If you’re running a cross-border e-commerce store—whether on Shopify, Amazon, or eBay—you’ve likely asked yourself: when did US start buying from China? The answer isn’t just a trivia fact; it’s the foundation of the global supply chain you rely on today. Knowing this timeline helps you understand pricing trends, sourcing risks, and where the market is headed. Let’s dive into the fascinating history of US-China trade, backed by data, and learn how to leverage this knowledge for your online business.

The Surprising Origins: From Tea to Textiles (1784–1970s)

The very first recorded US purchase from China dates back to 1784, when the American ship Empress of China sailed into Guangzhou (Canton) carrying silver and ginseng. It returned with a cargo of tea, silk, and porcelain. But for centuries, trade remained niche—limited by distance, political tensions, and China’s self-imposed isolation under the Qing dynasty.

Fast-forward to the mid-20th century: after the Chinese Communist Party took power in 1949, trade practically froze due to the Korean War embargoes. So, if you’re wondering when did US start buying from China on a large scale, the real answer begins in the 1970s.

The Nixon Shock and the “Opening” (1972–1979)

President Richard Nixon’s historic visit to China in 1972 reopened diplomatic channels. But actual trade remained tiny—only $90 million in 1972, mostly agricultural goods. The turning point came in 1979 when the US formally recognized the People’s Republic of China and granted it Most Favored Nation (MFN) trade status. This reduced tariffs on Chinese imports, making it suddenly profitable for US businesses to buy textiles, toys, and electronics from China.

The E-Commerce Explosion: When China Became the “World’s Factory” (1980s–2010s)

By the 1980s, US retailers began sourcing heavily from China’s coastal manufacturing zones. Big-box stores like Walmart opened sourcing offices in Shenzhen in the 1990s. Yet the real shift that changed e-commerce forever came with China’s entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001.

After WTO accession, the US removed quotas on Chinese textiles and tariffs dropped. This is the period most sellers associate with “Walmart China” and “made in China” labels flooding US shelves. When did US start buying from China at the pace we see today? 2001 to 2008 saw an explosion: US imports from China rose from $100 billion in 2001 to over $350 billion by 2010. The rise of Alibaba (founded 1999) and later Amazon Global Selling (launched for Chinese sellers in 2012) made it easy for small to midsize US entrepreneurs to source directly.

  • Key data point: In 2004, China surpassed Japan as the US’s third-largest trading partner. By 2016, it became the largest source of US imports.
  • Practical tip: If you sell on Amazon, note that Chinese sellers now account for over 60% of top sellers in categories like electronics, home goods, and apparel. Understanding this history helps you compete—or cooperate—with them.

The Modern Era: Trade Wars, Tariffs, and Resilience (2018–2025)

The question when did US start buying from China might also imply “when did it become complicated?” The answer is 2018, when the Trump administration imposed tariffs on over $300 billion of Chinese goods. Despite the trade war, US imports from China hit a record $536 billion in 2020 (pandemic-driven demand for PPE, electronics, and furniture). However, the tariff environment has forced many sellers to diversify.

What This Means for You

Today, when did US start buying from China is no longer just a historical question—it’s a strategic one. The US still imports heavily from China in categories like:

  • Consumer electronics (40% of US imports)
  • Toys and sporting goods (over 70% of US supply)
  • Furniture (nearly 50% of US market)
  • Apparel and footwear (over 40% of US imports)

But smart sellers are using this history to hedge. For example, after the 2018 tariffs, many US entrepreneurs shifted to sourcing from Vietnam, India, or Mexico for high-tariff items while keeping commodity goods in China.

Expert Insight: “The US started buying from China in earnest in the 1990s, but the golden era for e-commerce sellers was 2005–2015. Today, China is still the lowest-cost manufacturer for many goods, but you need to factor in tariffs, shipping delays, and geopolitical risk. Use long-term contracts and ‘China + 1’ strategies.” — Sarah Liu, Cross-Border Supply Chain Consultant

Practical Tips for Modern Sellers

Now that you know when did US start buying from China—and how that evolved—here’s how to apply this knowledge to your business today:

  1. Source smarter, not cheaper: China is no longer the only option. For low-cost, high-volume items (phone cases, home organizers), China remains unbeatable. But for higher-margin goods (furniture, apparel), consider Vietnam or Bangladesh.
  2. Understand tariff classifications: Use the Harmonized System (HS) codes to see if your product falls under tariffs (e.g., List 3 or 4A). Many sellers avoid tariffs by shifting to “Made in Vietnam” or using a bonded warehouse.
  3. Leverage Chinese platforms for B2B: Even after the trade war, platforms like Alibaba, Made-in-China.com, and Global Sources remain robust. Quality control services (e.g., HQTS, SGS) are essential.
  4. Watch for policy shifts: The “de-risking” trend under the Biden administration may not end tariffs soon. But small sellers with unique products can still thrive—especially if you focus on niche categories like custom goods, organic products, or items with IP protection.

Conclusion

So, when did US start buying from China? It began in 1784 with tea and silk, gained momentum in the 1970s with Nixon’s opening, and exploded after 2001. But as a cross-border seller, this history isn’t just trivia—it’s the blueprint for your sourcing strategy. The US still buys heavily from China, but the smartest sellers now use China as one pillar of a diversified supply chain. By combining China’s cost efficiency with emerging markets’ flexibility, you can build a resilient business ready for whatever the next 50 years bring.

Action Step: Review your product sourcing today. Which items come from China? Are you over-reliant? If tariffs rise further, could you shift 20% of your production to another country? Start mapping that now. The best time to diversify was yesterday—the next best time is today.