05-02-2025
WA imports $1.3 billion of goods from Mexico. Tariffs would impact these items the most
Since Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th president of the United States on Jan. 20, his administration has been busy addressing a number of campaign promises. Trump has signed 45 executive orders thus far, including a recent series of orders imposing tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China.
The orders were followed with counter tariffs from Mexico and Canada, and China.
On Monday, Feb. 3, leaders from North American countries discussed and agreed to hold off on tariffs for at least 30 days.
While the tariffs and their potential impacts are still under discussion, they threaten to drive up the prices of most goods for consumers in America.
Which Washington industries and products would be most affected by these tariffs? As part of a series, we found the top imports and exports between Canada and Mexico with Washington state. These are the state's top imports from Mexico.
Trump's proposed tariffs would hurt numerous industries in Washington. According to Washington state's Department of Commerce, Mexico is ranked Washington's fifth-best overall trade partner.
Mexico is considered to be Washington state's eighth-top import country, according to 2021 data from Global Edge.
In 2023, Washington state's import value with Mexico was more than $1.7 billion, according to data from the Washington State Department of Commerce. The total import value through November 2024 was more than $1.3 billion, according to statistics from the U.S. Import and Export Merchandise.
Trade was referred to as the 'lifeblood of Washington state's economy' in a recent fact sheet from Senator Maria Cantwell's office, and Canada and Mexico were called top trading partners for the state and entire country. Trade accounted for over $127 billion worth of imports and exports in 2023.
Washington's top imports from Mexico through Nov. 2024 were non-railway vehicles and vehicle parts and accessories. The state imported over $457 million worth of vehicles and vehicle parts and accessories from Mexico, according to U.S. Import and Export Merchandise trade statistics.
The second-most imported products from Mexico were electrical machinery and equipment and their parts. This includes sound and television equipment. Washington imported over $310 million worth of this equipment in 2024.
The Evergreen State spent over $193 million on importing nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and parts, which are the third-most imported products from Mexico.
Over $73 million was spent on importing edible fruits and nuts such as pineapples, dates, Brazilian nuts and strawberries. The fifth-most imported goods were optic, photo, medical or surgical instruments, with over $48 million spent on instruments such as optical telescopes, photographic still cameras and cinematographic cameras and projectors.
Washington state also spent $39 million on special classification products that are not elsewhere specified or included (NESOI). The state imported $36 million worth of articles of steel and iron, making it the seventh-most imported product from Mexico.
Beverages, spirits and vinegar also made the top 10 list of imports, which cost the state over $33 million. The state imported $17.2 million worth of furniture, bedding and light fixtures.
Plastic materials were the tenth top imported product from Mexico. The state imported $17 million worth of plastics and articles of plastics.
