Trade partner
U.S. Imports
$682.4M
U.S. Exports
$157.3M
Deficit of $525.1M (net importer)
The United States imported $682.4M/month and exported $157.3M/month with Kuwait as of August 2026, covering 139 product categories.
Over the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $1.3B from Kuwait. In August 2026, the U.S. ran a monthly goods trade deficit of $525.1M with Kuwait, importing 4.3× as much as it exported. Compared with August 2025, U.S. goods imports from Kuwait in August 2026 (preliminary) were 819% higher, and exports to Kuwait were 9% lower. U.S. goods imports from Kuwait of $682.4M in August 2026 ran 510% above the year-to-date monthly average of $111.9M.
Kuwait is a high-income Gulf state whose economy is dominated by petroleum exports, which account for the vast majority of government revenue and export earnings. As a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Kuwait applies the GCC Common External Tariff, generally set at 5% on most imported goods. The country is a significant importer of machinery, vehicles, food products, and construction materials, with the US, China, and EU nations among its top trading partners.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Kuwait applies the GCC Common External Tariff of 5% on most imported goods, with exemptions for certain essential commodities and preferential rates under GCC trade agreements.
Standard documentation includes a commercial invoice, certificate of origin, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, and for food or regulated products, relevant health or conformity certificates.
Yes. Kuwait prohibits or restricts imports of alcohol, pork products, items deemed contrary to Islamic values, and certain chemicals, and requires halal certification for applicable food products.
Full import breakdown with all product categories
Full export breakdown with monthly trends
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EU customs territory, FTA coverage, and tariff treatment for Kuwait
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Annual data from BEA | 2024
Services Exports
$2.0B
Services Imports
$1.7B
The top U.S. imports from Kuwait are Crude Petroleum & Bituminous Mineral Oils, US-Origin Articles Exported & Returned Without Advancement and Supported Catalysts, Not Elsewhere Specified, by value in the latest month.
| Rank | Product | Import value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $679.9M | |
| 2 | US-Origin Articles Exported & Returned Without AdvancementChapter 98 · SPECIAL CLASSIFICATION PROVISIONS, NESOI | $1.0M |
| 3 | $985K | |
| 4 | $245K | |
| 5 | $61K | |
| 6 | Estimated Imports of Low-Valued TransactionsChapter 99 · SPECIAL IMPORT PROVISIONS, NESOI | $41K |
| 7 | $39K | |
| 8 | $37K | |
| 9 | $29K | |
| 10 | $4K |
| $8.2M |
| 4 | $7.6M |
| 5 | $5.5M |
| 6 | Dutiable Value of Repairs or Alterations on Previously Imported ArticlesChapter 98 · SPECIAL CLASSIFICATION PROVISIONS, NESOI | $4.7M |
| 7 | $4.7M |
| 8 | $4.6M |
| 9 | $4.4M |
| 10 | Civilian Aircraft, Engines, Equipment, and PartsChapter 88 · AIRCRAFT, SPACECRAFT, AND PARTS THEREOF | $4.2M |