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400-076-6558智领未来，外贸超级营销员
400-076-6558智领未来，外贸超级营销员
| project | content | Details and latest data |
|---|---|---|
| Country name | The United States of America | Abbreviated as the United States (USA) |
| area | About 9.832 million square kilometers | The world's fourth largest, with a land area of 9.159 million square kilometers |
| population | About 335 million | Third in the world, Generation Z and millennials have become the main force of consumption and credit |
| religion | Protestantism, Catholicism, Mormonism, Judaism, etc. | The Christian population accounts for about 70% (including Protestants and Catholics) |
| Official language | English | American English; Spanish is widely spoken in some states or regions |
| capital | Washington DC | American political center |
| economy | The world's largest economy , with a GDP expected to exceed $28 trillion in 2025 | The economy has performed strongly, with a total GDP exceeding 98% of high-income countries. However, income inequality has increased , and although the poverty rate has declined, it is still higher than 75% of high-income countries. |
| resource | Rich resources such as coal, oil, natural gas, iron ore, and timber | The output of many minerals ranks among the highest in the world, and it is also a major exporter of agricultural products. |
| industry | Highly developed and technologically advanced. Automotive, aviation, electronic information, biomedicine, high-end equipment, etc. are advantageous industries | Complete industrial production system and outstanding innovation capabilities |
| Agriculture and Animal Husbandry | The mechanization level is high, and the main products are corn, wheat, soybeans, cotton, meat, etc. | One of the world's largest exporters of grain and soybeans |
| service industry | The pillar of the national economy , accounting for more than 80% of GDP | Developed industries such as finance, insurance, real estate, professional services, and healthcare |
| tourism | Developed, tourism spending is expected to continue to grow in 2025 | Although tourism and aviation spending weakened in the second quarter, they rebounded rapidly in July and August. |
| Foreign Trade | One of the world's largest trading nations , its main exports include integrated circuits, automobiles, aircraft, and agricultural products; its main imports include electronic products, machinery and equipment, clothing, furniture, and mineral fuels. | In 2025, the EU will adjust its foreign trade policy, imposing tariffs of up to 15% on most goods such as cars, medicines, semiconductor chips and timber originating in the EU. |
| Trade barriers with China | High tariffs , strict import and export controls , entity lists , human rights bills , etc. | Starting September 1, 2025, the United States will impose tariffs of up to 15% on most Japanese imports, including automobiles and auto parts. Tariff policies toward China remain complex, and the United States has suspended its de minimis duty-free treatment for low-value goods imported through non-postal channels valued at 800 US dollars or less. |
The United States has a strong holiday consumption atmosphere, which means it is an important sales node for foreign trade people.
New Year's Day : January 1st.
Valentine's Day : February 14th. Demand for gifts, flowers, and chocolates surges.
Independence Day : July 4th. Flags, outdoor gear, barbecue equipment, and party supplies are popular.
Labor Day : The first Monday in September. End-of-summer clearance sales and pre-launch promotions for fall releases.
Halloween : October 31st. Costumes, candy, and decorations are the three most popular categories.
Thanksgiving : The fourth Thursday in November. A major family gathering , it brings high demand for kitchenware, tableware, and food. The following day is Black Friday , the retail industry's biggest sales day.
Christmas : December 25th. This is the biggest spending season of the year . Gifts, decorations, lighting, greeting cards, winter clothing, and more are all hot sellers. Cyber Monday is a key day for e-commerce sales.
Patriot Day : September 11th. This is not a shopping holiday , but a day of commemoration. The American flag is flown at half-staff. Marketing campaigns should be mindful of the atmosphere and avoid inappropriate promotions.
Business etiquette : Punctuality , direct communication , and efficiency are key . A handshake and exchange of business cards are customary upon first meeting. Business attire is generally formal.
Communication habits : Prefers direct and candid communication. Getting straight to the point is a common practice in emails and meetings.
Taboo :
Privacy : Avoid asking personal questions such as age, income, marital status, religious beliefs, etc.
Politics : Be cautious when discussing sensitive topics such as politics and gun control with someone you are not familiar with.
Race : Never make racial jokes.
Gifts : In business interactions, gifts should not be too expensive, otherwise they can be easily seen as bribes. A bottle of wine, a pen, or a good book are all good choices.
The US consumer market in 2025 will be characterized by "cautious optimism" and "clear differentiation" .
