1 billion Dollars a day: China’s exports to the United States strengthen Xi Jinping’s bargaining power

Despite the tariffs imposed by Trump, Chinese goods continue to flow into the United States, confirming China’s central role in global supply chains.

Six months after the start of the new trade war launched by Donald Trump, Chinese exports to the United States are showing surprising resilience. Every day, around one billion dollars’ worth of “Made in China” goods cross the Pacific, despite tariffs as high as 55%. While overall trade has declined, some sectors are holding up and even growing: e-bikes, e-cigarettes, copper, and electrical cables remain among the most sought-after products by Americans.

According to analysts, China still holds a dominant position in global supply chains, and relocating production elsewhere will take years. This resilience allows Xi Jinping to sit at the negotiating table with Washington from a position of strength, just as discussions begin over whether to extend the tariff truce set to expire in November.

In the third quarter, more than $100 billion worth of Chinese goods reached the United States, bringing Beijing’s trade surplus to $67 billion. And despite the tensions, some trade flows persist thanks to various “loopholes”: shipments rerouted through Mexico or Vietnam, or goods declared at lower values to pay reduced tariffs.

E-commerce also plays a crucial role. Platforms like Shein and Temu continue to sell billions of dollars’ worth of products to Americans, while online business-to-business trade has surged, with bulk shipments sent to the U.S. and then distributed locally.

However, the long-term trend is clear: Washington wants to bring production back home. Chinese exports to the United States have fallen to 2017 levels, and sectors such as gaming consoles and televisions are moving to Vietnam.

The International Monetary Fund describes a “decoupling” process that is advancing more rapidly than during the first trade war of 2018–2019. Yet in the short term, China remains a pillar of global supply chains: the United States may seek alternatives, but for now, it cannot do without Beijing.