7 Products You Didn’t Know the US Imports from China

China is the leading maritime importer for the United States, accounting for 42% of all goods shipped to the U.S. in 2021. But what kinds of products does the U.S. import from China? You might be surprised by some of the items on this list.

Electrical and electronic equipment: This is the largest category of U.S. imports from China, worth $145.81 billion in 2022. It includes computers, phones, TVs, cameras, and other devices that we use every day.
Machinery, nuclear reactors, and boilers: The second-largest category of U.S. imports from China, valued at $112.77 billion in 2022. It covers a wide range of machines and parts, such as engines, pumps, turbines, generators, and air conditioners.
Toys, games, and sports requisites: The third-largest category of U.S. imports from China, worth $42.77 billion in 2022. It includes everything from dolls and puzzles to bicycles and golf clubs.
Furniture, bedding, and lamps: The fourth-largest category of U.S. imports from China, valued at $38.51 billion in 2022. It encompasses various types of furniture and accessories for homes and offices, such as sofas, tables, chairs, mattresses, and lighting fixtures.
Plastics and articles thereof: The fifth-largest category of U.S. imports from China, worth $23.64 billion in 2022. It consists of various plastic products and materials, such as bags, bottles, containers, pipes, films, and plates.
Footwear: The sixth-largest category of U.S. imports from China, worth $18.64 billion in 2022. It includes all kinds of shoes and boots for men, women, and children.
Knitted or crocheted fabrics: The seventh-largest category of U.S. imports from China, worth $16.76 billion in 2022. It covers various types of fabrics and garments made by knitting or crocheting, such as sweaters, shirts, dresses, socks, and gloves.

These are just some of the products that the U.S. imports from China every year. There are many more categories and items that you can explore using the data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis . You can also check out the statistics from Trading Economics to see how the trade balance between the two countries has changed over time.

The U.S.-China trade relationship is complex and dynamic, influenced by many factors such as politics, economics, technology, and consumer preferences. As a result, the types and volumes of products that the U.S. imports from China may vary from year to year. However, one thing is clear: China is a major source of goods for the U.S., and its role in the global trade system is undeniable.

Trends in U.S. Imports from China

China is the largest trading partner of the United States, accounting for 42% of all maritime imports in 2021. The U.S. imports a wide range of products from China, from machinery and electronics to toys and furniture. In this blog post, we will analyze some of the major product categories that the U.S. imports from China and how they have changed over time.

Machinery and Electrical Equipment

Machinery and electrical equipment is the largest product category that the U.S. imports from China, comprising 24% of the total value in 2021. This category includes computers, smartphones, televisions, cameras, printers, and other devices that are essential for modern life and work. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. imported $145.81 billion worth of electrical and electronic equipment from China in 2021, up 13% from 2020.

The demand for these products has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people shifted to remote work and online education. China is a global leader in manufacturing these products, thanks to its low labor costs, advanced technology, and large-scale production capacity. However, the U.S.-China trade war and the global chip shortage have posed some challenges for this sector, leading to higher tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and price increases.

Miscellaneous Products

Miscellaneous products is the second-largest product category that the U.S. imports from China, accounting for 19% of the total value in 2021. This category covers a diverse range of items, such as toys, games, sports equipment, furniture, lighting, prefabricated buildings, and medical supplies. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. imported $112.77 billion worth of miscellaneous products from China in 2021, up 18% from 2020.

The demand for these products has also risen during the pandemic, as more people spent time at home and sought entertainment and comfort. China is a major source of these products, due to its low-cost labor, abundant raw materials, and flexible production capabilities. However, some of these products have also faced quality and safety issues, such as defective masks, faulty furniture, and toxic toys.

Metals

Metals is the third-largest product category that the U.S. imports from China, representing 10% of the total value in 2021. This category includes iron, steel, aluminum, copper, and other base metals that are used for construction, infrastructure, transportation, and manufacturing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. imported $42.77 billion worth of metals from China in 2021, up 41% from 2020.

The demand for these products has surged during the pandemic recovery period, as more countries resumed economic activity and invested in infrastructure projects. China is a major producer and exporter of these metals, due to its abundant mineral resources, cheap energy costs, and industrial capacity. However, these metals have also been subject to high tariffs and environmental regulations by both the U.S. and China.

The U.S.-China trade relationship is complex and dynamic, involving a variety of products that affect both countries’ economies and consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on this relationship, creating both opportunities and challenges for both sides. As the world’s two largest economies continue to negotiate their trade issues and cooperate on global issues such as climate change and public health, it is important to understand how their trade flows evolve over time.

References:

https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/explore/tree_map/hs/export/chn/all/show/2012/

Top U.S. Imports from China for 2021 – Jungle Scout

United States Imports from China – TRADING ECONOMICS

U.S. Imports of Goods by Customs Basis from China (IMPCH)