India has been making noise lately, confidently claiming it’s on track to become the world’s third-largest economy. China, on the other hand, doesn’t seem too concerned.

But here’s the question we’ve been hearing from traders and supply chain professionals:

When it comes to imports, does the U.S. prefer goods from India or from China?

The Numbers Tell the Story

We dug into the trade data, and here’s what it shows:

• 2024 full year:

  • U.S. imports from China: $462.64 billion

  • U.S. imports from India: $91.23 billion

• January–May 2025 (plus other recent figures):

  • China still accounts for the lion’s share of U.S. imports.

Clearly, China is still far ahead in terms of total value.

What Products Are Driving These Numbers?

Looking at the breakdown, telecom equipment and auto parts are among the top products that both India and China export to the U.S. in large volumes.

And here’s where it gets interesting.

A recent market research report from Canalys revealed that India has overtaken all other countries as the U.S.’s largest mobile phone supplier, with a 44% market share in Q2 2025.

• Vietnam is second at 30%

• China is now third at 25%

Could India’s Rise Be Linked to Supply Chain Shifts?

China’s own trade data for the first half of the year shows strong telecom equipment exports to India:

• Q1: $3.2 billion

• Q2: $2.97 billion

It makes us wonder:

• How much of this telecom equipment is assembled in India and then re-exported to the U.S.?

• Or is India truly stepping up as a manufacturing hub thanks to global supply chain realignment?

Why This Matters for Traders and Logistics Professionals

For anyone in import/export, sourcing, or logistics, this shift could signal:

• New sourcing opportunities in India, especially in electronics and automotive parts

• Competitive pricing pressures on Chinese suppliers

The race for U.S. market share between India and China isn’t just a numbers game, it’s a live case study in how global trade dynamics are shifting.

And if India really is on track to become the third-largest economy, the implications for trade flows over the next 5–10 years could be massive.

How to Find Reliable Global Business Partners in the Market?

TOPEASE trade intelligence platform offers up-to-date import/export analysis and real buyer/seller contact info, by searching for product, HS code, or company name.

👉 More data-driven trade insights on: www.topease.net/en