"Once markets are lost, they are hard to regain," the report said.

　　US energy exporters face a similar challenge, with oil and gas exports to China falling 66.9 percent last year, and the number of jobs they supported dropping by about two-thirds.

　　Even if the two countries reach an energy agreement, the report said, the trade tensions have accelerated China's efforts to diversify its energy sources and suppliers, potentially reducing long-term demand for US supplies.

　　Exporters also faced higher costs at home because of tariffs on Chinese goods. The council estimated that US companies and farmers paid an additional $86.6 billion in tariffs on imports from China, including critical inputs.

　　The report saw "bright spots" in some industries. Aerospace exports to China rose 37.3 percent to $15.9 billion, while semiconductor and component exports increased 8.4 percent to $11.4 billion.

　　Those gains, however, were insufficient to offset the losses associated with the broader export decline. "Moreover, there has not been a meaningful increase in manufacturing sector jobs since 2024, the original rationale for US tariffs," the report said.

　　Growth in semiconductor shipments also coexisted with pressure on advanced chip manufacturers from US export restrictions and China's drive for greater self-sufficiency.

　　Licensing procedures

　　A separate report by the US-China Business Council released in August examined how licensing procedures and export controls were affecting US exporters.

　　Based on a July survey of 31 companies, primarily in technology, manufacturing, energy and healthcare, it identified lengthy licensing reviews, unclear procedures and limited engagement with export control agencies.