Is it Still Profitable to Import from China?

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Imports from China have long been a backbone of US retail and manufacturing supply chains. But in 2025, sweeping tariff hikes, the rollback of de minimis exemptions, and volatile shipping costs are forcing businesses to rethink whether importing from China is still profitable.

For small businesses and tech buyers alike, the answer depends on how landed costs are calculated, which product categories hold margin potential, and how well importers adapt to trade policy shifts. This article addresses these concerns and more.

• The US imported $462.6 billion worth of goods from China in 2024, but this year, it is projected that tariffs and de minimis rollbacks will have an effect on import profitability.
• Profitability now depends on landed ...