US export data 2026: Export products & destination markets

US export data insights from Jan to May 2026: Notable insights

• Civilian aircraft, engines, and parts are the top US exports at US$67.46 billion, ahead of crude oil at US$62.52 billion and gold at US$61.65 billion, based on TradeInt's US export data.
• Mexico is the largest US export partner at US$161.08 billion, followed by Canada at US$143.32 billion and the United Kingdom at US$51.86 billion, from TradeInt's US export data.
• Energy climbed up the ranking as crude oil, refined petroleum, and petroleum gases together led the export basket, while gold moved into the top three on strong precious-metal flows.
• In May 2026, US exports of goods and services reached US$317.68 billion, and year-to-date exports hit US$1.58 trillion, according to official trade figures.

US export market analysis: How does it perform in 2026?

The US export market strengthened through the first half of 2026, with monthly export values rising from US$185.79 billion in January to a peak of US$220.67 billion in March, based on TradeInt's US export data. Values eased after March but stayed well above the January starting point.

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, in May 2026, US exports of goods and services reached US$317.68 billion, and year-to-date exports climbed to US$1.58 trillion,

In the first five months of 2026, US goods exports reached US$1,045.70 billion, up 15.3% from US$907.00 billion in the same period of 2025, the BEA reports. Energy and precious metals drove most of that gain.

On the other hand, US crude oil exports jumped to 5.2 million barrels per day in April, over 30% above the 3.9 million barrels per day shipped in February. Asian and European buyers turned to the Gulf Coast after Middle East supply routes tightened.

Meanwhile, US energy trade set fresh records over the year. In 2025, total US energy exports reached 31 quadrillion British thermal units, the highest on record and 2% above 2024, the EIA notes. Petroleum made up 63% of that total, confirming energy as the driver of US export growth into 2026.

Here are the highlights shaping US export performance in 2026:

• Goods exports grew double digits: US goods exports reached US$1,045.70 billion in the first five months of 2026, up 15.3% over the same period of 2025, as reported by the BEA.
• Crude oil exports hit a record: US crude oil shipments rose to 5.2 million barrels per day in April 2026, over 30% above February levels, drawing tankers to the Gulf Coast.
• Energy leads the export mix: Total US energy exports reached a record 31 quadrillion British thermal units in 2025, with petroleum accounting for 63%, the EIA reports.

US export products: What are the USA's main exports?

Based on TradeInt's US export data until May 2026, the main US exports are civilian aircraft, engines, and parts at US$67.46 billion, crude oil at US$62.52 billion, and gold at US$61.65 billion. These three products lead the US export basket by value.

The list of top 10 US exports also includes refined petroleum, petroleum gases, data processing machines, low-value shipments, office-machine parts, integrated circuits, and blood products. The mix shows a basket led by aerospace, energy, precious metals, and IT hardware.

Top 5 US exports until May 2026:

1. Civilian aircraft, engines, and parts (HS 8800) - US$67.46 billion: the US largest export, covering aerospace equipment for international fleets.
2. Crude oil (HS 2709) - US$62.52 billion: light sweet crude shipped mainly to refiners in Asia and Europe.
3. Gold (HS 7108) - US$61.65 billion: unwrought and semi-manufactured gold, a fast-rising precious-metal export.
4. Refined petroleum (HS 2710) - US$58.53 billion: gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel supplying Latin America and beyond.
5. Petroleum gases and LNG (HS 2711) - US$40.47 billion: liquefied natural gas and gaseous hydrocarbons for global buyers.

US export growth in 2026 is concentrated in energy and precious metals rather than spread evenly across the basket. Crude oil sets the pace.

In the first five months of 2026, BEA reported US crude oil exports reached US$62.24 billion, up 46.8% from US$42.39 billion in the same period of 2025. Nonmonetary gold exports grew to US$64.42 billion, more than double the US$28.25 billion recorded a year earlier.

Moreover, semiconductor exports rose to US$35.54 billion in the first five months of 2026, up 24.2% over the year, while computer exports nearly doubled to US$28.69 billion, according to BEA end-use figures.

In July 2026, the Commerce Department loosened export controls for the United Arab Emirates, Reuters reports, making it easier to export AI chips, commercial satellites, and certain military items, which opens new revenue channels for US technology exporters.

Key points about the US export market in 2026:

• Crude oil led the value gain: US crude oil exports reached US$62.24 billion in the first five months of 2026, up 46.8% year over year, the BEA reports.
• Gold exports more than doubled: Nonmonetary gold exports climbed to US$64.42 billion in the first five months of 2026, from US$28.25 billion a year earlier.
• Technology exports advanced: Semiconductor exports rose 24.2%, and computer exports nearly doubled year over year through May 2026, on steady global demand.

US export markets: Which countries does the US export to?

From US export data on TradeInt in 01/2026 - 05/2026, the US exports mainly to Mexico, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Mexico led at US$161.08 billion, Canada followed at US$143.32 billion, and the United Kingdom came third at US$51.86 billion.

Top US export destinations by country are the Netherlands, China, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, South Korea, and Hong Kong.

Top 5 US export markets in 01/2026 - 05/2026:

1. Mexico (US$161.08 billion): The top US export destination, led by machine parts, computers, and refined petroleum.
2. Canada (US$143.32 billion): A core partner buying vehicles, vehicle parts, and refined petroleum.
3. United Kingdom (US$51.86 billion): A leading gold destination alongside aircraft and pharmaceutical flows.
4. Netherlands (US$48.26 billion): A European hub taking crude oil, refined petroleum, and petroleum gases.
5. China (US$45.79 billion): A major buyer of gold, integrated circuits, and aircraft.

