A Sweet Boon for U.S. Trade and Economic Activity

The United States is one of the top three exporters of chocolate and candy products in the world. In 2023, the United States exported $1.9 billion of chocolate and cocoa products and $838 million of confectionery products, a combined $2.7 billion, reaching all-time records. Chocolates and candies made in the United States differ from candies from around the world in terms of taste, variety, and innovation. For chocolate and cocoa products, the top markets include Canada ($878 million), Mexico ($276 million), Vietnam ($52 million), South Korea ($48 million), and Australia ($44 million). Likewise, Canada ($447 million), Mexico ($87 million), and the European Union ($38 million) are top destinations for U.S. confectionery products. Free trade agreements including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) continue to support U.S. chocolate and candy exports to our top markets. Also in 2023, the United States imported $3.9 billion of chocolate and cocoa products and $4.8 billion of confectionery products, more than any other country in the world. The two-way trade in chocolate and candy products contributes to the U.S. economy and generates jobs. According to the National Confectioners Association, U.S. manufacturers of chocolate and candy support almost 700,000 direct and indirect jobs. Additionally, the industry contributes $37.0 billion in retail sales to the U.S. economy each year.