Canada's Biggest Imports: What the Country Buys and From Where
Canada’s commerce continues to climb, driven by demand for diverse goods and dependable supply chains. From cutting-edge components to consumer conveniences, Canadian imports play a central role in meeting market needs and maintaining momentum across industries.
As cross-border commerce continues to change, importers in Canada are dealing with disruptions, diversifying supply chains, and discovering dependable trade routes. DF Alliance helps freight forwarders cut through complexities when importing goods into Canada, ensuring every shipment stays compliant, connected, and on course.
In this article, we explore what’s shaping the future of Canadian imports in 2025.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Understanding Canada’s Import Economy
- What Does Canada Import the Most?
- Canada’s Top 10 Imports
- 1. Vehicles (Cars, Trucks, Auto Parts)
- 2. Machinery and Equipment
- 3. Electronics
- 4. Mineral Fuels and Oil
- 5. Plastics
- 6. Pharmaceuticals
- 7. Electrical Machinery
- 8. Chemicals & Fertilisers
- 9. Iron & Steel Products
- 10. Textiles & Apparel
- What Does Canada Import from the U.S.?
- How Canada’s Import Trends Are Changing
- Canada’s Top 10 Imports and Exports (At a Glance)
- Final Thoughts: The Future of Imports with DF Alliance
Introduction: Understanding Canada’s Import Economy
Canada’s commercial core is deeply connected to cross-border trade, with Canadian imports delivering everything from consumer comforts to critical components. Spanning smartphones to surgical supplies, these goods keep shelves stocked. At DF Alliance, we support freight forwarders in Canada by bridging the gap between global cargo channels and growing domestic demand.
But with Canada’s constantly changing climate, importing goods into Canada comes with both challenges and chances. Distance, disruption, and delivery deadlines demand careful coordination, but they also push forwarders to find faster, more flexible freight solutions.
While the United States continues to dominate as Canada’s closest and most consistent trade partner, supplying 49% of all inbound goods, the dynamics are shifting. As demand diversifies, Canada is building stronger ties with Europe, Asia, and Latin America, broadening the landscape for Canada’s top imports.
What Does Canada Import the Most?
From tech tools to textile threads, Canada’s top imports touch nearly every corner of the economy. According to the Chief Economist at Global Affairs Canada, total merchandise imports climbed to C$765.7 billion in 2024, a clear testament to Canada's continuing commercial climb.
Among the most in-demand categories are:
- Consumer tech like connected devices and electronics
- Crude and clean energy commodities, including refined fuels
- Car components and commercial transport parts
- Construction materials such as chemicals, composites, and coated steel
- Pharmaceutical products
This mix of technological tools and core commodities reflects Canada’s role as a consumption-driven economy, one that depends on strong supply routes and smarter freight solutions.
Canada’s Top 10 Imports
Here’s a concise snapshot of Canada’s major imports in 2025, covering core categories and critical commodities:
| Rank | Commodity Category | Import Value (CAD) |
| 1 | Vehicles (Cars, Trucks, Parts) | $72B |
| 2 | Machinery & Equipment | $45B |
| 3 | Electronics | $38B |
| 4 | Mineral Fuels & Oil | $35B |
| 5 | Plastics | $15B |
| 6 | Pharmaceuticals | $14B |
| 7 | Electrical Machinery | $12B |
| 8 | Chemicals & Fertilisers | $10B |
| 9 | Iron & Steel Products | $8B |
| 10 | Textiles & Apparel | $6B |
Each serves a central role in supporting Canada’s consumer spending and sustaining sector strength.
Vehicles (Cars, Trucks, Auto Parts)
Canada counts on a constant flow of vehicles and vital components, arriving largely from the U.S., Japan, and Mexico. These imports complement commercial fleets and contribute to domestic car manufacturing, all while moving efficiently through Canadian import customs procedures.
Machinery and Equipment
From factory equipment and farming tools to construction vehicles, these imports help keep Canada’s industries running smoothly. Countries like the U.S., Germany, and China supply much of this machinery, supporting Canada’s manufacturing and construction sectors every step of the way.