From Jan to May 2026, US exports to Mexico reached US$162.18 billion, up from US$139.76 billion in the same period of 2025, the BEA reports. Exports to Canada held near US$145.41 billion over the same window.

Meanwhile, US exports to the United Kingdom expanded sharply. In the first five months of 2026, they reached US$51.30 billion, up from US$40.75 billion a year earlier, driven by gold and precious-metal flows, according to BEA country data. Exports to Switzerland showed a similar jump on gold shipments.

US energy exports also reshaped Asian destinations.

In 2025, US LNG exports rose 26% to 15.1 billion cubic feet per day, making the US the world's largest LNG exporter, the Pipeline & Gas Journal notes. The EIA expects US LNG exports to climb to 17.4 billion cubic feet per day in 2026 as new liquefaction capacity enters service.

What stands out about US export partners in 2026:

• Mexico stayed the top destination: US exports to Mexico reached US$162.18 billion in the first five months of 2026, up from US$139.76 billion a year earlier, the BEA reports.
• The UK rose on gold: US exports to the United Kingdom climbed to US$51.30 billion through May 2026, from US$40.75 billion a year earlier, driven by precious-metal flows.
• Asia pulled in more US energy: US LNG exports rose 26% to 15.1 billion cubic feet per day in 2025, lifting supply to Asian and European buyers, the Pipeline & Gas Journal reports.

How to find and access the latest US export data?

Several public sources provide aggregated US export statistics, such as:

• USA Trade Online, maintained by the US Census Bureau, publishes monthly goods exports by country, product, and HS code.
• USITC DataWeb provides product-level trade statistics and tariff data
• ITA Exporter Database offers broader insights into exporter characteristics and destination markets.

These tools are useful for macro-level research, but they generally do not show individual transactions, specific overseas buyers, purchasing frequency, or detailed shipment histories.

For more granular analysis, TradeInt provides access to 10B+ bill-of-lading records searchable by HS code, US exporter, overseas buyer, product, and port.

Businesses can use TradeInt to:

• Identify active buyers and review their purchasing history.
• Track export trends by product, country, or trade corridor.
• Verify exporters and trading partners before starting a relationship.
• Compare competitors and identify markets with lower supplier activity.

Request trial access from TradeInt today.

What should businesses check before exporting to the US in 2026?

Confirm the correct HTS code and tariff

Classify the product under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule before quoting prices. Check the standard duty rate, additional tariffs, and any antidumping or countervailing duties based on the product and country of origin. Incorrect classification can result in higher duties, customs delays, or penalties.

Account for duties on low-value shipments

Do not assume shipments valued at US$800 or less are duty-free. Since August 29, 2025, duty-free de minimis treatment has been suspended for low-value imports from all countries. Businesses should include customs duties, taxes, entry filings, and clearance costs when calculating prices.

Check product-specific requirements

Requirements depend on the product category:

• Food, beverages, and animal feed: Submit Prior Notice to the FDA before the goods are imported into the US.
• Wireless and radio-frequency electronics: Obtain the required FCC authorization and meet labeling requirements before import or sale.
• Regulated consumer products: Complete the required safety testing and compliance certificates. From July 8, 2026, certificates for most regulated consumer products must be filed electronically with CBP.

Prepare complete shipping documents

At minimum, prepare a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Documents should clearly state the product description, quantity, value, country of origin, and HTS code.

For sea freight, the US importer or its agent must submit the Importer Security Filing, or ISF, no later than 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel. Exporters should provide the required shipment information early to avoid delays.

Reduce product liability risks

Review product labels, warnings, instructions, testing records, and traceability before shipping. Businesses should also consider suitable product liability insurance, especially for food, electronics, children’s products, machinery, and other higher-risk goods.

Conclusion

Aerospace, energy, and precious metals define the US export basket in 2026. Civilian aircraft, engines, and parts led at US$67.46 billion; crude oil followed at US$62.52 billion; and gold came in third at US$61.65 billion, according to TradeInt's US export data. Mexico absorbed the most at US$161.08 billion, with Canada and the United Kingdom close behind.

Energy and precious metals drove most of the year-over-year gain. US crude oil exports rose 46.8% through May 2026, nonmonetary gold exports more than doubled, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis put year-to-date exports at US$1.58 trillion. US LNG exports reached a record share of global trade over the same period.

TradeInt puts verified shipment records and company profiles on a single searchable platform. Check for data availability.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the #1 exporter in the world?

The United States is the world's largest LNG exporter, shipping 15.1 billion cubic feet per day in 2025, up 26% over the year, the Pipeline & Gas Journal reports. Across all goods, the US exported US$1.58 trillion in the first five months of 2026, placing it among the top global exporters.

Are US exports declining?

US exports are rising overall, not declining. In the first five months of 2026, US goods exports reached US$1,045.70 billion, up 15.3% over the same period of 2025, the BEA reports. Some categories fell, however: US beef export sales dropped, with USDA reporting net late-June sales of 12,064 metric tons after a 90% downward revision.

How much is the USA's total export?

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, US exports of goods and services reached US$317.68 billion in May 2026, bringing year-to-date exports to US$1.58 trillion. Goods exports alone reached US$1,045.70 billion in the first five months of 2026, up 15.3% year over year.

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