian agricultural ingredients for processing, packaging, manufacturing, or resale in the American market.

Agricultural imports can also involve requirements beyond customs. Depending on the commodity, importers may need to consider requirements administered by agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration.

That means an importer should look at the entire compliance process rather than focusing only on the customs duty.

6. Food and Beverage Products

Canadian food manufacturers supply American retailers, restaurants, distributors, and food processors.

Common categories can include:

• Meat products
• Seafood
• Dairy products
• Bakery products
• Frozen foods
• Processed foods
• Maple products
• Beverages
• Packaged food

Canadian food products can be attractive to U.S. buyers because transportation distances are relatively short compared with many overseas markets.

A food importer still needs to check labeling, packaging, food safety, facility registration, product-specific requirements, and other applicable regulations.

For example, the customs classification of a processed food product can affect its tariff treatment, while its ingredients and intended use may influence regulatory requirements.

7. Wood, Lumber, and Forest Products

Canada has a large forestry sector, making wood and forest products an important component of North American trade.

The United States imports Canadian products used in:

• Residential construction
• Commercial construction
• Furniture manufacturing
• Packaging
• Paper production
• Home improvement
• Building materials

Lumber is especially important because Canadian wood products have long been connected to the U.S. construction market.

However, businesses importing Canadian lumber should pay close attention to product classification and applicable trade measures. Some products can have duties or trade remedies that are separate from ordinary USMCA treatment.

This is a good example of why an importer should never assume that every Canadian product automatically enters the United States duty-free.

8. Chemicals and Plastics

Canadian chemical and plastics manufacturers also supply American industries.

Imports can include:

• Industrial chemicals
• Organic chemicals
• Fertilizer-related products
• Plastics
• Resins
• Synthetic materials
• Chemical preparations

These products are often used as inputs by U.S. manufacturers.

For example, a Canadian producer may export a polymer or chemical ingredient to an American factory, where it becomes part of a finished product.

Chemical imports can require additional regulatory attention. Depending on the substance, businesses may need to consider environmental, safety, labeling, transportation, and storage requirements.

9. Pharmaceutical and Medical Products

Pharmaceuticals, medical products, and related goods also contribute to cross-border trade.

Canada has established pharmaceutical and healthcare manufacturing industries, and American buyers may source certain medical or pharmaceutical products from Canadian companies.

These imports can include:

• Pharmaceutical preparations
• Medical equipment
• Medical supplies
• Healthcare products
• Laboratory-related products

However, healthcare products are not ordinary consumer goods from a regulatory perspective.

Importers should identify the correct product category and determine whether requirements from agencies such as the FDA apply before shipping.

10. Consumer and Manufactured Goods

Not everything imported from Canada is an industrial commodity.

Canadian companies also export finished consumer and manufactured products to American buyers.

These can include:

• Household products
• Furniture
• Sporting goods
• Specialty products
• Electronics and electrical products
• Personal care products
• Paper goods
• Consumer packaged goods

The diversity of Canadian exports demonstrates how deeply the two economies are connected.

A U.S. retailer may purchase a finished Canadian product for direct resale, while a manufacturer may import a Canadian component and use it in production.

Both transactions are part of the broader US imports from Canada relationship.

Why USMCA Matters for Canadian Imports

One of the most important things an importer needs to understand in 2026 is the USMCA.

The agreement replaced NAFTA on July 1, 2020. It establishes preferential tariff treatment for qualifying goods traded between the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

But there is an important distinction:

A product being shipped from Canada does not automatically mean it qualifies for USMCA preferential treatment.

The product must satisfy the applicable rules of origin.

CBP explains that an originating good generally must be wholly obtained or produced in a USMCA country, produced using qualifying originating materials, or meet the specific requirements applicable when non-originating materials are used.

This distinction matters because an importer could purchase a product from a Canadian company that contains significant materials sourced from outside North America.

The product's origin must therefore be analyzed under the applicable USMCA rule.

Are All Canadian Imports Duty-Free?

No.

This is one of the most common misunderstandings about Canadian trade.

USMCA can provide duty-free treatment for qualifying goods, but products that do not meet the applicable origin requirements can face additional duties. CBP's current guidance states that qualifying USMCA goods generally receive preferential treatment, while non-qualifying Canadian goods can be subject to additional tariffs, with specific treatment depending on the product.

This means importers should avoid making assumptions based solely on the country where the supplier is located.

Before importing, a business should review:

1. The product's HTS classification
2. Country of origin
3. USMCA eligibility
4. Applicable rules of origin
5. Current tariff measures
6. Required documentation
7. Agency requirements
8. Customs valuation
9. Marking requirements
10. Recordkeeping obligations

Trade policies can change, so the applicable tariff treatment should always be confirmed at the time of entry.

What Documents Are Needed?

