What Does China Import from the US?
A 2025 Update Amid 84% Tariffs and the Evolving Trade War
The US-China trade war has entered a volatile new phase. On Thursday, China’s 84% retaliatory tariffs on US goods took effect, shortly after Donald Trump’s announcement of a 90-day pause on global tariffs, excluding China. While markets rebounded due to the temporary tariff relief, the long-term consequences for US exports to China are significant. So, what does China continue to import from the US despite these growing tensions?
Let’s break down the key US exports to China and how the 84% tariff is reshaping the trade landscape.
🔹 1. Soybeans & Agricultural Products
Soybeans remain China’s largest agricultural import from the US. Prior to the trade war, soybeans were a major export, valued at over $12 billion annually. The US is still a leading supplier, though volumes have fluctuated since the tariff escalations.
Other key agricultural imports from the US include:
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Corn & sorghum
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Cotton
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Dairy & meats (beef and pork)
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Nuts & fruits
Impact of tariffs: China’s new 84% tariff on US soybeans and other agricultural products will likely raise prices and further disrupt trade, as Beijing turns to other suppliers like Brazil. The tariffs are part of China's larger strategy to minimize reliance on the US, although it’s unlikely China can fully replace US agriculture in the short term.
🔹 2. Semiconductors & Technology Components
China is heavily dependent on semiconductors from the US. Major firms like Intel, Qualcomm, and Nvidia supply essential components for China’s burgeoning tech industry.
Key semiconductor imports include:
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Integrated circuits
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Microchips
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Specialized manufacturing tools
Impact of tariffs: With the ongoing tech rivalry and the 84% tariffs, China's efforts to localize chip production will accelerate. However, US technology remains essential, especially for high-performance and cutting-edge devices. The new tariffs further hinder China’s access to top-tier components, making it difficult for Chinese companies to fully replace US imports in the short term.
🔹 3. Aircraft & Aerospace Parts
Commercial aircraft, especially from Boeing, are another significant US export to China. Before the trade war, China accounted for a large portion of Boeing’s international sales.
China imports:
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Commercial aircraft (especially Boeing 737 and 787 models)
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Aircraft parts and engine components
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Navigation and avionics systems
Impact of tariffs: The impact of China’s 84% tariffs on aerospace goods will likely delay or decrease the volume of US aircraft sales to China. While China is attempting to develop its own aircraft industry (e.g., COMAC), the US remains a key player in this market.
🔹 4. Automobiles & Auto Parts
China imports premium vehicles from the US, including models from:
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Tesla (especially the Model 3 and Model Y)
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General Motors (GM) and Ford
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Auto parts for local assembly
Impact of tariffs: The tariffs on vehicles are particularly damaging to Tesla, which had seen strong growth in China before these barriers were implemented. The 84% tariff is likely to make US cars and auto parts more expensive and less competitive compared to local and European options.
🔹 5. Energy: Oil, LNG & Coal
China's energy imports from the US include:
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Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
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Crude oil
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Coal
Impact of tariffs: The US energy sector, particularly oil and gas, faces rising challenges due to tariffs. As China strengthens ties with Russia and other energy producers, the US risks losing market share in this vital sector.
🔹 6. Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices
China relies on the US for a range of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, including:
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Diagnostic tools and lab equipment
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Surgical instruments
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Life-saving medicines and vaccines
While this sector is not as large as some others, the impact of the 84% tariff could make some medical devices and pharmaceuticals more expensive, potentially affecting China's healthcare market.
📉 The Impact of the 84% Tariff and Trump’s Global Pause
The 84% retaliatory tariff on US goods comes as part of a broader US-China tariff escalation, following President Trump’s decision to implement a 125% tariff on Chinese imports. While markets saw a brief rebound from Trump’s global tariff pause (excluding China), the economic volatility caused by these tariffs continues to hurt both economies.
As China’s Ministry of Commerce states, the country will continue to pursue retaliatory actions, including:
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Targeted tariffs on high-value US products (agriculture, technology, etc.)
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Increased efforts to diversify trade partners, especially with ASEAN and Europe.
At the same time, Trump’s decision to pause tariffs on some nations was welcomed by international markets, but it left China still facing the full brunt of escalating trade barriers. The effects of this stand-off are likely to be felt for years to come, as China adjusts its supply chains to reduce reliance on the US and seeks new trading partners.
🌍 Global Ripple Effects
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WTO Impact: The World Trade Organization (WTO) has warned that the US-China tariff war could slash bilateral trade by up to 80%, severely damaging global supply chains and trade relations.
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China’s Trade Shifts: China has been strengthening trade relations with ASEAN and the EU, focusing on electric vehicles and renewable energy collaborations to reduce its exposure to US tariffs.
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Australia’s Stance: Australia, which heavily relies on trade with China but maintains a strong alliance with the US, has rejected any efforts to form closer trade ties with Beijing during the tariff war.
Final Thoughts: A Long Road Ahead for US-China Trade
Despite these tariff increases, China continues to rely on US exports in key areas like soybeans, semiconductors, and aircraft. However, the 84% tariff will likely reduce these imports further, as China seeks alternatives and reduces dependence on the US.
The situation remains fluid, and it’s unclear when (or if) both countries will reach a lasting agreement. Until then, US companies will continue to feel the effects of the trade war, and global markets will remain uncertain.
FAQs
Q: Will China stop importing from the US entirely?
A: While China is actively seeking alternatives, many US exports, such as semiconductors and high-quality agricultural products, remain difficult to replace in the short term.
Q: Who benefits from the US-China tariffs?
A: Countries like Brazil, Vietnam, and Mexico have seen gains as they replace US products in China’s market.
Q: Are any US sectors unaffected by the tariffs?
A: No sector is immune, but some, like pharmaceuticals, are less impacted due to the essential nature of the products.
