SEATTLE, Wash. – China remains one of Washington state’s most important, and most complex, trading partners. In 2024, China was Washington companies’ second-largest goods export market ($6.7 billion) and import source ($11 billion), in both cases trailing only Canada. The close ties continue even though trade relations have shifted dramatically due to escalating tariffs, retaliatory measures, and shifting political priorities over the past decade and especially this year. From January to September 2025, China was Washington’s top export market and remained its second largest import source.
In 2017, President Trump launched the first Section 301 investigation into China’s trade practices. Since then, trade actions toward China have spanned multiple administrations, as both the first and second Trump administrations and the Biden administration have used high tariffs and trade measures against China. In 2025, executive tariffs have been greatly expanded under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and Section 232 tariffs, and presidential trade action on China shows no sign of slowing down.
For Washington State, whose economy depends heavily on global trade, port services, and export-oriented industries, these policy changes have carried major consequences. From rising import costs to fluctuating export volumes, Washington businesses have faced ongoing challenges navigating uncertainty in U.S.–China economic relations.
The Numbers Tell the Story
From January to September 2025, Washington businesses exported $8.0 billion in goods to China—a 43% increase over 2024, though still 16% below 2017 levels.
Since 2018, Washington importers have paid $11 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods—$7.8 billion (73%) of which resulted from executive action. In the first nine months of 2025 alone, importers paid $1.7 billion in tariffs, 90% of which stemmed from presidential authority.
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WCIT is the Northwest’s premier organization advocating for trade and investment policies that increase the competitiveness of Northwest workers, farmers, and businesses. Our diverse membership includes small and medium-sized companies, Fortune 500 businesses, and agricultural producers that together represent industries ranging from manufacturing, food, and retail to technology and science.