China contributes substantially to U.S.’ biggest imports

Trump imposes tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico, impacting U.S. imports and trade relations with top countries.

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump announced additional tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico amidst what the White House referred to as a national emergency caused by “illegal aliens and drugs”. In retaliation, China said it would implement counter tariffs.

Of the more than 75 countries with which the U.S. maintains trade relations, China accounted for 18% of all of its imported services between 2018 and 2023, which is the highest share, followed by Mexico (14%) and Canada (13%).

The U.S. imported goods worth $17,000 billion between 2018 and 2023. Of these, electrical machinery and equipment accounted for 15%, vehicles and their parts accounted for 11%, and nuclear machinery and appliances, 9%. 

Chart 1 shows the top 15 goods and services imported by the U.S. between 2018 and 2023 (in %).

Charts 2-10 show the country-wise share of the top nine goods and services imported by the U.S. China’s share was the highest in eight of the 15 listed items, including two of the three most imported products — electrical and nuclear machinery.

China accounted for the highest share of imported iron or steel, plastics, and clothing (20-30%); furniture (about 40%); and toys (nearly 80%). It also contributed the second highest share in the imports of measuring instruments, organic chemicals, and rubber.

Mexico contributed to the highest share of imported vehicles and measuring instruments. It was also among the top three countries exporting electrical and nuclear machinery, furniture, iron or steel, and rubber to the U.S.