China Imports to the United States

China has built up a huge reputation as a manufacturer of low cost goods, which are popular in consumer markets around the globe.

The biggest overseas market is the United States of America, which is China's pre-eminent trading partner. Trade has been increasing steadily between the two countries and despite the impact of the global slowdown in international trade, it is set to continue strong for the medium and long term. Freight forwarding between the two countries is therefore well established and customers can expect a streamlined and efficient service from their chosen shipping company. Any logistics company in either country worth its salt will be expert in providing information and advice to facilitate freight transport between the two trading partners, including advice regarding customs and the issues relating to transport.

The market for China imports in the Unites States is massive as recent figures demonstrate.

The country exported nearly $300 billion worth of merchandise to the United States in 2006, up 18% from 2005 and up 130% over the previous 4 years.

Meanwhile, China imports from the U.S. rose 32% to $55 bn in 2006 and were up 150% since 2002.

So what products make up the majority of China imports to U.S by international freight?

Of the $287.8 billion worth of China import into the United States in 2006, the following types of products were the most important, accounting for the bulk of freight transport requirements. Computer accessories, parts and associated peripherals made up 10% of all China import to the United States.. Computers themselves accounted for a further $17.4 bn of international freight between China and the United States. Miscellaneous household goods such as clocks were worth $26.5 billion. Toys and sporting goods such as bicycles were worth $22.2 billion of the overall international freight moving from China to the United States. Other significant China imports include household furnishings and clothing of all types, Video equipment such as DVD players, household furniture, footwear and telecommunications equipment.

Meanwhile, the fastest-growing Chinese exports to the United States are mainly raw materials such as zinc, nickel, lumber, mining and oil processing equipment, all of which have been seeing rapid growth and so there is a clear upward trend in freight services for these items.

And what of the trade in the opposite direction? What are the main American exports to China? Well, of the China import from the United States in 2006, the following products were the most important, accounting for the majority of freight forwarding.

Semi-conductors, Civilian aircraft and Soybeans.

Plastics, raw cotton and industrial machines were also each significant trade sectors.

Other important exports from the Unites States are copper, computer accessories and aluminium.

Whilst the fastest-growing exports from U.S. to China are currently un-manufactured tobacco, corn, food oils and precious metals.

The international freight industry has developed over the years to service the needs of these two giant trading partners with both shipping companies and freight services now able to offer world beating standards of efficiency in export and import between China and the United States.

Stephen Willis is Managing Director of RW Freight Services a UK based freight transport company, established in 1971 and operating worldwide freight forwarding services including specialist freight services to and from China