China's foreign trade

Main article: Economy of China

Critical dependence on raw material imports across the Strait of Malacca - strategic risk

China is the world's factory and the main consumer of the planet's resources. In 2023, it accounted for almost 40% of global raw materials consumption, compared to 23% in 2006. Demand is enormous, and China is provided mainly only with coal (in excess, but the environmental burden and water costs are enormous). For key items - the dependence is critical:

• 80% copper
• 95% nickel
• 75% iron ore
• 70% oil
• 40% gas.

In 2023, imports of raw materials cost China $810 billion.

Almost all this flow goes by sea. And, as Japan in the 1940s, China has the main energy "Achilles heel" - the Strait of Malacca between Malaysia and, Singapore through which about 80% of Chinese oil imports pass. Partners have control over this node, or they USA UNITED STATES NAVY can block it, remaining even outside the direct zone of a potential conflict.

The parallel with Japan in 1941 is direct (then the country imported 90% of the oil consumed): when the United States and the allies cut off oil supplies, Tokyo went on a risky all-in scenario - the seizure of the southern colonies for the sake of resources (and a strike on Pearl Harbor to delay the US fleet). The result is isolation, strategic strangulation and complete economic collapse by 1944.

Even technological power will not be saved if the economy is strangled by an energy blockade. The lessons of the past show: strategic reserves give only time, but not a solution. Diversification of routes, expansion of domestic production and reliable land corridors (Pakistan, Russia, Central Asia) will take another years. In the meantime, China remains quite vulnerable.

Belt and Road Initiative

Main article: Belt and Road (BRI, New Silk Road)

Trade by destination

Trade with Russia

The main articles are:

• Trade between Russia and China
• Gas exports from Russia to China

Trade with the EU

Main article: China-EU trade

Trade with the United States

Main article: China-US trade

Foreign Trade by Segment

Import and export of medical devices in China

Main article: Import and export of medical devices in China

Import and export of toys in China

Main article: Import and export of toys in China

2025

Record foreign trade surplus of $1.2 trillion

In 2025, China's trade surplus reached a record $1.2 trillion, with exports up 6.6%, offsetting a sharp drop in supplies USA after the tariff war. Trump

The main growth was in Africa, Southeast Asia and Europe, while exports to the United States fell by 20%.

Despite geopolitical risks and slowing domestic demand, China continues to diversify its sales markets, strengthening the fundamental foundations of its trade and forecasting sustainable exports in 2026.

Exports of cars from China for the year increased by 19.4% and amounted to 4.85 million vehicles

In 2025, 5.79 million cars were exported from China. This is 19.4% more than the previous year, when the figure was 4.85 million vehicles. Such data in early January 2026 was published by the Chinese Passenger Car Association (CPCA).

According to CPCA estimates, 1.52 million electrified cars were exported from China in 2025. For comparison, a year earlier, the export volume of such machines was estimated at 1.02 million units. Thus, an increase of 48.8% was recorded on an annualized basis.

Exports of cars from China for the year increased by 19%, electric vehicles - by 49%

As noted by Reuters, the CPCA association assumed that the growth in exports of Chinese cars would slow to 10% in 2025, compared with 25% a year earlier. At the same time, zero growth in exports of electrified vehicles was expected. However, the actual results significantly exceeded the experts' forecasts.

The export volume of Chinese cars equipped with a hybrid power plant with the ability to charge the battery pack from the electric grid (Plug-in Hybrid) in 2025 more than tripled compared to the previous year. CPCA Secretary General Cui Dongshu believes that the supply of such cars abroad will remain high in 2026.

In 1980, Japan became the world's largest exporter of cars: this country held the leading position until 2023, when China overtook it. Chen Shihua, deputy secretary general of the China Automobile Manufacturers Association (CAAM), notes that the main export driver is vehicles with an electrified power plant. Chinese cars showed significant positive dynamics in the European market: the BYD and Chery Automobile models are in significant demand here.^[1]

China revises foreign trade law to protect national interests

In December 2025, China approved amendments to the country's foreign trade law, including provisions aimed at protecting national sovereignty, security and development interests.

The changes also strengthen intellectual property protections and measures to stabilize supply chains.

The updated law comes into force on March 1, 2026 and is the second major amendment since its adoption in 1994.

Trade surplus with South Korea

Decline in trade with Germany

China launches own SWIFT alternative for digital yuan

In China, the Renminbi Digital digital currency cross-border settlement system was launched. This was announced at the end of October 2025 by the co-chairman of the Russian part of the Russian-Chinese Committee for Friendship, Peace and Development Boris Titov. Read more here

Growth in electric vehicle exports to emerging economies

Renewed growth in solar export revenue

Record surplus of $1.2 trillion

China's trade surplus reached $1.2 trillion in 12 months.

Rising gold imports

Main article: Investment in gold

In April 2025, China imported 127.5 tons of gold - a maximum of 11 months and an increase of 73% despite record prices.