Documentation depends on the product and transaction, but an importer may need information such as:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Bill of lading or other transportation document
• HTS classification
• Country-of-origin information
• USMCA certification data, when claiming preferential treatment
• Product-specific permits or certificates
• Customs entry information

The USMCA does not require a single mandatory government certificate form. CBP states that a certification can be in any format as long as it contains the required data elements.

This makes recordkeeping especially important.

A supplier should be able to provide reliable information supporting the origin claim, while the importer should retain the records necessary to support its customs declaration.

Why Importers Should Pay Attention to Tariff Changes in 2026

Trade policy has become an especially important consideration for businesses importing from Canada.

Tariff treatment can differ depending on the product, its origin, whether it qualifies for USMCA treatment, and whether separate trade measures apply.

Recent CBP rulings demonstrate how complicated this can become. Some Canadian products may receive USMCA preferential treatment while also being evaluated under separate Chapter 99 provisions or other trade measures.

For this reason, an importer should not calculate its landed cost using a generic assumption such as "Canadian products are duty-free."

Instead, the business should determine the actual HTS classification and review the current rules applicable to that specific product.

Why Businesses Continue to Source From Canada

Despite the complexity of modern trade rules, Canada remains an attractive sourcing market for many American companies.

Several factors explain why.

Geographic proximity

The U.S. and Canada share a long land border. This allows many products to move by truck and rail instead of relying entirely on ocean freight.

Integrated supply chains

Industries such as automotive, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and construction have developed supply chains that cross the border.

Established commercial relationships

Many American companies already have Canadian suppliers, distributors, and manufacturing partners.

USMCA benefits

Qualifying goods can receive preferential tariff treatment under the agreement.

Shorter transportation times

For certain shipments, sourcing from Canada can provide faster replenishment than sourcing from overseas.

These advantages can make Canada an important part of a company's sourcing strategy.

A Simple Example of Importing From Canada

Imagine a U.S. manufacturer purchases industrial components from a Canadian supplier.

The process might look like this:

Step 1: The buyer identifies the Canadian supplier.

Step 2: The product is classified under the appropriate HTS code.

Step 3: The importer determines the product's country of origin.

Step 4: The Canadian supplier provides information needed to establish USMCA eligibility if applicable.

Step 5: The importer reviews current duties and other applicable trade measures.

Step 6: The shipment is transported to the United States.

Step 7: Customs entry information is submitted.

Step 8: CBP reviews the entry and applicable duties, taxes, and requirements.

Step 9: The goods are released after the necessary customs requirements are satisfied.

The actual process can be more complicated depending on the product, but this basic structure shows why classification and origin should be considered before the shipment leaves Canada.

What Should New Importers Watch Out For?

New importers often focus on the supplier's price and forget about the total landed cost.

That can be a costly mistake.

The true cost of a Canadian shipment may include:

• Product price
• Transportation
• Customs duties
• Brokerage fees
• Insurance
• Handling charges
• Warehousing
• Regulatory compliance costs
• Potential inspection costs

Another common mistake is assuming that a Canadian supplier automatically knows how U.S. customs will treat a product.

The supplier can provide valuable information, but the U.S. importer remains responsible for ensuring that its entry information is accurate and properly supported.

When classification or origin is uncertain, businesses can also consider seeking a CBP binding ruling. CBP maintains a system for obtaining advance rulings on classification and USMCA-related questions.

The Bigger Picture for US Imports From Canada in 2026

The U.S.-Canada trade relationship is much broader than a simple buyer-and-seller relationship.

Canadian energy helps support American industries. Canadian agricultural products enter U.S. food supply chains. Canadian metals become inputs for American manufacturers. Automotive parts cross the border multiple times during production. Machinery and industrial products move between factories and customers in both countries.

The latest Census Bureau figures reinforce the scale of this relationship. Through July 2026, U.S. goods imports from Canada had already reached approximately $233.7 billion.

That level of trade creates opportunities, but it also creates responsibilities for businesses.

Companies considering Canadian suppliers should look beyond the purchase price and understand the complete import process. Product classification, country of origin, USMCA eligibility, tariffs, documentation, transportation, and regulatory requirements can all affect the final economics of a shipment.

Final Thoughts

So, what does the US import from Canada?

The answer includes far more than one or two major commodities. The United States imports Canadian energy products, vehicles, automotive components, machinery, metals, agricultural goods, food, lumber, chemicals, plastics, medical products, and a wide range of manufactured and consumer goods.

For American businesses, Canada's proximity and integrated supply chains can make it an attractive sourcing market. At the same time, 2026 trade conditions mean importers need to pay closer attention to tariff classifications, USMCA rules of origin, documentation, and changing trade measures.

The most important lesson is simple: do not assume that every product shipped from Canada receives the same customs treatment.

Before importing, identify the product correctly, determine its origin, check USMCA eligibility, review the current tariff rules, and calculate the complete landed cost.

With those fundamentals in place, businesses can make better sourcing decisions and approach cross-border trade with far fewer surprises.