(From Todd Epp, Northern Plains News)
Chinese imports fill shelves and supply chains across South Dakota, from Sioux Falls to Rapid City. Most of these goods are consumer products, electronics, and parts for vehicles and farm equipment.
The following list is based on 2024 data from the U.S. International Trade Commission and a comprehensive analysis by Francesca Paris for The New York Times, using official trade records and product codes.
Top Ten Chinese Imports to South Dakota by Category
1. Plastic housewares—storage bins, kitchen tools, and other plastic products dominate by volume, with 79 percent of U.S. imports in this category coming from China.
2. Toys and games—dolls, action figures, and board games, with 76 percent of U.S. imports sourced from China.
3. Clothing and accessories—especially gloves, hosiery, and neckties, where more than half of U.S. imports are Chinese-made.
4. Electronics—telephones, computers, and video displays, with China supplying 42 percent of U.S. telephones and 26 percent of computers.
5. Electric batteries—including lithium-ion and AA/AAA batteries, with 58 percent of U.S. imports from China.
6. Household goods—umbrellas, vacuum flasks, and portable lighting, with import shares from China ranging from 80 to 96 percent depending on the item.
7. Car parts—wheels, brakes, and window components, with 25 to 32 percent of U.S. imports in these categories coming from China.
8. Packaged medications and vitamins—vitamin B6, B1, B12, and C, with China supplying between 73 and 90 percent of U.S. imports for these products.
9. Sporting goods—badminton rackets, gym equipment, and other athletic gear, with 69 to 94 percent of imports from China.
10. Musical instruments—especially string instruments like violins, with 83 percent of U.S. imports from China.
Why It Matters in South Dakota
Most South Dakotans encounter Chinese imports at the cash register. Plastic housewares, toys, and electronics are staples in big-box stores across the state. Local auto shops and farm equipment dealers rely on Chinese-made batteries and parts. Pharmacies stock vitamins and some over-the-counter medications sourced from China.
“Americans’ well-documented reliance on China for plastic products and everyday goods is clear in the data,” said Francesca Paris, data journalist for The New York Times.
What South Dakota Does Not Import from China
South Dakota imports almost no food, livestock, or major vehicles from China. The state’s agricultural sector is a net exporter to China—primarily oilseeds, grains, and meat, not an importer.
Regional Context: Northern Plains States
Neighboring states such as North Dakota, Nebraska, and Minnesota show similar patterns. Consumer goods, electronics, and machinery dominate Chinese imports, while food and raw commodities are rarely sourced from China, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission.
Local Impact
If tariffs or supply chain disruptions hit Chinese imports, South Dakota consumers would see higher prices first on everyday goods—plastic containers, clothing, toys, and electronics. Repair costs for vehicles and farm equipment could also rise. The impact on agriculture would be minimal for imports, but significant for exports if China retaliates.
