As of 2023, the United States imported approximately $427.2 billion worth of goods from China. To understand this figure in relation to the U.S. economy, we can compare it to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which was around $27.94 trillion in 2023.

This means that Chinese imports accounted for roughly 1.5% of the total U.S. GDP in 2023.

While this might seem like a small percentage, it is significant considering it comes from just one country. China remains one of the top sources of imported goods to the U.S., especially in categories like electronics, machinery, furniture, toys, and textiles

As of 2024, China remains one of the largest exporters to the U.S., and several key product categories from China dominate U.S. imports by value. Here are the top Chinese products that have a strong presence in the U.S. market:

These categories reflect China's strength in consumer electronics, manufacturing, and cost-effective mass production. China exports a wide range of products to the U.S., and several of them have dominated the U.S. market for years due to competitive pricing, scale, and manufacturing efficiency. As of recent trade data and trends, here are the main categories of Chinese products that dominate the U.S. market:

Consumer Electronics; Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and accessories (chargers, cables, earbuds). Brands like Lenovo, TCL, and DJI have a strong presence. Many American brands (e.g., Apple) manufacture in China.

Electronics & Electrical Machinery (HS Code 85)
This includes smartphones, computer parts, semiconductors, and telecommunications equipment. In 2024, electrical machinery was the top import category from China, with over $530 billion worth imported by the U.S.

Machinery & Mechanical Appliances (HS Code 84)
This category includes computers, industrial machinery, and HVAC systems. It consistently ranks second, with imports from China exceeding $500 billion.

Toys, Games & Sporting Goods (HS Code 95)
China is the world's biggest toy manufacturer. Companies like Hasbro and Mattel rely heavily on Chinese factories. U.S. retailers rely heavily on Chinese suppliers for toys and recreational goods, especially around holidays.

Furniture, Bedding & Lighting (HS Code 94)
Ready-to-assemble furniture (e.g., from factories in Dongguan or Foshan). Home décor, lighting, and kitchenware. China is a leading supplier of furniture and home décor, exporting over $100 billion worth to the U.S. annually. Commercial and residential lighting products. Smart lighting and solar-powered lights are often Chinese-made.

Textiles and Apparel; Clothing, shoes, and accessories (although production is slowly shifting to Southeast Asia). China still leads in synthetic fabric production.

Footwear (HS Code 64) and Apparel (HS Code 61 & 62)
Clothing and shoes remain strong export categories, especially for budget and mid-range markets.

Plastics & Plastic Articles (HS Code 39)
Everything from packaging to containers, kitchenware, and industrial use plastic goods. Including packaging materials, containers, and household items — this is a major product group in the consumer and industrial sectors.

Optical, Medical & Precision Instruments (HS Code 90)
Items like lenses, instruments, and medical devices also contribute significantly to Chinese exports to the U.S.

Tools and Hardware; Hand tools, power tools, fasteners, and general DIY equipment. Brands like Harbor Freight source heavily from China.

Auto Parts; Tires, batteries, car electronics, and aftermarket accessories.

Solar Panels and Green Tech; China dominates the global supply chain for solar panels and related materials. Increasing demand for green energy solutions has led to a rise in imports.

As of February 2025, the United States trades with over 200 countries, but the top 15 trading partners dominate the market, accounting for:

• 75.2% of total trade (exports + imports)
• 73.2% of total exports
• 79.2% of total imports

The United States conducts international trade with over 200 countries, but just 20 of them account for the lion’s share of total imports and exports. These top 20 trading partners collectively represent over 80% of the U.S.'s total trade volume, based on goods alone, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

Below is a detailed breakdown of each country's trade volume with the U.S., their percentage share, and the dominant product categories they export.

1. Mexico - Trade Volume (USD) $138.0B Share of Total Trade 14.7% 

Key imports: Vehicles, auto parts, electronics, machinery, agricultural products (avocados, tomatoes), and oil. Industry focus: Automotive manufacturing, electronics, food.

2. Canada - Trade Volume (USD) $128.9B Share of Total Trade 13.7%

Key imports: Crude oil, vehicles, lumber, aluminum, and machinery. Industry focus: Energy, forestry, automotive, mining.

3. China - Trade Volume (USD) $93.6B Share of Total Trade 10.0%

Key imports: Electronics (phones, computers), machinery, furniture, toys, clothing, and plastics. Industry focus: Consumer electronics, manufacturing, textiles.

