Despite ongoing political tensions and calls for economic decoupling from some U.S. policymakers, China continues to play a vital role for American businesses, according to industry experts and recent survey data. The size of China’s market, its growing significance as an innovation center, and its robust supply chains contribute to the global competitiveness of many U.S. companies.

The findings were highlighted in a report released on June 10 by the U.S.-China Business Council based on an annual member survey. The survey showed that 95% of respondents regard China as “somewhat to very important” for maintaining their global edge. Sean Stein, president of the Business Council, emphasized that participation in the Chinese market remains essential for many U.S. companies aiming to compete internationally.

The report underlined that despite the challenges posed by geopolitical frictions, U.S. firms are not withdrawing from China. Instead, they view the Chinese market as crucial not only for its scale but also as a multifaceted resource that supports innovation and competitive advantages worldwide. Nearly half of the companies surveyed indicated that experiences gained in China are applied in operations elsewhere.

Experts also pointed to recent signs of potential improvement in bilateral economic relations, noting that cooperation could benefit business interests on both sides. Liu Ying, a researcher at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China in Beijing, observed that the United States and China are increasingly competing across numerous high-value industries, reflecting the complex economic interdependencies between the two countries.

While tensions persist, these insights suggest that U.S. companies continue to view China as a critical market and innovation partner, underscoring the strategic importance of navigating the economic relationship carefully amid broader geopolitical disagreements.