China‘s exports to the United States fell 13.2% in 2024 compared to 2017, the year before the first major tariff impacts on U.S. imports from China were implemented.
With this, Chinese external sales of products to the U.S. market fell from $505.47 billion in 2017 to $438.947 billion in 2024.
China’s exports to the United States
Globally, China ranks as the largest exporter of products, while the United States leads in merchandise imports.
In this period analyzed, China was the top merchandise exporter to the United States from 2017 to 2022, but was then displaced by Mexico in 2023 and 2024. In the last two years, Mexico was also the top trading partner of the United States.
Below are China’s exports to the United States (of goods, excluding services), in millions of dollars, according to data from the Department of Commerce:
- 2017: 505,470.
- 2018: 539,676.
- 2019: 451,651.
- 2020: 434,749.
- 2021: 504,935.
- 2022: 536,307.
- 2023: 426,885.
- 2024: 438,947.
Section 301
In 2018, the USTR concluded that China had engaged in forced technology transfers, intellectual property theft, and strategic acquisitions of U.S. assets. In response, it imposed tariffs of 7.5% to 25% on $370 billion in Chinese imports. China reacted with tariffs of $110 billion.
In 2024, the USTR reviewed these tariffs, maintained them for the most part, and proposed new rates of 25% to 100% on key products such as electric vehicles and semiconductors. It also investigated Chinese practices in semiconductors and shipbuilding.
In 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports and eliminated de minimis treatment, citing China’s lack of action against fentanyl trade. China responded with tariffs of 10% to 15% on U.S. products and trade restrictions.
Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 allows the United States to enforce trade agreements. It also facilitates dispute resolution and the opening of foreign markets for U.S. goods and services.