US Exports to China, 2001–2024
US exports to China have shifted notably over time. In 2001, the top category was Machinery & Mechanical Equipment, which was overtaken by Electrical Equipment & Electronics from 2002 to 2007. Vegetable Products & Food took the lead from 2008 to 2011. Transportation Equipment dominated from 2012 to 2018, until Vegetable Products & Food reclaimed the top spot. Most recently, Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals emerged as the leading sector in 2023–2024—the only newcomer to reach number one in the past two decades.Chinese Exports to the US, 2001–2024
In contrast, China’s exports to the US have remained remarkably stable. From 2001 to 2002, Furniture & Miscellaneous Products held the top spot, followed by Machinery & Mechanical Equipment in 2003–2004. Since 2005, Electrical Equipment & Electronics has consistently led the rankings—making it the most enduring top-performing sector.*Data sourced from the US Census Bureau and Schott (2008); data scraping and visualization by Darren Lee and Will Hao.
*Please note: this data excludes services and transnational shipments.