In the intricate web of global trade, the economic relationship between the United States and China stands out as one of the most significant. As two economic powerhouses, the goods flowing between them not only reflect the needs of their respective markets but also have far - reaching impacts on the global economy. So, what exactly does the US sell to China? Let’s explore this question in depth.
Agricultural Products: Meeting China’s Sustenance Needs
Agricultural products constitute a substantial portion of US exports to China. Soybeans, in particular, have long been a major export item. In 2024, the import value of US soybeans to China reached approximately \(12 billion, accounting for 20 - 30% of China’s total soybean imports. These soybeans are mainly used for feed production and the manufacturing of edible oils, playing a crucial role in meeting China’s demand for animal feed and food products. In addition to soybeans, other agricultural products such as corn and wheat also contribute significantly. In 2024, the combined import value of corn and wheat from the US was about \)12 billion, helping to supplement China’s grain reserves. The US also exports a variety of meat products to China. After the African swine fever outbreak, China’s demand for imported pork, beef, and poultry products surged. In 2024, the import value of pork from the US was \(695 million, beef was \)990 million, and poultry products, with chicken feet accounting for over 90%, also had a considerable share. Cotton is another important agricultural export. In 2024, China imported about $1.48 billion worth of cotton from the US, which is a significant portion of China’s total cotton imports.
Energy Products: Fueling China’s Growth
The US has also emerged as an important supplier of energy products to China. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) tops the list, with an import value of around \(22 billion in 2024. LNG has become a major part of the US trade surplus with China and is crucial for meeting China’s growing demand for clean energy. American shale oil is also an important source of China’s energy diversification. In 2024, China imported approximately \)6 billion worth of crude oil from the US. Moreover, liquefied propane and butane, with an import value of 82.744 billion yuan in 2024, are widely used in the chemical and energy sectors in China.
High - Tech and Industrial Goods: Supporting China’s Technological Advancements
High - tech products from the US play a vital role in China’s technological and industrial development. Semiconductors and integrated circuits are at the forefront. In 2024, the export value of these products from the US to China reached about \(50.8 billion, accounting for 15.1% of the total US semiconductor exports. These include high - end chips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, which are essential for China’s electronics and information technology industries. The aviation sector is another significant area. Boeing aircraft and related parts are exported to China, with an export value of about \)6.8 billion in 2024. As China’s civil aviation industry continues to expand, the maintenance of existing Boeing aircraft relies heavily on the US supply chain.
Medical equipment is also a major export category. In 2024, the US exported $11.76 billion worth of medical equipment to China, covering high - end devices such as MRI machines and CT scanners, meeting the needs of China’s medical and healthcare sector.
Industrial and Consumer Goods: Catering to Diverse Demands
The US exports a wide range of industrial and consumer goods to China. In the automotive industry, cars and auto parts had an export value of about \(15 billion in 2024. Many well - known US automakers, like Tesla, rely on the Chinese market, and their products, along with related parts, are exported to China. Chemicals are also an important part of US exports. Organic chemicals, with an import value of 44.696 billion yuan, and plastic products, with an export value of \)7.5 billion, are widely used in China’s manufacturing industry. Cosmetics and personal care products, with an import value of 14.227 billion yuan in 2024, are also popular in the Chinese market. Brands like Estée Lauder and Clinique have a significant presence in China, though they are significantly affected by tariffs.
Other Key Commodities: Meeting Specialized Requirements
Minerals and metals, such as copper and aluminum, are crucial for China’s infrastructure and new energy development. The US exports these industrial metals and mineral resources to meet China’s demands in these sectors. Precision instruments, including mass spectrometers and electron microscopes, are essential for scientific research. In 2024, China imported $4.5 billion worth of such precision instruments from the US.
However, it’s important to note that the trade relationship between the US and China is not without challenges. Tariffs and trade policies imposed by both sides in recent years have had a significant impact on the volume and structure of US exports to China. Despite these challenges, the economic complementarity between the two countries means that trade between them will likely continue to play an important role in the global economy.