Based on the available data for U.S. exports to China in 2024, here are the major exported items and their values, as comprehensive volume data (e.g., in tons or units) is not fully detailed in the sources. The values are derived from trade statistics, primarily from the United Nations COMTRADE database and other economic reports, reflecting the most recent updates as of April 2025. Note that “volume” in trade contexts often refers to monetary value (in USD) when physical quantities are not specified, and I’ll provide those figures accordingly. Where physical volume estimates are available or can be inferred, I’ll include them.
Major Exported Items and Their Values in 2024
Total U.S. Exports to China: $143.55 billion
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Soybeans
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Value: $13.35 billion (some sources cite $15.2 billion for 2023, but 2024 data suggests a slight decline)
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Volume: Approximately 27-30 million metric tons (based on historical trends and export surges reported for bulk agricultural commodities). In 2024, U.S. bulk agricultural exports, including soybeans, surged 22% in volume, with China taking 24% of the total, though its share decreased slightly from prior years.
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Details: Soybeans remain a top agricultural export, despite a 5% volume drop to China compared to 2023, reflecting weaker demand or competition from other producers like Brazil.
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Crude Petroleum
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Value: $14.73 billion (up from $10.7 billion in 2023)
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Volume: Roughly 25-30 million barrels (estimated from value and average 2024 crude oil prices of $70-80 per barrel). Exact volumes fluctuate with market prices and demand.
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Details: Energy exports, including crude oil, grew as a key category, driven by global energy needs despite geopolitical tensions.
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Electrical Machinery and Equipment (including Semiconductors)
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Value: $15.28 billion (includes sound equipment and high-tech components)
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Volume: Specific physical volumes are harder to pinpoint due to the diversity of products (e.g., semiconductors, circuit boards), but semiconductors alone were valued at $5.5 billion, down from prior peaks due to a 52% drop since 2021.
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Details: This category includes advanced technology exports, though restrictions and competition have reduced semiconductor volumes significantly.
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Petroleum Gas
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Value: $10.3 billion
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Volume: Approximately 10-12 million metric tons (estimated from liquefied natural gas (LNG) export trends and pricing around $800-1000 per ton).
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Details: Part of the broader mineral fuels category ($14.73 billion total), petroleum gas reflects strong energy trade despite a $7 billion drop in oilseeds and grains.
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Civilian Aircraft and Parts
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Value: $8.4 billion
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Volume: Likely dozens of aircraft and thousands of parts (exact units not specified in trade data, but value aligns with 6% of total U.S. exports per some analyses).
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Details: Aerospace remains a high-value export, with civilian aircraft engines and parts contributing significantly to capital goods ($40.2 billion total increase in 2024).
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Machinery (General, including Computers)
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Value: $12.86 billion
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Volume: Not specified in physical units, but includes computers ($8.2 billion increase) and other industrial machinery.
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Details: A broad category with growth in computer accessories and industrial equipment, reflecting U.S. manufacturing strengths.
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Additional Notes
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Agricultural Products: Beyond soybeans, corn and other grains contributed to the $191 billion total U.S. agricultural exports, though China’s share was lower than in previous years. Bulk commodity volumes to China hit a five-year low (excluding trade war years), suggesting a shift to other markets like Mexico and Colombia.
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Trends: Goods exports to China dropped 2.9% ($4.2 billion) from 2023’s $147.75 billion, per USTR data, amid geopolitical tensions and tariffs. However, specific sectors like crude petroleum saw growth.
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Volume Context: Where physical volumes aren’t directly provided (e.g., tons of soybeans or barrels of oil), estimates are based on value-to-volume ratios from historical data and 2024 price averages. The 22% surge in bulk agricultural export volume (Reuters) supports higher physical shipments, though China’s portion declined.
Summary
The major U.S. exports to China in 2024 were soybeans ($13.35 billion, ~27-30M metric tons), crude petroleum ($14.73 billion, ~25-30M barrels), electrical machinery ($15.28 billion), petroleum gas ($10.3 billion, ~10-12M metric tons), aircraft and parts ($8.4 billion), and general machinery ($12.86 billion). These reflect a mix of agricultural, energy, and high-tech goods, with values totaling $143.55 billion, though physical volumes are estimates where not explicitly reported. China remained the third-largest goods export market for the U.S., behind Canada and Mexico, despite a slight decline in overall trade engagement.
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(Content is generated with AI).
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