President Donald Trump continues to make good on his tariff threats, with China among the nations most affected.
In turn, China is standing by its threats of retaliatory tariffs.
“If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end,” the Chinese embassy in the U.S. posted to X (Twitter) this week.
How will the tariffs impact you? No one can say for sure, but experts have made some educated guesses and price increases are expected.
Following are the top types of products that the U.S. imports from China, according to an analysis by the Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center.
If prices are going to rise on goods coming from China due to Trump tariffs, you can expect to pay more for these items soon.
5. Lithium-ion batteries
Share of all lithium-ion batteries imported by the U.S. that come from China: 70%
Share of all lithium-ion batteries exported by China that go to the U.S.: 21%
Lithium-ion batteries power everyday devices like laptops and cellphones. They tend to be lighter than other types of rechargeable batteries and hold their charge longer.
4. Smartphones
Share of all smartphones imported by the U.S. that come from China: 76%
Share of all smartphones exported by China that go to the U.S.: 28%
Smartphones have become a ubiquitous part of modern life. Around 91% of Americans have one of these types of phones, according to the Pew Research Center. In 2011, that number was just 35%.
3. Toys
Share of all toys imported by the U.S. that come from China: 77%
Share of all toys exported by China that go to the U.S.: 25%
Grab a random toy and turn it over, and there is a good chance you will see the words “Made in China” emblazoned on it. Labor is cheaper in China, and often factories that specialize in making related toy components are located nearby one another, which adds a level of efficiency to the process of making toys.
2. Laptop computers
Share of all laptops imported by the U.S. that come from China: 78%
Share of all laptops exported by China that go to the U.S.: 35%
Around 81% of Americans own either a desktop or laptop computer, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
China has the infrastructure and skilled workforce necessary for turning out a lot of computers, although some countries are now looking to become less reliant on these Chinese imports by investing in efforts to build more computers at home.
In the U.S., a 2022 federal law known as the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors and Science Act, or CHIPS Act, called for hundreds of billions of dollars to be invested in the technology sector over a five-year period with the goal of boosting domestic production of microchips. Also known as semiconductors, microchips are used in computers as well as phones, cars and other technologies.
1. Video game consoles
Share of all video game consoles imported by the U.S. that come from China: 87%
Share of all video game consoles exported by China that go to the U.S.: 41%
Americans love their video games, and they are popular in China too. At one time, the Chinese government banned console and arcade games, fearing citizens would become addicted to them. But gamers eventually won out, and video games have since become increasingly popular in China.
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