Consumption remains resilient but is becoming more rational : Despite facing inflation and high interest rates, US consumer spending continues to grow. American Express data shows that consumer bills are projected to grow 7% annually in the first half of 2025, with travel and retail demand rebounding after a brief lull. However, this is driven by increased consumer prudence, with 84% anticipating a "spending cut" over the next six months , prioritizing spending on dining out, clothing, and big-ticket items.
Maximizing Value : Consumers are increasingly prioritizing product value and practicality . 78% of consumers will seek lower-priced alternatives, and 65% expect deeper discounts after the holiday. "Value for money" has become a key purchasing driver.
Experiential consumption and healthy living are gaining popularity : Consumers remain willing to pay for experiences and services that enhance their quality of life. Spending on travel and entertainment has seen a slight increase. Demand for health and wellness -related products, such as functional foods, sleep aids, and sports equipment, continues to grow.
Sustainability has become a key consideration : Young consumers, in particular, are highly environmentally conscious. 63% of Generation Z prefer to buy secondhand products , and one-third would reduce their consumption to reduce environmental impact. Brands offering eco-friendly and recyclable products are more popular.
Shift in spending structure among small and medium-sized enterprises : American Express noted that mid-sized enterprises are experiencing weak spending and are more inclined to use low-cost ACH payment methods to process large transactions. Demand for one-stop expense management solutions , rather than just payment tools, is also increasing.
Younger generations are becoming the new engine : Millennials and Generation Z have become the primary drivers of consumer credit and new customer acquisition. They contribute 60% of new cardholders and account for 75% of new high-end cardholders. Their lower service costs and superior credit performance make them a highly attractive long-term growth driver.
Balanced channel preferences : Online and offline shopping are closely integrated. Approximately 51% of consumers plan to purchase gifts through online marketplaces, while 53% will purchase in-store . Factors attracting consumers to stores include direct contact with products, promotions, and a festive atmosphere.
Payment methods are diverse : credit cards remain the mainstream (52% of consumers list them as their top three payment options), while cash (48%), gift cards/prepaid cards (27%), PayPal (27%) and "buy now, pay later" (9%) are also important options.
Decision-making is rational and digital : Customers research products through a variety of channels. Gen Z uses social media (43%) and search engines (43%) equally often for gift ideas. They rely on online reviews, video reviews, and social media recommendations to make decisions.
High expectations for logistics experience : 70% of online shoppers prefer home delivery , while 39% choose "order online, pick up in-store." Same-day delivery is more popular among younger consumers.
Based on consumer trends and platform data for 2025, opportunities exist in the following categories:
AI and smart home products : Consumer demand is shifting from "functional satisfaction" to "emotional resonance." Examples include smart cameras (search volume on the US site increased 120% year-over-year), portable speaker + ambient lighting combinations (a hit on the European site), and contactless faucets (suitable for the Japanese site) . These products emphasize privacy protection, ease of use, and contextual integration .
"Sleep Economy"-related products : Over 27% of adults worldwide experience sleep disorders, creating a promising market. Examples include foldable and portable memory foam mattresses (especially those for car camping), and bundled sleep earplugs with smartwatches (which provide sleep reports) . Note : Sleep aids require comprehensive compliance certification and clinical data.
Environmentally friendly technology and energy-saving products : These combine a sense of technology with environmental protection. Examples include solar-powered automatic drip irrigation systems (search volume increased by 150% on the European site), integrated home furnishing products such as folding tables with hidden sockets, and wall-mounted mirrors with built-in Bluetooth speakers .
Holiday and seasonal products : Products closely tied to major events like Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas. Examples include decorations, gifts, packaging materials, outdoor lighting, and party supplies .
Health and personal care products : Focus on functional health foods, portable fitness equipment, and small personal care appliances . Gen Z and millennials prefer "healthy/quality" products such as low-sugar snacks and functional drinks.
Secondhand/sustainable products : Given Generation Z’s preference for secondhand products, there is also a certain market for sustainable or vintage-style clothing, accessories, and home furnishings.
Credit Cards : One of the most popular B2C and small-value B2B payment methods. American Express, Visa, and Mastercard are the most popular. Merchants must activate the corresponding payment gateway.
ACH Debit : An important electronic payment system that allows efficient transfers between bank accounts. It has low fees and is particularly suitable for large-value B2B transactions . The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will also fully adopt ACH payments starting in October 2025. Customers are usually required to fill out Form G-1650 for authorization. .
PayPal : Very popular among individuals and small merchants, especially in C2C and B2C scenarios.
Telegraphic Transfer (T/T) : A traditional method of large-value foreign trade payment with high security, but with high fees and slow payment processing.
