The general state of Sino-US trade
- At present, China's main products in the United States:
Electronic products: smart phones, computers, home appliances, etc.
Mechanical equipment: industrial machinery, motors, engines, etc.
Textiles and clothing: including clothing, footwear, home textiles, etc.
Furniture and household items: such as tables, chairs, lamps, etc.
Toys and sporting goods: children's toys, sports equipment, etc.
Plastic and rubber products: plastic products, tires, etc.
Metal products: steel and aluminum products
Rare metals: rare earth elements used in the high-tech and defense industries.
- Trade Volume
China is one of the largest sources of goods imports to the United States, with bilateral trade exceeding $600 billion in 2022.
Despite the impact of trade frictions, China's exports to the US have remained at a high level.
- Trade frictions
Tariffs: The United States has imposed tariffs on some Chinese goods, including electronics, machinery and equipment, steel and aluminum products.
Supply chain adjustment: Some US companies have shifted their supply chains to Southeast Asia and other places, but China is still a major exporter.
- Major ports
Chinese ports: Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo are the main export ports.
American ports: Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York, etc., are the main import ports.
- Mode of transportation
Sea transport: the main mode of transport, low cost, large volume.
Air transport: High value or urgent cargo is often used by air.
The products with the highest degree of U.S. dependence on Chinese imports are mainly concentrated in electronic products and parts, machinery and equipment, textiles and clothing, furniture and household goods. These products occupy an important position in the US market and it will be difficult to find alternative sources in the short term. While the United States has tried to reduce its dependence on China through trade policy and supply chain diversification, the process will take time and significant investment.
So in the current Sino-US scenario, the tariff spike may be temporary. After all, such behavior is not good for either China or the US. Buyers, suppliers and freight forwarders all need to be optimistic.
