The trade relationship between the United States and China is one of the most significant in the global economy. Let’s explore the top 10 products that dominate their bilateral trade, based on recent data from 2024 and 2025.
1. Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Electrical and electronic equipment stands as the most traded category between the USA and China. This includes a wide range of products from smartphones to household appliances.
In 2024, the United States imported $127.06 billion worth of electrical and electronic equipment from China. This massive figure shows how dependent the US market is on Chinese electronics.
On the flip side, the US exported $15.28 billion of similar products to China in the same year. While this is a smaller amount, it still represents a significant trade flow.
The most imported items in this category include:
- Telephones and communication devices
- Batteries, especially for electric vehicles
- Television sets
- Microphones and speakers
2. Machinery and Mechanical Appliances
Machinery and mechanical appliances form the second largest category of trade between these two economic giants.
US imports of Chinese machinery reached substantial levels, with products like air conditioners, washing machines, and industrial equipment being key items.
In return, the United States exported $12.86 billion worth of machinery to China in 2024. This includes high-tech manufacturing equipment and specialized industrial machinery.
3. Textiles and Clothing
Textiles and clothing represent a major portion of Chinese exports to the United States.
In 2023, China exported $68 billion worth of textiles and clothing to the US. This accounted for about 17% of China’s total textile exports.
Popular items in this category include:
- T-shirts and casual wear
- Jeans and trousers
- Shoes and footwear
- Bedding and home textiles
4. Consumer Electronics
Consumer electronics is a standout category in US-China trade, with China being a major supplier to the US market.
In 2023, China exported $96 billion worth of consumer electronics to the United States. This represented 22% of China’s total exports in this sector.
Key products include:
- Laptops and tablets
- Smartphones
- Video game consoles
- Smart home devices
5. Vehicles and Transportation Equipment
While not as large as some other categories, vehicles and transportation equipment still play a significant role in US-China trade.
The United States exported $6.39 billion worth of vehicles to China in 2024. This includes cars, trucks, and auto parts.
China, in turn, exports a variety of transportation-related products to the US, including:
- Electric bicycles
- Car parts and accessories
- Tires
6. Agricultural Products
Agricultural trade between the two countries is substantial, with both nations being major producers and consumers of food products.
In 2024, the United States exported $13.35 billion worth of oilseeds, grains, and fruits to China. Soybeans are a particularly important export in this category.
China exports various processed foods and agricultural products to the US, including:
- Frozen fish and seafood
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Spices and herbs
7. Optical, Medical, and Technical Instruments
This category includes a wide range of high-tech and specialized equipment.
The United States imported $11.79 billion worth of optical, photographic, technical, and medical apparatus from China in 2023.
Key products in this category include:
- Medical devices and equipment
- Cameras and photographic equipment
- Scientific instruments
8. Plastics and Plastic Products
Plastics and plastic products form another important category in US-China trade.
The United States exported $7.45 billion worth of plastics to China in 2024. This includes raw materials for plastic production as well as finished plastic products.
China, in turn, exports a wide variety of plastic products to the US, such as:
- Plastic packaging materials
- Toys and recreational items
- Household plastic goods
9. Chemicals
Chemical products represent a significant portion of trade between the two countries.
The United States exported $3.98 billion worth of organic chemicals to China in 2024. This includes various industrial chemicals and chemical compounds used in manufacturing.
China exports a range of chemical products to the US, including:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Fertilizers
- Industrial chemicals
10. Furniture and Home Goods
Furniture and home goods round out our list of top traded products between the USA and China.
China is a major exporter of furniture to the United States, with products including:
- Wooden furniture
- Metal furniture
- Lighting fixtures
- Home decor items
While the US also exports some furniture to China, the trade in this category is heavily tilted towards Chinese exports to the US market.