Introduction

Canada is one of the world's most trade-dependent economies. Whether you're a business owner, investor, or simply a curious Canadian, understanding the top products Canada imports can tell you a great deal about where the economy is headed — and where your money is going.

According to the Chief Economist at Global Affairs Canada, total merchandise imports climbed to C$765.7 billion in 2024, reflecting the country's deep integration into global supply chains. From the cars on our roads to the phones in our pockets, imported goods touch virtually every aspect of Canadian life.

In this article, we break down Canada's top import categories, the countries that supply them, and what the latest data means for Canadian consumers and businesses. If you're looking to source products internationally, Canada's B2B marketplace on Kingmansa is already connecting Canadian buyers with verified global suppliers across these very categories.

What Does Canada Import the Most?

Canada's import mix is dominated by a handful of large categories that together account for nearly two-thirds of all import spending. Here's a data-driven look at the leading product groups.

1. Vehicles and Automotive Parts — The Largest Single Category

Motor vehicles and parts represent Canada's single biggest import category, accounting for roughly 23% of total imports. According to World's Top Exports, Canadian importers spent an estimated US$72 billion on cars, trucks, SUVs, and related components in 2025.

Canada's main automotive suppliers are the United States, Mexico, Japan, Germany, and South Korea. While Canada has its own auto assembly sector — largely in Ontario — the domestic industry depends heavily on cross-border parts and finished vehicles to keep operations running.

This category includes everything from passenger cars and light trucks to commercial vehicles and engine components. Even with recent supply chain disruptions and US tariff pressures in 2025, the demand for imported vehicles has remained resilient among Canadian consumers.

2. Machinery and Industrial Equipment — The Engine of Industry

Industrial machinery, equipment, and mechanical appliances represent the second-largest category of Canadian imports, valued at approximately US$45 billion in 2025. This covers a broad range of goods, from manufacturing equipment and agricultural machinery to construction tools and turbines.

Key suppliers include the United States, Germany, and China. These countries deliver the capital goods that keep Canada's factories, farms, and infrastructure projects moving.

Within this category, Canada's fastest-growing sub-segments include turbo-jets (+13.2%) and computer and optical reader equipment (+12.3%), according to Trading Economics. This growth signals continued investment in both aviation and digital infrastructure. For Canadian businesses evaluating where to source industrial equipment internationally, our B2B marketplace comparisons for global trade breaks down the leading platforms by cost, reliability, and supplier verification.

3. Electronics and Electrical Equipment — Powering a Connected Canada

Electronics are the third-largest import category, with Canada spending an estimated US$38 billion on electronic and electrical goods in 2025. This includes smartphones, computers, servers, telecommunications equipment, and consumer electronics.

The primary suppliers are China, the United States, and South Korea — all global hubs for tech manufacturing. Canada relies heavily on this supply chain for both consumer use and enterprise infrastructure.

As reported by Statistics Canada, smartphone imports have remained a consistent driver, with phone devices including smartphones making up roughly 2.1% of all Canadian imports in 2025. Meanwhile, computers and optical readers contributed US$11.9 billion, up 12.3% year-over-year — a strong indicator of continued digital investment across Canadian businesses and government.

4. Mineral Fuels and Energy Products — Still Essential Despite Domestic Production

It might surprise some readers that Canada, a major oil and gas producer, is also a significant importer of energy. Mineral fuels — primarily crude oil and refined petroleum products — represent approximately US$35 billion in annual import value and around 7% of total imports, according to Trading Economics.

Why does Canada import oil? The answer lies in geography. Canada's oil sands production is concentrated in Alberta, while refineries on the East Coast and in Quebec are often closer to — and better connected to — US and international suppliers than to domestic sources. Canada primarily imports energy from the United States and Saudi Arabia.

This dynamic makes energy one of the most strategically complex import categories. For businesses looking to diversify their sourcing beyond traditional partners, our guide on how to import from developing countries covers the key steps, risks, and opportunities involved.

5. Consumer Goods — Reflecting Canadian Lifestyle Demand

Consumer goods make up approximately 19% of total Canadian imports — the broadest category on this list. It includes clothing, footwear, furniture, household products, toys, and personal care items.

According to the Global Affairs Canada 2024 trade highlights report, imports of consumer goods from the US alone hit a record high of C$56.9 billion in 2024, up 7.5%. Canada's consumer appetite continues to outpace domestic production capacity in many areas, making imports essential for keeping retail shelves stocked.

