Washington, DC – In 2023, the U.S. was again the largest supplier of goods and services for United Nations agencies around the world, with total procurement reaching $2.2 billion. U.S. procurement from UN agencies represented nearly 9% of total procurement contracts, up from roughly 8% in 2022. Importantly, the number of U.S. suppliers to 32 UN agencies increased from approximately 22,000 in 2022 to over 23,800 in 2023. Nearly 88% of those contracts exceeded $1 million, reflecting a steady increase in awards year over year.
This $2.2 billion investment in U.S. businesses by the UN exceeds America’s assessed dues to the UN’s regular and peacekeeping budgets.
“While some policymakers would have Americans believe that the UN doesn’t serve U.S. interests, this is a clear indication that even smaller businesses nationwide are benefitting from a strong U.S-UN relationship,” said Peter Yeo, President of the Better World Campaign.
Among the leading states for total procurement revenue were New York ($495 million), California ($85 million), New Jersey ($70.1 million), Maine ($69 million), Pennsylvania ($63.4 million), Washington ($61 million), Virginia ($53.6 million), Rhode Island ($50.7 million), the District of Columbia ($49.7 million) and Florida ($41.2 million).
Top industries for U.S. company contracts include the pharmaceutical sector – pulling in a record $812 million – followed by engineering, research and administrative services.
UNICEF and the UN Secretariat continued to be the main procurers of U.S. suppliers, with UNICEF purchasing more than $713 million from American businesses.
More information on suppliers can be found at the UN Global Marketplace website.
Media Contact:
Kathryn Kross | kkross@unfoundation.org | 202-862-8577
