China set to lose crown as top U.S. exporter after 17 years

Mexico to take lead as 'friendshoring' brings in manufacturing

20240110N US China flags

China's exports to the U.S. dropped off in 2023 as tensions between the two countries spurred shifts in supply chains. © AP

RINTARO TOBITA and IORI KAWATE, Nikkei staff writers

WASHINGTON/BEIJING -- China was likely knocked off the perch as the top exporter to the U.S. for the first time since 2006 last year, outpaced by Mexico as tensions between the world's two largest economies reshape supply chains.

American goods imports from China dropped more than 20% on the year for the January-November period, according to U.S. Commerce Department data released this week. China accounted for 13.9% of total U.S. imports, the smallest share since 2004, after peaking at more than 21% around 2017. U.S. exports to China have stayed roughly flat on the year.

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