Report: US exports to China surpass $100 billion

U.S. exports to China have eclipsed $100 billion for the first time, with 30 states counting the country as one of their top three export markets, according to a report by the U.S. China Business Council. 

The report, set for release on Wednesday, shows that total U.S. exports to China rose 542 percent to $103.9 billion in 2011 from $16.2 billion in 2000, making the communist nation the third-largest U.S. export market. 



"Exports to China are vital to America’s economic health and create good jobs for American workers," the report says. 

Last year, top exports to China included agricultural products, computers and electronics, chemicals and transportation equipment, primarily aerospace and autos.


The report shows that China ranks only behind Canada and Mexico, which have long-standing free-trade agreements with the United States.

Meanwhile, exports to the rest of the world increased only 80 percent during the same period. 

During those 11 years, exports rose $102 billion to Canada and $86 billion to Mexico. Brazil was fourth, with just a $28 billion increase in purchases of U.S. products.



All told, 48 states have seen at least triple-digit export growth to China since 2000, far outpacing growth in their exports to the rest of the world. 

Meanwhile, 20 of those states have experienced quadruple-digit growth, and 10 states have at least doubled their exports to China since 2009. 

Three of these states — South Carolina, South Dakota and Vermont — have more than tripled their exports to China in the past two years, the report says. 

In addition, the report shows that 30 states now count China as one of their top three export markets and 25 states exported more than $1 billion to China in 2011, with export categories reflecting a broad range of products.

Despite the substantial increase in exports, the U.S. share of imports into China has fallen to 7 percent from 10 percent in 2000, making the United States only the fifth-largest source of Chinese imports last year. 

The report suggested that, as part of President Obama’s plan to double exports by 2014, he should try to reclaim the 10 percent share of China’s imports. 

The business group suggested that policymakers can bolster U.S. trade to China by expanding capacity and resources for the foreign commercial service, which especially helps small and medium exporters find more export opportunities. 

The group is urging reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank. Congress so far has rejected proposals to provide funding for the bank. 

They also are calling on the necessary funding of the U.S. Trade Representative's office, so the trade office can continue helping exporters understand and remove market access barriers. 

In addition, the USCBC also backs state and local initiatives to support and create business development opportunities between "American and Chinese parties at the state and municipal levels, where most business activity takes place."