The top 10 world’s biggest importers of goods for 2024

For centuries, trade has been the heartbeat of human progress, weaving connections from the ancient Silk Road to today’s intricate global supply chains. This timeless exchange of goods has not only shaped economies but also defined eras, sparking innovation and fostering growth across civilizations.

In 2024, the world’s leading importers are at the epicentre of this vibrant global marketplace. From the dynamic cities of the United States to China’s powerhouse industries, their relentless demand for foreign goods is fueling industries, creating opportunities, and driving the innovation that defines our modern world.

According to Global Trade Outlook and Statistics, these are the top 30 world’s biggest importers of Goods.

1. United States

The United States, the world’s largest economy, is also its largest importer of goods, with a staggering $3.17 trillion in imports in 2023. This represents 13.1% of the global imports, underscoring the country’s massive consumer market and diverse industrial base. This is driven by a combination of factors, including a large consumer base, diverse manufacturing industries, and a reliance on global supply chains. The U.S. imports many products ranging from automobiles and electronics to agricultural goods and raw materials. The U.S. imports a wide range of products, including consumer goods, machinery, and raw materials. The Key Import Partners are China, Mexico, Canada, Japan, and Germany.

2. China

Despite being a major exporter, China also imports significant quantities of goods, particularly raw materials and intermediate goods needed to fuel its manufacturing sector. In 2023, China imported $2.56 trillion worth of goods, accounting for 10.6% of global imports. This makes it the world’s second-largest importer and the key import partners are South Korea, Japan, Australia, the United States, and Malaysia.

Read also: The top 10 countries driving the UK’s imports

3. Germany

Germany’s robust manufacturing sector and high domestic consumption levels drive its demand for imported goods. The country imports a diverse range of products, including machinery, chemicals, and agricultural products. Which recorded $1.46 trillion worth of goods and a share of 6.0% in 2023, making it the third-largest importer globally, key import partners are the Netherlands, China, the United States, Italy, and France.

4. Netherlands

The Netherlands, a global trade hub, imports a wide range of products, including oil and gas, machinery, and consumer goods. Its strategic location and efficient port infrastructure make it a key gateway for international trade. In 2023, the country imported $842 billion worth of goods and a 3.5% share, making it the fourth-largest importer and the key import partners are Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, China, and the United States.

Read also: The 30 countries exporting the most goods

5. United Kingdom

The UK’s diverse economy, coupled with its role as a global financial center, makes it a significant importer of goods. The country imports a wide range of products, including machinery, chemicals, and food products. In 2023, the UK imported $791 billion worth of goods with a share of 3.3%. The key import partners are Germany, the United States, the Netherlands, China, and Ireland.

6. France

France, with its sophisticated economy and high living standards, imports a wide range of products, including agricultural goods, machinery, and consumer goods. The country’s discerning consumers and culinary traditions drive demand for high-quality imports with $786 billion worth of goods imported, a share of 3.2% in 2023. Key import partners are Germany, Italy, Spain, China, and Belgium.

7. Japan

Japan, a technologically advanced nation, imports a significant amount of raw materials and intermediate goods to fuel its manufacturing sector. The country’s reliance on imported resources, particularly energy, drives its import demand. In 2023, France had a 3.2% share and imported $786 billion worth of goods. The key import partners are China, the United States, Australia, South Korea, and Thailand.

Read also: Top 10 African countries with the largest intra-African exports growth

8. India

India’s growing economy and increasing consumer demand have led to a rise in imports. The country imports a wide range of products, including oil, machinery, and electronic goods. Japan imported $786 billion worth of goods and a share of 2.8% in 2023. Key import partners are China, the United States, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.

9. Hong Kong

Hong Kong, a global trade and financial hub, imports a wide range of goods, including electronics, jewellery, and textiles. Its strategic location and efficient port infrastructure make it a key gateway for international trade. Hong Kong with a 2.7% share, imported $673 billion worth of goods in 2023. The key import partners are China, Japan, the United States, South Korea, and Taiwan.

10. South Korea

South Korea, a technologically advanced nation, imports a significant amount of raw materials and intermediate goods to fuel its manufacturing sector. The country’s reliance on imported resources, particularly energy, drives its import demand. In 2023, South Korea imported $643 billion worth of goods and a 2.7% share. Key import partners are China, the United States, Japan, Germany, and Australia.