Mexico replaces China as top exporter to U.S. in 2023

Trade deficit between world's two largest economies falls to lowest level since 2010

20240207N mexico trucks entering u.s. REU

Trucks wait to cross into the U.S. via the Jeronimo-Santa Teresa International Bridge, in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on Oct 4. © Reuters

MARRIAN ZHOU, Nikkei staff writer

February 8, 2024 06:19 JST

Updated on March 9, 2024 05:25 JST

NEW YORK -- Mexico has surpassed China to become the biggest exporter of goods to the U.S. in 2023, according to data released Wednesday.

The U.S. imported a total of $427.2 billion from China last year, a roughly 20% decrease from the year before, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, a U.S. government agency. Meanwhile, Mexico exported $475.6 billion to the U.S., up 5% from 2022. Mexico's exports to the U.S. surpassed China's for the first time in 20 years.