China had an overall favorable trade balance of US$32 billion in 2004 and US$38.7 billion in 2003.
These amounts reflect the general course of a favorable trade balance during the previous eight years.
In 1996 China’s trade balance was US$12.2 billion, peaking at US$43.4 billion in 1998 but declining to US$24.1 billion by 2000 before starting its new increase.
According to the U.S. Census bureau, the United States experienced a -$121,346,509 trade deficit with China in the first half of 2006.
Imports from China cost the U.S. $152,180,400, while sales to China resulted in gains of just $30,833,800.
