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US Exports to China 2026
This report explores the latest data on American exports to China and the jobs they support across the United States. These figures include goods exports during calendar year 2025. This report does not capture services exports to China.
–$36.3B
Decline in US exports to China, 2024-2025
–26%
Percent decline in US exports to China, 2024-2025
–148,000
Estimated loss of US jobs supported by exports to China, 2024-2025
$86.6B
Total amount of extra tariffs paid on Chinese imports
American exports to China plummeted in 2025.
The plunge was the result of unprecedented tariffs in place for most of the year. China’s retaliatory tariffs impacted all product categories — especially agriculture and fossil fuels.
Few regions and industries were spared from economic pain.
Compared to the year before, about 148,000 fewer American jobs were supported by exports to China. Rural and coastal areas alike saw jobs fall by several thousand. Texas, California, Louisiana, and Indiana suffered the steepest declines by dollar amount, with each losing billions in exports to China.
There were some bright spots.
Sales of non-substitutable products, like pharmaceuticals, medicines, and medical equipment, remained stable despite tariffs. Aerospace- and semiconductor-related exports also performed well, but not enough to make up for contractions elsewhere.
Despite the downturn, China remains the United States’ third-largest export market.
Because of Chinese import substitution during the trade war, however, multiple exports may not recover to pre–trade war levels. Once markets are lost, they are hard to regain.
American companies need lasting tariff relief from both governments.
Trade data and public opinion polling strongly support the use of ongoing trade negotiations to ease tariff burdens on key American industries, consumers, and farmers, thereby expanding market access for American companies.
