U.S. Refrigerator and Freezer Imports

In July 2023, after six months of growth, there was significant decline in overseas purchases of refrigerators and freezers, when their volume decreased by -5% to 1.6M units. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a mild shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in May 2023 when imports increased by 14% month-to-month. Imports peaked at 2M units in July 2022; however, from August 2022 to July 2023, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, refrigerator and freezer imports expanded notably to $730M (IndexBox estimates) in July 2023. In general, imports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in March 2023 when imports increased by 21% against the previous month. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at 799M units in July 2022; however, from August 2022 to July 2023, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

China (750K units), Mexico (519K units) and South Korea (134K units) were the main suppliers of refrigerator and freezer imports to the United States, together accounting for 88% of total imports.

From July 2022 to July 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by South Korea (with a CAGR of +0.2%), while imports for the other leaders experienced a decline.

In value terms, Mexico ($365M) constituted the largest supplier of refrigerator and freezer to the United States, comprising 50% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by South Korea ($180M), with a 25% share of total imports. It was followed by China, with a 13% share.

From July 2022 to July 2023, the average monthly growth rate of value from Mexico was relatively modest. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average monthly rates of imports growth: South Korea (+1.2% per month) and China (-3.7% per month).

Imports by Type

Combined refrigerators-freezers (942K units) and household refrigerators and freezers (not combined) (655K units) were the main products of refrigerator and freezer imports to the United States.

From July 2022 to July 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the major product types, was attained by combined refrigerator-freezer (with a CAGR of -1.6%).

In value terms, combined refrigerators-freezers ($627M) constituted the largest type of refrigerator and freezer supplied to the United States, comprising 86% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by household refrigerators and freezers (not combined) ($103M), with a 14% share of total imports.

Import Prices by Country

In July 2023, the refrigerator and freezer price amounted to $457 per unit (CIF, US), growing by 12% against the previous month. Over the last twelve months, it increased at an average monthly rate of +1.1%. The growth pace was the most rapid in September 2022 an increase of 12% m-o-m. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the peak figure at $528 per unit in March 2023; however, from April 2023 to July 2023, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of origin: the country with the highest price was South Korea ($1,337 per unit), while the price for China ($128 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From July 2022 to July 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Korea (+1.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform