Industries with the Biggest Decline in Imports in United States in 2025

• 1. Lithium Battery Manufacturing in the US

  Decline in Imports for 2025: -60.6%

  The rapid rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has bolstered demand for lithium batteries as consumer preferences steadily shift from gasoline-powered vehicles. Battery producers have benefited greatly from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as the act allocates significant funds toward clean energy infrastructure and EV charging stations across the country, which rely heavily on lithium batteries. Growth stagnated during the height of the pandemic amid plummeting consumer confidence and spending. ...

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• 2. Solar Panel Manufacturing in the US

  Decline in Imports for 2025: -24.4%

  Solar panel manufacturers have thrived despite some hurdles throughout the period. Companies saw an uptick in the need for solar panels as the country continued emphasizing renewable energy. The Inflation Reduction Act bolstered and extended production and investment tax credits, making domestic manufacturing more viable. Even so, manufacturers have been plagued by import penetration, specifically from Asian products, which flooded the US market with low-cost solar modules and cells. In 2022,...

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• 3. Whiskey & Bourbon Distilleries in the US

  Decline in Imports for 2025: -23.0%

  Whiskey and bourbon distilleries endure mounting competition from within the industry and from other alcoholic beverage products. However, world-famous brands and a whiskey-hungry public keep sales ticking upward. In fact, throughout the reporting period, whiskey distilleries have yet to report a year of revenue declines. In part, the spirit's success can be tied to alcohol's somewhat evergreen nature, being consumed during periods of celebration and mourning. More importantly, bourbon and ry...

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• 4. Engine & Turbine Manufacturing in the US

  Decline in Imports for 2025: -16.1%

  Engine and turbine manufacturers are navigating a complex landscape shaped by shifting trade policies, evolving energy demands and fluctuating input costs. In 2025, the industry is expected to generate $49.4 billion in sales, reflecting a contraction of 7.3% for the year, though the industry has grown at a 1.9% CAGR over the past five years. Recent tariff increases on imported steel and engine components have raised costs for major manufacturers like Caterpillar and Cummins. However, these ch...

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• 5. Acne Treatment Manufacturing OTC in the US

  Decline in Imports for 2025: -14.7%

  The Acne Treatment Manufacturing OTC industry benefits from fairly stable demand because acne-prone individuals consider them a necessary expense. However, adolescents comprise the industry's largest market. High unemployment levels and low disposable incomes within this shrinking age bracket have caused sales of over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments to drop. Moreover, the industry has been undercut by less expensive goods produced abroad. Increasingly, manufacturers have sought to locate in...

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• 6. Railcar Manufacturing in the US

  Decline in Imports for 2025: -14.5%

  Railcar manufacturers have endured a sharp down-cycle, with product oversupply leading to limited growth opportunities. High interest rates and lingering economic uncertainty have also contributed to heavy volatility and few companies were willing to invest in new railcars. Similarly, plummeting coal freight volumes have slammed demand, especially as regulations discourage coal mining and consumption. Conversely, strong e-commerce growth and a rebounding freight transportation services index ...

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• 7. Activated Carbon Manufacturing in the US

  Decline in Imports for 2025: -12.7%

  Over the past five years, the Activated Carbon Manufacturing industry has grown gradually, driven by increasing demand across various applications. Key advancements in production techniques have included implementing more efficient pyrolysis and activation methods and reducing energy consumption and waste byproducts. These technological improvements have lowered production costs and boosted profitability. The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) introduction in 2015 ...

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• 8. Tobacco Growing in the US

  Decline in Imports for 2025: -10.9%

  The 2005 deregulation of the Tobacco Growing industry continues to linger over tobacco farmers. The removal of federal production quotas and price supports initiated an exodus that has carried into recent years. Small and otherwise unprofitable farmers have switched crops without government support, dropping out of the industry entirely. With a consistent and downward annualized trend in the percentage of smokers and with the rise in substitute products such as electronic nicotine delivery sy...

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• 9. Ophthalmic Instrument Manufacturing in the US

  Decline in Imports for 2025: -10.0%

  Distribution issues and volatile material prices have caused ophthalmic instrument sales to waver over the past five years. As the population of the United States ages, the number of consumers suffering from eye conditions will rise. Older individuals are more susceptible to developing macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinal disease. Thus, demand for ophthalmology procedures rises as the domestic population ages, boosting ophthalmic instrument sales. However, trade disr...

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• 10. Industrial Chocolate Production in the US

  Decline in Imports for 2025: -9.7%

  The Industrial Chocolate Production industry has experienced growth, despite volatility from fluctuating cocoa prices. The industry's production, which includes processed cocoa beans to manufacture cocoa products, including cocoa powder, liquor and butter, is largely destined for chocolate confectionery producers, although bakers and dairy beverage producers also buy cocoa products to infuse into their foods. In recent years, fluctuations in cocoa prices have been offset by improving disposab...

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