The U.S. primarily imports heavy crude oils from Canada and Mexico

The U.S. imported 6.6 million barrels per day (mb/d) of crude oil in 2024. Canada was the largest source, accounting for 62% of total imports, followed by Mexico at 7%. Over 60% of U.S. crude imports are classified as heavy crude, with a ≤27 API gravity (a measure of density). In contrast, around 80% of U.S. lower 48 crude production is light crude, with an API gravity above 35. The U.S. imports heavier crudes to help meet domestic refining needs.