The United States has one of the largest and most active trade markets in the world. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), total exports in June 2025 reached $277.3 billion, while imports totaled $337.5 billion. That means more than $600 billion in goods and services moved across U.S. borders in a single month.
Key industries drive these flows. As reported by the BEA, the largest U.S. export categories include industrial supplies, capital goods, and automotive products. On the import side, demand is strong for consumer goods, electronics, and food products. Agricultural trade is especially robust. Reuters reported that U.S. agricultural imports hit a record $263 billion in 2024, while farm exports were valued at $191 billion. These figures show steady activity across multiple sectors and consistent demand for goods moving in and out of the country.
This high level of trade demonstrates the strength of the U.S. import-export sector. For entrepreneurs from treaty countries, the E-2 investor visa provides a pathway to build a business that participates in these flows. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the E-2 visa requires a substantial investment in a real and active enterprise that the investor will direct and develop. An import-export business can be a natural fit because it is active, capital-driven, and tied directly to ongoing U.S. trade.
The E-2 investor visa allows nationals of countries that have a qualifying treaty with the United States to live and work in the U.S. by investing in a business. According to USCIS, the investor must put money into a real, active enterprise. This means the business cannot be passive, such as holding property for rent. It must carry out commercial activity and have the ability to generate more than minimal income.
The investment must be substantial. There is no fixed dollar amount set by USCIS, but the money must be significant compared to the total cost of the business. What matters is that the capital is at risk, committed to the enterprise, and able to support operations.
The applicant must also show that they own at least 50 percent of the business or have control through a managerial position. The visa is not designed for employees unless they are coming in as essential staff under an approved E-2 company. The primary goal is to allow the investor to develop and direct the business.
E-2 visas are temporary but renewable. Each approval is generally granted for up to two years. As long as the business continues to meet the requirements, the visa can be extended indefinitely. Spouses and children under 21 may also apply for dependent visas. Spouses are permitted to work in the U.S., and children may attend school.
For entrepreneurs interested in import-export businesses, the E-2 visa aligns well. This type of enterprise is considered active, involves substantial investment, and supports ongoing trade between countries. All of these factors match the standards set by USCIS.
Tips for E-2 Import and Export Investors
1. Plan the business in writing
According to the International Trade Administration (ITA), companies that build a simple written export plan make better decisions about markets, sales channels, pricing, and documentation. ITA’s Export Solutions roadmap and sample plan outline are the official templates you can follow.
2. Pick target markets
ITA says to evaluate demand, regulations, and buyer access before committing resources. Its “Selecting International Markets” and “Find Buyers and Partners” pages lay out a practical approach for market choice and early customer development.
3. Use qualified trade partners
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), new importers and exporters avoid many delays by working with licensed customs brokers and experienced freight forwarders. ITA explains how forwarders handle routing, documents, and cargo insurance.
4. Follow core export-control checks on every transaction
ITA provides the Consolidated Screening List to check buyers, end users, and vessels. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) instructs exporters to apply “Know Your Customer” red-flag guidance and the Export Administration Regulations’ general prohibitions. OFAC, the Treasury sanctions office, publishes list-search tools and a sanctions compliance framework.
5. Meet filing and record basics
The Census Bureau states that Electronic Export Information (EEI) must be filed when required under the Foreign Trade Regulations. CBP’s “Basic Importing and Exporting” guidance and recordkeeping rules in 19 CFR Part 163 explain what import records you must retain and for how long.
6. Use government systems to stay organized
CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is the official system for reporting imports and exports and for tracking account activity. CBP’s Portal pages show how to open and manage an ACE account.
7. Reduce payment and shipment risk
ITA’s guidance on payment methods explains when to use open account, collections, letters of credit, or cash in advance. For exporters that sell on credit, EXIM Bank’s export credit insurance can protect foreign receivables against commercial and political nonpayment. ITA also highlights cargo insurance for loss, damage, or delay.
8. Document that the enterprise is real and active
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an E-2 enterprise should be operational or close to launch, with funds committed and the capacity to produce more than minimal income. Keep evidence of operations, contracts, bank transfers, licenses, and customer activity so the record matches USCIS and consular expectations.
Conclusion
U.S. trade is large and active. An import-export company can meet E-2 investor visa requirements when the enterprise is real and operating, the capital is at risk, and the investor develops and directs the business. Confirm treaty eligibility and visa reciprocity, choose the correct filing path, and keep records that show ongoing operations, customers, and cash flow. Use official tools from the International Trade Administration, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and USCIS to maintain compliance and strengthen the case.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. https://www.bea.gov/news/2025/us-international-trade-goods-and-services-june-2025 (Bureau of Economic Analysis)
- Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/by-numbers-stacking-up-us-farm-imports-exports-braun-2025-03-21/ (Reuters)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-2-treaty-investors (USCIS)
- International Trade Administration (ITA). https://www.trade.gov/export-solutions (Trade.gov)
- ITA. https://www.trade.gov/methods-payment (Trade.gov)
- ITA. https://www.trade.gov/export-credit-insurance (Trade.gov)
- Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM). https://www.exim.gov/solutions/export-credit-insurance (EXIM)
- ITA. https://www.trade.gov/consolidated-screening-list (Trade.gov)
- U.S. Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/regulations/ftrfaqs.pdf
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
- CBP. https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-163 (Census.gov)
- eCFR. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-15/subtitle-B/chapter-VII/subchapter-C/part-732/appendix-Supplement%20No.%203%20to%20Part%20732 (eCFR)
- Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-list-search-tool (OFAC)