CHINA-US Trade Profile

Comprehensive analysis of CHINA exports to the United States, including trade volumes, commodity breakdown, tariff rates, and logistics infrastructure.

Hedge tariff risk: Trade tariff prediction markets on Ballast Markets to lock in costs and protect margins against tariff changes affecting CHINA imports.

Trade Overview (2023)

| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Country | CHINA | | Country Code | CN | | Total US Imports | $1540.07 billion (2023) | | Number of Products | 10+ HS codes tracked | | Tariff Exposure | 25-50% (Section 301/232) |

Top Import Categories

The United States imported 10+ different products from CHINA in 2023. Here are the top 10 by value:

1. Telecom equipment (HS 8517)

Import Value: $326.99 billion (21.2% of total)
HS Code: 8517
Tariff Rate: View HS 8517 CN tariff

Telecom equipment is a major export from CHINA, representing 21.2% of bilateral trade.

2. Computing machines (HS 8471)

Import Value: $256.48 billion (16.7% of total)
HS Code: 8471
Tariff Rate: View HS 8471 CN tariff

Computing machines is a major export from CHINA, representing 16.7% of bilateral trade.

3. Toys/games (HS 9503)

Import Value: $70.74 billion (4.6% of total)
HS Code: 9503
Tariff Rate: View HS 9503 CN tariff

Toys/games is a major export from CHINA, representing 4.6% of bilateral trade.

4. Video game consoles (HS 9504)

Import Value: $64.56 billion (4.2% of total)
HS Code: 9504
Tariff Rate: View HS 9504 CN tariff

Video game consoles is a major export from CHINA, representing 4.2% of bilateral trade.

5. Auto parts/accessories (HS 8708)

Import Value: $59.96 billion (3.9% of total)
HS Code: 8708
Tariff Rate: View HS 8708 CN tariff

Auto parts/accessories is a major export from CHINA, representing 3.9% of bilateral trade.

6. Seating furniture (HS 9401)

Import Value: $42.67 billion (2.8% of total)
HS Code: 9401
Tariff Rate: View HS 9401 CN tariff

Seating furniture is a major export from CHINA, representing 2.8% of bilateral trade.

7. TV receivers/monitors (HS 8528)

Import Value: $40.88 billion (2.7% of total)
HS Code: 8528
Tariff Rate: View HS 8528 CN tariff

TV receivers/monitors is a major export from CHINA, representing 2.7% of bilateral trade.

8. Computer parts/accessories (HS 8473)

Import Value: $39.87 billion (2.6% of total)
HS Code: 8473
Tariff Rate: View HS 8473 CN tariff

Computer parts/accessories is a major export from CHINA, representing 2.6% of bilateral trade.

9. Plastic articles (HS 3926)

Import Value: $37.16 billion (2.4% of total)
HS Code: 3926
Tariff Rate: View HS 3926 CN tariff

Plastic articles is a major export from CHINA, representing 2.4% of bilateral trade.

10. Furniture (HS 9403)

Import Value: $36.40 billion (2.4% of total)
HS Code: 9403
Tariff Rate: View HS 9403 CN tariff

Furniture is a major export from CHINA, representing 2.4% of bilateral trade.

Commodity Breakdown Table

| Rank | Product | HS Code | Import Value (2023) | Share of Total | |------|---------|---------|-------------------|----------------| | 1 | Telecom equipment | 8517 | $326.99B | 21.2% | | 2 | Computing machines | 8471 | $256.48B | 16.7% | | 3 | Toys/games | 9503 | $70.74B | 4.6% | | 4 | Video game consoles | 9504 | $64.56B | 4.2% | | 5 | Auto parts/accessories | 8708 | $59.96B | 3.9% | | 6 | Seating furniture | 9401 | $42.67B | 2.8% | | 7 | TV receivers/monitors | 8528 | $40.88B | 2.7% | | 8 | Computer parts/accessories | 8473 | $39.87B | 2.6% | | 9 | Plastic articles | 3926 | $37.16B | 2.4% | | 10 | Furniture | 9403 | $36.40B | 2.4% |

Tariff Landscape

Current Tariff Rates

Section 301 & 232 Tariffs: CHINA faces the highest tariff rates among US trading partners:

Section 301: 7.5-25% additional tariffs on most goods
Section 232: 25% on steel, 10% on aluminum
Combined Rates: Can exceed 50% on some products
Impact: $385.0B+ annual tariff costs (estimated)

Trade War Context:

Tariffs imposed 2018-2019 as trade remedy actions
Rates subject to change based on bilateral negotiations
Many importers pursuing China+1 sourcing strategies

Tariff Impact by Product

View detailed tariff rates for specific CHINA products:

Logistics & Shipping

Major Trade Routes

CHINA goods typically ship to the US via:

Major Trade Lanes:

Trans-Pacific Eastbound (12-14 days)
Shanghai to New York (20-25 days via Panama)
Ningbo to Houston (18-22 days)

US Ports of Entry:

West Coast: Los Angeles, Long Beach
East Coast: New York/New Jersey, Savannah
Gulf Coast: Houston

Logistics Considerations:

Long transit times (2-4 weeks ocean)
Port congestion risks
Inland distribution from coasts

Transit Times

| Route Type | Transit Time | Notes | |------------|-------------|-------| | Ocean Freight | 12-25 days | Port-to-port | | Air Freight | 3-7 days | Premium option | | Door-to-Door | 22-35 days | Including customs |

Risk Management

Supply Chain Risks

Tariff Volatility:

High risk of additional tariffs
Policy changes can occur with 60-90 days notice
Effective tariff rates can double or triple

Logistics Risks:

Port congestion at US gateways
Trans-Pacific chokepoint disruptions (Suez, Malacca)
Seasonal capacity constraints

Hedging Strategies

1. Tariff Prediction Markets

Hedge CHINA tariff exposure using tariff prediction markets:

Example:

Exposure: $10M annual imports from CHINA
Current Tariff: 25-50%
Hedge: Buy "CN-US Tariff > 60%" position
Protection: Payout offsets increased duty costs

2. Sourcing Diversification

Don't rely solely on CHINA:

Blend CHINA with Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico
Reduce concentration risk
Maintain supply chain flexibility

3. USMCA Optimization

Consider shifting production to USMCA countries:

Mexico/Canada offer 0% tariffs
Shorter supply chains
Lower tariff risk

Related Resources

CHINA Ports - Major export gateways
Tariff Hedging Strategies - Risk management
Section 301 Tariffs - China trade actions
Container Shipping Routes - CHINA-US logistics

Sources

U.S. Census Bureau International Trade Data (2023)
Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Ballast Markets bilateral trade analysis

Risk Disclosure

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or trade advice. Tariff rates are subject to change based on government policy and bilateral negotiations. Trade statistics may have reporting delays. Verify current rates and compliance requirements with customs brokers and trade advisors. Prediction markets involve risk of loss.

Disclaimer

Ballast Markets provides this content as a free educational resource for the global trade community. Trade data is sourced from official U.S. government sources but may contain errors or be outdated. For sourcing and compliance decisions, always verify with customs brokers and industry experts.

Last updated: 2025-11-04