4. Switzerland - Trade Volume (USD) $47.6B Share of Total Trade 5.1%

Key imports: Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, watches, and precious metals (especially gold). Industry focus: Life sciences, luxury goods, finance.

5. Germany - Trade Volume (USD) $38.4B Share of Total Trade 4.1%

Key imports: Vehicles (especially luxury cars), industrial machinery, medical equipment, and chemicals. Industry focus: Automotive, engineering, healthcare.

6. Japan - Trade Volume (USD) $36.4B Share of Total Trade 3.9%

Key imports: Vehicles, electronics, machinery, and optical/medical instruments. Industry focus: Automotive, technology, medical devices.

7. Ireland - Trade Volume (USD) $31.4B Share of Total Trade 3.4%

Key imports: Pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals, medical devices, and software services. Industry focus: Life sciences, tech services.

8. South Korea - Trade Volume (USD) $30.3B Share of Total Trade 3.2%

Key imports: Semiconductors, cars, consumer electronics, and steel. Industry focus: Technology, automotive, steel.

9. Taiwan - Trade Volume (USD) $28.7B Share of Total Trade 3.1%

Key imports: Semiconductors, electronics components, machinery, and optical instruments. Industry focus: Advanced tech, semiconductors.

10. Vietnam - Trade Volume (USD) $26.9B Share of Total Trade 2.9%

Key imports: Electronics, furniture, apparel, and footwear. Industry focus: Manufacturing, textiles, electronics.

11. United Kingdom - Trade Volume (USD) $26.5B Share of Total Trade 2.8%

Key imports: Pharmaceuticals, cars, aerospace components, and alcoholic beverages (e.g., whisky). Industry focus: Pharmaceuticals, aviation, luxury goods.

12. India - Trade Volume (USD) $23.2B Share of Total Trade 2.5%

Key imports: Jewelry, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and organic chemicals. Industry focus: Gems, pharma, fashion.

13. Netherlands - Trade Volume (USD) $19.7B Share of Total Trade 2.1%

Key imports: Machinery, chemicals, food products, and refined petroleum. Industry focus: Energy, food processing, logistics.

14. France - Trade Volume (USD) $17.6B Share of Total Trade 1.9%

Key imports: Aircraft, cosmetics, wine & spirits, and pharmaceuticals. Industry focus: Luxury goods, aerospace, beauty.

15. Italy - Trade Volume (USD) $17.5B Share of Total Trade 1.9%

Key imports: Fashion, footwear, furniture, machinery, and food products (wine, olive oil). Industry focus: Design, food, manufacturing.

16. Brazil - Trade Volume (USD) $13.9B Share of Total Trade 1.5%

Key imports: Iron ore, crude oil, coffee, and aircraft. Industry focus: Natural resources, agriculture, aerospace.

17. Belgium - Trade Volume (USD) $11.6B Share of Total Trade 1.2%

Key imports: Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, diamonds, and machinery. Industry focus: Pharma, mining (diamonds), chemicals.

18. Thailand - Trade Volume (USD) $10.4B Share of Total Trade 1.1%

Key imports: Electronics, rubber products, automotive parts, and seafood. Industry focus: Electronics, agriculture, automotive.

19. Singapore - Trade Volume (USD) $9.2B Share of Total Trade 1.0%

Key imports: Semiconductors, medical instruments, chemicals, and oil products. Industry focus: High-tech, biotech, petrochemicals.

20. Malaysia - Trade Volume (USD) $8.3B Share of Total Trade 0.9%

Key imports: Semiconductors, palm oil, electronics, and rubber gloves. Industry focus: Electronics, commodities, healthcare.

Together, Mexico, Canada, and China alone make up over 38% of all U.S. international trade activity. These countries are particularly dominant due to tightly integrated supply chains (especially with Mexico and Canada through the USMCA) and high-volume consumer goods (especially from China)​

• North American Trade Dominance: Mexico and Canada alone account for over 28% of U.S. trade, fueled by the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement).
• Asia’s Tech Powerhouses: China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan provide most of the U.S.'s consumer electronics and semiconductors.
• Europe’s Luxury & Pharma Edge: Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, and the UK export high-value goods like pharmaceuticals, cars, and luxury products.
• Rising Southeast Asian Influence: Countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand are increasingly vital for textiles, electronics, and commodities.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau – Top Trading Partners Report (Feb 2025), Office of the United States Trade Representative – USTR Reports,Trade Map (International Trade Centre) – Trade Statistics by Country