Top 10 Product that USA Imports from China

Top 10 Products that USA Imports from China: “Made in China” labels are very common in stores across the United States. Even on online websites like Amazon, many products are either made in China or imported from there.

Most of the sellers on Amazon, about 60%, are from China, while only 34.8% are from the U.S. With almost 2 million sellers on Amazon, over a million of them are based in China.

In this article, we’ll talk about the most common products imported from China to the USA and discuss how to sell Chinese imports online. We’ll also share some tips for selling products from China.

Top 10 Products that USA Imports from China

Even though the Biden administration and Congress have put trade restrictions on China, the US still gets a lot of stuff from there, especially these 10 Products.

China’s products are not only sold on Amazon but also in other big stores like Walmart, both online and in physical stores. According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIEE), the amount of products imported from China reached a record high in 2022, almost as high as the peak levels seen in 2018.

Products	Value
Smartphones	$50.2 billion
Digital automation systems	$283.593 billion
Wheeled toys, inflatable balls, puzzles and scale models	$16.3 billion
Video game consoles and console parts	$10.2 billion
Machines to transmit, convert and receive voices, images and other data	$8.5 billion
Lithium batteries	$7.3 billion
Monitors for automatic data processing machines	$7 billion
Pre-dosed medications	$6.9 billion
Accessories for computers and other data processors	$6.8 billion
Plastic items	$4.6 billion

1. Smartphones

In the USA, smartphones are very popular, but none of the tech companies there actually make them. Even Apple the big one depends a lot on China to make and put together iPhones. Even though there is tension between the US and China, Apple is starting to think about making iPhones in India. But, Chinese smartphones are still a big deal in the US.

Huawei, for example, came back to the US market, even though the government there put restrictions on it in 2020. They worked with another company called SMIC and launched their new Mate 60 series phone in the US in August this year.

Other Chinese brands like OnePlus, Xiaomi and RealMe are also selling their phones in the US. They’re cheaper compared to Apple and Samsung, so a lot of people like them as an option.

2. Digital automation systems

Digital automation systems also known as automatic digital processing machines or devices, are computers and servers that can do tasks according to instructions they’re given. In September 2023, the US imported these machines and devices from China, and it was worth about $283.593 million.

But, it looks like there’s a trend where fewer of these products are being imported from China. In October 2023, the value dropped a lot to $182.263 million, which is about 155.5% less than the month before. Overall the import of digital automation systems decreased by 22.58% in 2022, which is the lowest it’s been since 2010.

3. Wheeled toys, inflatable balls, puzzles and scale models

The USA brings in wheeled toys and scale models from China. However, just like digital automation systems, imports of these toys dropped by 38.87% in 2022. In 2022 they were 38.87% lower compared to before. However, the imports of scale models, puzzles, and other toys were higher at $17.8 billion in 2022 than in 2021.

Some famous toys like Barbie and Hot Wheels by Mattel are made in China and Indonesia. Mattel closed its last factory in the USA in 2001. So, the company has been using its toy factories in other countries for a long time now.

4. Video game consoles and console parts

In May 2023, China was the biggest source of video game consoles imported to the U.S. Manufacturers there shipped 3 million units making up 76% of all console imports.

This includes consoles from Japanese brands like Sony and Xbox, which are also made in China and Japan. Some of these units are entirely made in China before being brought to the U.S.

5. Machines to transmit, convert and receive voices, images and other data

The USA relies heavily on China for media transmission systems, including telecommunications gear and surveillance tools.

However, the sale of Huawei and ZTE products was prohibited in the country due to concerns about national security. Despite this ban, Huawei managed to launch its latest smartphone series in the U.S.

Some CCTV camera brands from China are also banned, affecting sellers on platforms like Amazon. They may need authorization from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to sell China-made surveillance gear.

Big retailers like Home Depot and Best Buy have stopped offering security cameras from Dahua and Hikvision not because of the ban but to avoid association with the issues surrounding these Chinese brands.

6. Lithium batteries

China saw record-breaking levels of lithium battery imports in 2022 because of the increasing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage facilities.

Tesla, for example, partners with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd (CATL), one of the world’s largest battery cell manufacturers based in China. CATL also provides battery technology for Ford’s battery plant in Marshall, Michigan.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, a whopping 87% of all battery imports to the U.S. were from Chinese manufacturers like CATL and BYD Co. Ltd.

