US Patented Idea being manufactured in China

blanktorp

Hi - I`ve got a question related to patents in the US and international production.
This is a bit hypothetical, but I`d like to know if someone has the necessary insight so I can judge if I should try patenting an idea.
 
 
So let`s say I have a patent for an product invention. I came up with the design/function, etc and succesfully filed for a patent here in the US - and let`s say I received it so that I am the owner of the patent and the inventor.
 
Now let`s say that I suddenly notice, several months later, that imitations of the product, which look just like mine and have the same exact function, etc. are appearing for sale online.
 
I do my research, and find that already 4 different factories in China are producing this product that I have patented in the US - and they are selling it to buyers here in the US who are then selling it on sites like eBay.
 
Now I assume that of course I can`t stop the production in China....
 
So what does the US patent do for me in this case?
Can I somehow stop the resale of these imitations through these other US sellers (such as the ones on eBay)?
Can I somehow stop the shipment of the imitations into the US from these Chinese factories?
Does the patent give me any rights or "exclusivity" here in the US?
 
If none of these...when what`s the benefit of the patent? (Is it only so that the product cannot be manufactured in the US?)
 
Thanks a ton for any help!

patentandtrademark

a US patent gives remedy against those in the US who make, use, or sell or import the patented good.

blanktorp

Thanks very much to both of you for the replies. And especially to CraigL - thanks for taking the time for such a lengthy, detailed, and yet concise response that definitely answers my question (or rather confirms that my question remains a valid concern for everyone in the situation of my "hypothetical self")

patentandtrademark

probably need to hire a lawyer