As far as the indicator, all durable goods orders being positive is wonderful. Even if they are imported. It shows that capital is flowing in to projects that are long term investments for business activity. Doesn’t matter so much where we buy them from,as long as we are buying for the long haul.
It's important if you care about the USA. An increase in orders for imported durable goods help factories in foreign countries and the towns and people surrounding them prosper. For us it is net drain of wealth. Our biggest exports to China are empty shipping containers and T-bills.