Key sources include the United States, China, and Vietnam. Bangladesh has also emerged as a significant supplier in this space, particularly for garments and apparel — if you're sourcing in this category, our complete guide to importing from Bangladesh is a practical starting point for global buyers. For Canadian importers exploring sourcing platforms beyond the usual options, we also cover the best Alibaba alternatives for Canadian B2B trade.

6. Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Products — Critical for Canada's Health System

Pharmaceutical products are a vital and growing import category, valued at approximately US$14 billion in 2025. Canada's universal healthcare system depends on a steady flow of imported medications, vaccines, medical devices, and diagnostic supplies.

Primary suppliers are the United States, Switzerland, and Germany — all home to leading global pharmaceutical companies. As highlighted in Statistics Canada's international merchandise trade data, pharmaceutical and medicinal products saw a 14.8% increase in import value in late 2025, underscoring the sector's continued growth. Disruptions in this supply chain, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscore why securing healthcare imports is a matter of national priority.

7. Precious Metals and Gems — The Fastest-Growing Category in 2025

One of the standout stories in Canada's 2025 import data is the dramatic rise of gems and precious metals, which grew 36.5% year-over-year — the fastest increase of any top-10 import category. According to World's Top Exports, gold was the primary driver, reflecting both global price surges and Canada's role as a refining and financial hub.

Gold also ranks among Canada's top import subcategories at the four-digit HTS level, making up approximately 2.9% of all Canadian imports in 2025. This rapid growth signals Canada's deepening role in global precious metals trading and investment.

Where Do Canada's Imports Come From?

Canada's import network is geographically diverse but heavily anchored in North America. According to World's Top Exports, here is a summary of the top source countries for Canadian imports in 2025:

Source: World's Top Exports – Canada Import Profile

The United States alone accounts for nearly half of everything Canada imports — a reflection of deep economic ties and geographic convenience. For a broader view of how these trade relationships are evolving, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) publishes regular updates on import compliance, tariff classifications, and cross-border trade flows.

Canada Import Statistics at a Glance (2025)

Total import value (2025): US$563.9 billion — Statistics Canada
Top import category: Vehicles and auto parts (~23%) — Trading Economics
Fastest-growing category: Gems and precious metals (+36.5%) — World's Top Exports
Top import partner: United States (~45.9%) — Global Affairs Canada
Per-capita import value: ~US$13,575 per Canadian — World's Top Exports

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FAQ Section

What are the top products Canada imports? Canada's top imported products include motor vehicles and parts, industrial machinery, electronics, mineral fuels, consumer goods, pharmaceutical products, and precious metals. According to World's Top Exports, these categories together represent about 64% of all Canadian import spending.

What country does Canada import the most from? The United States is Canada's largest import partner, supplying roughly 45.9% of all goods imported into Canada in 2025. China is second at 11.5%, followed by Mexico at 6.8%, as reported by Global Affairs Canada.

How much does Canada import each year? According to Statistics Canada, Canada's total merchandise imports reached C$765.7 billion in 2024. In US dollar terms, this translates to approximately US$563.9 billion in 2025.

Why does Canada import so much? Canada imports heavily because domestic production cannot fully meet consumer and industrial demand across all sectors. The country's trade agreements — including CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) and the CPTPP — facilitate the flow of goods across borders at reduced tariff rates. Understanding Incoterms 2020 is also essential for any Canadian importer, as these terms define who is responsible for shipping costs, insurance, and risk at every stage of the delivery chain.

How can I import products into Canada? Importing goods into Canada requires compliance with regulations from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), including proper classification, duty payment, and documentation. It's also worth familiarising yourself with EXW terms and other Incoterms before negotiating with overseas suppliers, as these directly affect your landed cost and liability. To find pre-vetted trading partners, browse verified suppliers on Kingmansa and connect with exporters across Asia, Africa, and beyond.

Final Thoughts

Canada's import landscape in 2025 reflects a nation that is deeply connected to the global economy. Vehicles and machinery support industrial production; electronics power everyday life; pharmaceuticals safeguard public health; and consumer goods meet the demands of one of the world's highest per-capita spending populations.

Understanding what Canada imports — and from where — is essential for anyone involved in trade, retail, logistics, or investment. As US tariff pressures and supply chain shifts continue to reshape global commerce, Canada's import patterns will evolve accordingly. Canadian businesses are also finding new growth opportunities by exporting to Africa — a fast-growing market with rising demand for Canadian and globally sourced goods.

Stay ahead of these changes by connecting with verified global exporters on Kingmansa — Canada's B2B marketplace built to simplify cross-border trade for buyers and suppliers worldwide.

Sources: Statistics Canada | Global Affairs Canada | World's Top Exports | Trading Economics | CBSA