In contrast, imports from South Korean battery makers, such as L.G. Energy Solutions Ltd., Samsung SDI Co. Ltd., and S.K. Innovation Co. Ltd., accounted for only 5.6% of U.S. battery imports during the same period.

7. Monitors for automatic data processing machines

American manufacturers produce reliable computers and PC parts, including display monitors. However, it is not feasible to make a computer entirely in the U.S. Therefore manufacturers still depend on Asian countries like China for specific components such as display monitors and internal parts.

Last year, certain products imported from China, like computer monitors, had their tariffs postponed. This delay prevented price hikes, particularly during the holiday season.

Lenovo is one example of a tech company that imports display monitors from China. Asus, on the other hand, sources almost 80% of its products from China, with the remaining 20% coming from Taiwan, Brazil, Indonesia and Europe.

8. Pre-dosed medications

The U.S. is relying more on China for pharmaceuticals even with their turbulent trade relationship. In the last five years, pharmaceutical trade between the two countries has risen from 0.6% to almost 3% of the total trade value.

This growth is mainly driven by advanced medications such as cancer treatments and antibiotics rather than cheap imports from China. The trade is fairly balanced with the U.S. importing $10.2 billion and exporting $9.3 billion to China in this sector.

9. Accessories for computers and other data processors

Just like before, creating a PC using only parts made in the U.S. is not doable yet. Tech companies still need Asian countries for some parts. Printed circuit boards (PCBs), for instance, are mainly made in Asia.

This is because their factories have the right setup, flexibility, and cheap labour. It is not easy to set up this kind of system in the U.S., according to Sravan Kundojjala from Strategy Analytics.

Other computer accessories, like low-cost keycaps, wireless mice and audio devices, are also likely imported from China.

10. Plastic Items

America is a big player in exporting plastic, but it also brings in plastic goods from China. This reliance on China for plastic might increase due to the REDUCE Act. This law puts a tax fee on the sale of virgin plastic resin used for single-use plastics. Since consumers will have to pay this fee, companies might turn to cheaper plastic goods from China.

Common plastic items imported from China include keycaps, computer parts, phone components and toys. You can find these products on Amazon and other stores.

How to Sell Products Imported from China?

There are many ways to import products from China—they’re affordable and quickly made. To sell these goods on Amazon, you can ship inventory directly from China to Amazon’s FBA.

Here’s how to sell products imported from China on Amazon:

Step 1: Find a profitable product and a trustworthy supplier. Use eCommerce management tools like Threecolts or Jungle Scout to research products and find reliable suppliers.

Step 2: Choose a shipping method. You can ship inventory from China to Amazon FBA through your U.S. warehouse, Amazon Global Logistics, or your chosen freight forwarder.

Step 3: Set up your shipments on Amazon Seller Central. Select the items you want to send to FBA, enter your supplier’s address, and set a shipping schedule.

Step 4: Apply barcodes, carton labels and pallet labels as needed. Your supplier must label every item and box for shipment to FBA.

Step 5: Set a shipping schedule. Coordinate with Amazon Global Logistics or your freight forwarder for pick-up and delivery.

Step 6: Check your supplier’s shipping services. Some suppliers offer direct shipping to FBA, saving you time and money.

Conclusion

The United States relies heavily on imports from China across various product categories. These include items like phones, toys, and medicine. Even though there are sometimes problems between the two countries, the U.S. still needs these imports. They help keep prices low and provide goods that people want.

It also supports many businesses and jobs. Both countries benefit from this trade relationship. However, it is important to watch for changes in trade rules.

Related Links

1. Capital of the USA

2. Interesting Facts About the United States

3. Top 10 Products Exported

4. China Travel Guide 2024

FAQs on Top 10 Products that USA Imports from China

What are the top 10 products that the USA imports from China?

The top 10 products imported from China to the USA include smartphones, digital automation systems, toys and scale models, video game consoles, media transmission systems, lithium batteries, display monitors, pre-dosed medications, computer accessories and plastic goods.

Why does the USA import these products from China?

The USA imports these products from China because they are cheaper to produce there and China has large factories that can make many items quickly.

Are there any restrictions on importing products from China to the USA?

Yes, sometimes there are restrictions or tariffs imposed by the USA government on certain products from China, especially if there are concerns about quality or trade agreements.

Who is China’s biggest customer?

China’s biggest customer is the United States.

What is the US’s number 1 export?

The United States number one export is Oil.