US imports from China drop to 20-year low as Trump tariffs reshape global trade

US imports from China drop to 20-year low as Trump tariffs reshape global trade

The share of Chinese goods in total US imports has fallen to its lowest level in more than two decades, as the Trump administration’s aggressive tariff strategy continues to reshape global trade flows. According to Commerce Department data released Tuesday, Chinese imports into the United States fell to $102.7 billion in the first quarter of the year—just 11% of all US imports. That’s down by half from the 22% share China held just seven years ago.

The decline marks a dramatic shift in a decades-long trading relationship and underscores the immediate impact of the sweeping tariffs announced by President Trump in early April. With levies now averaging more than 100% on many categories of Chinese goods, companies are pulling back, rerouting supply chains, or racing to stockpile goods before additional tariffs take effect, the New York Times reported.

Tariffs begin to ripple through US supply chains

Because imported goods from China take weeks to reach US ports, much of the economic pain from the latest round of tariffs is only beginning to show. Economists expect the effects on consumer prices and product availability to grow more visible in the summer months as inventories dry up and replacement sourcing lags behind.

Imports of Chinese-made toys, kitchenware, furniture, and apparel have all seen sharp declines. Meanwhile, some industries are rushing to get ahead of even more targeted tariffs. Omair Sharif of Inflation Insights said the surge in consumer goods imports in March was largely due to pharmaceutical companies stockpiling key ingredients ahead of upcoming drug-related tariffs.

“There was far less of everything else—like furniture and clothing—imported in March than suspected,” Sharif noted in a report to clients.

Trade deficit widens as China’s role shrinks

Despite the overall drop in Chinese goods, the US trade deficit in goods and services jumped to $140.5 billion in March, up from $123.2 billion in February. Economists attribute part of this spike to frontloading—where companies import heavily to get ahead of tariffs—and to higher import volumes from countries that have received temporary tariff exemptions.

Oxford Economics’ Matthew Martin said the additional March tariffs on Chinese goods “began to bite” just as tariff pauses were granted to other trade partners. He expects China’s share of US imports to shrink even further as the summer progresses and the higher costs take hold.

Trade deal hopes uncertain

While both Washington and Beijing have signalled some willingness to return to the negotiating table, the timeline for any meaningful trade deal remains uncertain. In the meantime, the tariff pressure continues to mount—not only squeezing Chinese exporters but also hitting American importers and consumers.

As the tariff war escalates, US companies are being forced to rethink sourcing strategies, with ripple effects across industries from pharmaceuticals to electronics to fashion. For now, the Trump administration shows no signs of easing its trade stance, and China’s role in the US import economy is quickly diminishing as a result.