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) : such as Affirm and Klarna, is gaining increasing acceptance among young consumers.
Checks and Money Orders : Note : These are rapidly becoming obsolete. USCIS has announced that checks and money orders will no longer be accepted as payment starting October 28, 2025. Avoid them in business transactions.
Developing American customers requires a combination of online and offline efforts, with a focus on both proactive marketing and precision marketing.
| Development Channel | Specific platform/method | Features and usage tips |
|---|---|---|
| B2B Platform | Alibaba、Global Sources、Made-in-China | It is suitable for reaching a wide range of customers for the first time, but the competition is fierce, and it requires refined operation of product pages and timely responses. |
| social media | A powerful B2B development tool . Build connections and trust by searching for positions (such as Purchasing Manager), joining industry groups, and sharing professional content. | |
| Facebook/Instagram | Suitable for B2C and visual products. Attract consumers by establishing a brand homepage, placing targeted ads, and collaborating with influencers. | |
| TikTok | It attracts young users of Generation Z and is suitable for selling goods through short videos and live streaming. | |
| Search Engine | Optimize your English website's SEO (keywords, content, and external links) to make it easier for potential customers to find you. Use Google Ads for targeted keyword placement. | |
| Yellow Pages/Business Directory | Yellow Pages, Thomasnet.com (industrial products) | Traditional but still valuable, especially Thomasnet is an important source for industrial products and manufacturing suppliers. |
| Industry Associations | Each industry has its own association | Joining the association of the target industry in the United States, obtaining the membership directory, and participating in association activities are effective ways to reach high-quality customers. |
| customs data | AB customer customs data | This is a very effective way to acquire customers . By analyzing US customs import data, you can find potential customers who actually purchase from China and understand their purchasing volume, cycle, and supplier changes. |
| Exhibition | Online and offline industry professional exhibitions | Although it is a traditional method, it is very efficient. You can directly meet potential customers and industry partners and learn about the latest trends. |
| other | Localization and in-depth research | Key to success : Researching industry reports for your target state is more valuable than researching national data. Understand your customers' actual needs ("what your consumers want" rather than just "what your budget is"). |
The US market has a high entry threshold and product certification is a mandatory requirement. Common certifications include:
FCC certification : For electronic products , designed to control radio interference.
UL certification : It is not mandatory by the government, but it is a safety certification , especially for electronic and electrical products. Many retailers and consumers regard it as a guarantee of safety confidence.
FDA certification : involves food, medicine, medical devices, cosmetics , etc. to ensure safety and hygiene.
CPC certification : Children's Product Certificate, which proves that the product complies with the U.S. children's product safety regulations.
DOT certification : Applicable to vehicles and their parts .
Energy Star certification : for energy-saving products .
UL 62368-1:2025 : The latest safety standard for audio, video, information, and communications technology equipment (AV/ICT), published on July 31, 2025. Important updates : Components certified to the older standards (IEC 60950-1 or IEC 60065) are no longer accepted; requirements for button batteries, wireless chargers, and lithium batteries have been updated. Relevant companies are urged to urgently review their bill of materials (BOMs).
Warm reminder : Before exporting, be sure to clarify the product category and cooperate with professional certification agencies to ensure compliance with the latest standards to avoid customs clearance obstacles or recalls.
Intellectual Property Protection : We strictly investigate infringing products (counterfeit trademarks, pirated products). Once discovered, the goods will be detained or even destroyed.
Anti-dumping/countervailing duties : High “anti-dumping and countervailing” tariffs are imposed on specific goods from specific countries/regions (such as certain steel products and furniture from China).
Product safety standards : Must comply with the safety standards set by the above-mentioned FCC, FDA, CPSC and other agencies.
Mark of origin : Almost all imported goods must be marked with the country of origin (Marks of Origin) , and "Made in China" is usually required to be clear and not easy to erase.
Specific commodity controls : Agricultural products, food, medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, energy equipment , etc. have additional registration, licensing and inspection requirements.
Section 232 and Section 301 : Additional tariffs are imposed on steel and aluminum products (232) and some goods originating from China (301).
Withholding Order : For certain products suspected of infringement or forced labor, such as Xinjiang cotton products, the U.S. Customs will issue a Withholding Order (WRO).
UFLPA : The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act presumes that all products mined, produced, or manufactured in whole or in part in Xinjiang were produced with forced labor and prohibits their import unless the importer provides clear and convincing evidence rebutting this presumption. This is currently one of the most challenging trade barriers for Chinese exporters.
