USITC - Shifts in U.S Merchandise Trade 2009: China: Exports, Imports, and Trade Balance

Contact Us

:: China: Exports, Imports, and Trade Balance

Key Economic Trends

In 2009, the U.S. trade deficit with China decreased by $39.9 billion (15 percent) to $230.4 billion. The decline in U.S. imports from China (13 percent) exceeded the decline in U.S. exports to China (3 percent). China remains the single-leading source of U.S. imports and the third-largest market for U.S. exports.
The electronics products and machinery sectors accounted for the largest share (by value) of the U.S. export decrease. Increased U.S. exports of agricultural products (mainly oilseeds), forest products, and chemicals to China mitigated the fall in exports.
The $2.0 billion decrease in U.S. exports to China was a function of the slowdown in Chinese economic growth. China’s GDP growth slowed to 8.7 percent in 2009, after having maintained a 10 percent average for the last two decades. Global recessionary pressures reduced demand for China’s manufactured exports, an important driver of the Chinese economy, which in turn reduced demand in China for imported inputs of all types.
U.S. import declines from China, totaling $42.0 billion in 2009, were mainly in steel mill products; consumer products such as furniture, games, and luggage; and computers and consumer electronics.

Trade Shifts from 2008 to 2009