Electronics
Electronics like phones, processors, and power systems play a key part in powering Canada’s connected communities and commercial centres. From smart devices to servers, these tech tools support both everyday use and essential business needs. Supplied mainly by China, the U.S., and South Korea, these electronic essentials keep Canada’s digital world running.
Mineral Fuels and Oil
Canada still brings in fuel, even with its own oil, to meet changing needs across the country. Brought in from big suppliers like the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, these energy essentials keep cars cruising, communities connected, and commerce continually moving.
Plastics
Canada’s plastic imports, ranging from raw polymers to ready-made parts, play a powerful role in packaging, production, and everyday products. These versatile materials support sectors like manufacturing, medicine, and more. With major imports from the U.S., China, and Germany, plastics help fuel Canada’s factories, fill shelves, and meet consumer needs nationwide.
Pharmaceuticals
Canadian pharmaceuticals depend on a constant flow of carefully crafted cures and clinical supplies. Sourced from trusted trade partners like the U.S., Germany, and Switzerland, these imports help power patient care, protect public health, and provide pharmacies with essential products.
Electrical Machinery
Canada’s electrical machinery imports include generators and gear, power production plants, and public infrastructure. Sourced from the U.S., Japan, and Germany, they support energy and industrial needs nationwide.
Chemicals & Fertilisers
Canada’s chemical imports, from fertilisers and fuels, fuel farming and factories alike. Sourced from the U.S., China, and Belgium, these essential elements keep crops growing and industries going across the country.
Iron & Steel Products
Canada’s iron and steel imports drive development, durability, and design across key sectors. From downtown developments to domestic car production, these durable materials, delivered from the U.S., China, and South Korea, form the foundation of Canada’s growing infrastructure.
Textiles & Apparel
Canada’s textiles and apparel imports, from threads to T-shirts, fuel both trends and trade. These trusted textiles, mainly from China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, support style and supply for fashion and factory use alike.
What Does Canada Import from the U.S.?
The United States remains Canada’s most dominant and dependable trade partner, delivering nearly 50% of all imported goods. This powerful partnership is built on proximity, parallel policies, and shared infrastructure, making cross-border commerce both smooth and strategic.
This bilateral trade relationship brings benefits beyond just volume; it also simplifies import customs in Canada, with faster clearances and fewer compliance complications when dealing with U.S. suppliers.
Top Commodities Canada Buys from the U.S.:
- Vehicles and vehicle components
- Mineral fuels and petroleum products
- Machinery and mechanical equipment
- Plastics, polymers, and resins
- Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
From machinery to medicine, and fuel to finished vehicles, Canada–U.S. trade ties continue to drive demand, deepen economic connections, and deliver dependable supply across essential sectors.
How Canada’s Import Trends Are Changing
Shifts in Supply and Sourcing
Post-pandemic pressures have changed how Canada trades, with Canada’s imports tilting toward Asia and the EU. As trade ties transform, the U.S. share is shrinking, while China, Vietnam, Germany, and South Korea grow as key global suppliers.
Tech, Trade, and Sustainability
Digital deals, data-driven logistics, and demand for sustainability are shaping Canada’s imports. Companies now chase carbon-conscious choices, greener goods, and smart, streamlined systems.
Free Trade and Flexibility
Through trade treaties like USMCA, CPTPP, and CETA, Canada creates clear channels for commerce. These free trade agreements give importers flexible access, fuelling fresh opportunities and diversified deals across global markets.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Imports with DF Alliance
From cars to crops, plastics to pharmaceuticals, Canada’s imports play a powerful role in keeping the country connected, competitive, and constantly moving. With ports like Vancouver, Halifax, and Montreal driving dependable distribution, freight forwarders help link Canada to the global marketplace.
At DF Alliance, we navigate the details, from customs clearance to compliance checks, so your cargo moves swiftly, securely, and smoothly. As Canada’s trade landscape continues to shift and grow, the right logistics partner makes all the difference. Contact us at DF Alliance to move your business forward with confidence.
