Gold is now the top U.S. export

The United States has seen a shift in its export landscape, with gold surpassing aircraft and cars as the country's top export. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, gold exports have been steadily increasing over the past decade, reaching a record high of $43.6 billion in 2022. This marks a significant change from 2012, when gold exports were valued at just $11.9 billion. The top five gold-exporting states are Nevada, California, Colorado, South Dakota, and Alaska, accounting for 80% of the country's total gold exports. The rise of gold exports is attributed to the increasing demand from Asia, particularly China, which is the largest buyer of U.S. gold. The U.S. Census Bureau also reports that the country's top export markets for gold are Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and India. The shift in export priorities is also reflected in the decline of traditional top exports such as aircraft and cars. In 2022, aircraft exports fell to $44.2 billion, down from $53.1 billion in 2012, while car exports declined to $142.8 billion, down from $154.4 billion in 2012. The changing export landscape is a result of a combination of factors, including changes in global demand, trade policies, and production costs. The U.S. Census Bureau notes that the country's gold exports are expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by increasing demand from Asia and other regions.