Prepare documents : invoice, packing list, bill of lading/waybill, required licenses/certifications, etc.
Booking and shipment : arrange transportation through freight forwarder.
Customs declaration : U.S. importers or their designated customs brokers submit import declaration documents to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Pay customs duties : Pay taxes according to the tax rate assessed by CBP.
Inspection and release : CBP may conduct inspection and release the goods after passing the inspection.
What is a bond? It's a three-party agreement between the importer, the guarantor, and U.S. Customs. It serves as a "credential" to guarantee payment of taxes and fees and compliance with customs regulations . Without a bond, the shipment will be detained.
When is it required? It is mandatory when the value of the goods exceeds $2500 or formal entry is required.
New changes in 2025 :
Electronic declaration is fully mandatory and completed through the ACE system.
Tightened policies for low-value goods (≤$800): Goods covered by Section 301/232 (such as steel and aluminum products) are no longer exempt from duty and must purchase a bond and pay tax .
Bond Type :
Single Transaction Bond : Suitable for importers who conduct few imports per year (less than 4 times).
Continuous Bond : Suitable for importers with frequent imports. Purchase on an annual basis, offering high cost-effectiveness.
Stocking & document preparation : Ensure that products, packaging, and documents comply with US requirements.
Entrust a customs broker : U.S. importers must entrust a licensed customs broker to handle customs clearance.
Submit ISF : Import Security Declaration (10+2) must be submitted 24 hours before the ship departs for the United States.
Customs declaration : After the goods arrive at the port, the customs broker submits the customs declaration documents to the ACE system.
Bond guarantee : A valid bond number must be provided when declaring customs.
Payment of taxes and duties : CBP calculates taxes and duties, and the importer pays them.
Inspection/Release : CBP decides whether to inspect. If no inspection is required or the goods have passed inspection, they can be released for collection.
Basic Tariff : The United States imposes tariffs on most imported goods. The rates vary depending on the type of goods and their country of origin. The specific rates can be found using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) code .
Tariffs on China (Section 301 tariffs) : The United States still imposes additional tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods, ranging from 7.5% to 25%. This is a core issue left over from the Sino-US trade war.
Latest developments in 2025 :
The United States imposes tariffs of up to 15% on most goods originating from the EU, including cars, medicines, semiconductor chips and timber.
The United States imposes auto tariffs on Japan, and imposes tariffs of up to 15% on most Japanese products imported into the United States, including cars and parts.
Suspension of duty-free treatment for low-value goods : Effective August 29, 2025, the United States will suspend de minimis duty-free treatment for low-value goods imported through non-postal channels valued at $800 or less . All applicable tariffs will be payable. This means the previously widely used " small-value exemption " channel has been closed for non-postal parcels (such as express delivery), significantly impacting small and medium-sized cross-border e-commerce sellers.
Generalized System of Preferences : The United States provides duty-free treatment to some developing countries, but China is not on the list of beneficiary countries.
Important : The cost of tariffs is ultimately borne by U.S. importers, but suppliers need to factor this into their pricing to remain competitive.
Precise positioning and in-depth research : Avoid casting a wide net. In-depth research on target areas and industries . Use AB customer customs data to accurately find potential customers.
Bypass the middlemen and find the decision makers : The US procurement chain often has multiple decision-making layers. Try to bypass the procurement manager and find the actual decision makers (such as the technical director or design director). .
Extreme localization : It’s not just about language translation (avoiding “Chinglish”), but also about communication style, aesthetic preferences, time concepts (pay attention to the cross-time zone in the United States), and marketing nodes (avoid holidays).
Build long-term trust : Don't just focus on orders. Build long-term trust by regularly sharing industry news, market reports, and providing professional value, becoming a source of information and a partner for your clients.
Strictly adhere to compliance guidelines : Product certification, intellectual property rights, and origin identification are lifelines. Don't take chances. Any issues can lead to significant losses and permanent market disqualification.
Focus on payment security and trends : Encourage customers to use low-cost methods such as ACH to pay large amounts of goods, while providing C-end consumers with diversified payment options.
Be flexible in responding to logistics challenges : closely monitor changes in US customs policies (such as Bond requirements) and partner with reliable freight forwarders and customs brokers to ensure smooth logistics.
Maintain patience and perseverance : Developing the US market is a long-term process that won't happen overnight. It requires continuous investment, learning, and strategic adjustments.
I hope this detailed guide can provide practical help for you to successfully develop the US market!
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