Record Q1 exports as US customers don't want to pay duties

China's exports rose 12.4% in March 2025

At the same time, the trade surplus reached an almost record value of $103 billion.

Earlier, China's exports reached a record, increasing by 2.3% in the first two months to $540 billion due to rising supplies amid an increase in US duties.

Imports shrank 8.4%, resulting in a record trade surplus of nearly $171 billion, with Chinese purchases abroad reaching their lowest level since 2020.

Rising U.S. supplies show how the threat of new duties is forcing companies to accelerate deliveries to avoid rising costs.

Exports to the United States reached almost $76 billion - the highest in three years during this period, but remains below the level of 2022, when the end of the Covid-19 pandemic stimulated trade.

2024

1st place in the import of goods from Iran ($14.57 billion)

At the end of 2024, China took 1st place in the import of goods from Iran. This is stated in the materials of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which TAdviser got acquainted with at the end of January 2026. Read more here

1st largest export in the world

In 2024, the volume of world trade in goods and services reached $32.2 trillion, which is 4% more than in 2023, when a decrease of 2% was recorded. Trade in goods rose by 2%, services - by 10%. Such data are contained in the materials of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which TAdviser got acquainted with in mid-October 2025. Read more here.

2nd place in terms of fertilizer exports in the world - $8.5 billion

The volume of global fertilizer exports in 2024 reached $60.91 billion. This is evidenced by the data of the national statistics services and the UN platform Comtrade, with which TAdviser got acquainted in May 2025. TAdviser has prepared an infographic with the world's largest fertilizer exporting countries. Read more here.

Export of digital products - $221 billion

8th in drug exports to the United States worth $9.3 billion

China accounts for 62% of all electric vehicles sold in the world

Victory in battle with US to dominate global trade

China's largest trading partners (import + export) in 2024:

1. US: $688.3 billion

2. South Korea: $328.1 billion

3.: Japan$308.3 billion

4. Taiwan: $293 billion

5. Vietnam: $260.7 billion

6. Russia: $244.8 billion

7. Australia: $211.3 billion

8. Malaysia: $212 billion

9. Germany: $201.9 billion

10. Brazil: $188.2 billion

11. Indonesia: $147.8 billion

12. India: $138.5 billion

13. Thailand: $134 billion

14. Singapore: $111.1 billion

National Bureau of Statistics of China, 2024.

Surplus in trade in goods $988 billion

In 2024, the volume of exports of goods from China amounted to $3.57 trillion, and imports - $2.59 trillion, which led to a trade surplus of $988 billion.

China comes out on top in the world in car exports

Exports of cars from China in 2024 rose sharply, overtaking all the former world automobile powers.

5th in the world in terms of gold trade

Trade turnover of Kazakhstan and China for the year increased by 9% to $43.8 billion

Trade turnover of Kazakhstan and China in 2024 increased by 9% to $43.8 billion. This information was announced at the end of January 2025 during the talks of Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Kazakhstan Han Chunlin.

The volume of freight traffic between the countries in 2024 increased by 13% to 29.3 million tons, according to the Kazakhstan Railways. The parties plan to modernize the existing and create new checkpoints on the border.

Beijing

China mainly supplies equipment, clothing and auto parts to Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan supplies China with oil, ores and concentrates, radioactive chemical elements and ferroalloys, copper and nuclear reactors. The PRC also buys Kazakhstani chocolate, flax seeds and wheat.

As part of the cooperation of the countries in 2024, 62 joint projects worth $8.7 billion were implemented, which created 11 thousand jobs. Another 55 projects worth $13.5 billion are at the stage of implementation with the prospect of creating 17.4 thousand jobs.

Kazakhstan intends to expand the range of products supplied to China, in particular, to increase grain exports by accepting all types of wagons and including new Kazakhstani enterprises in the register of exporters.

The total portfolio of joint investment projects includes 222 projects worth more than $60.5 billion. Countries are developing cooperation in the transit and transport sector and are working to expand border shipping to increase cargo traffic.

During the talks, the parties confirmed their intentions to strengthen the partnership and strengthen joint work in all key areas of bilateral cooperation. Both governments are working to unlock capacity to diversify trade.

Following the meeting, agreements were reached on the further development of trade and economic cooperation between the countries with an emphasis on increasing mutual trade and expanding transport and logistics opportunities.^[2]

China is Iran's largest trading partner with a turnover of $17.8 billion

China's trade with Ukraine rose 17.3% to $7.99 billion

In 2024, China's trade with Ukraine reached $7.99 billion. For comparison, a year earlier, the Sino-Ukrainian trade turnover was estimated at $6.81 billion. Such data in mid-January 2025 was published by the Main Customs Directorate of the PRC. Read more here.

Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and China increased by 11% over the year to $10.6 billion

Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and China in 2024 reached 10.6 billion, which is 11% more than a year earlier. Read more here.

Growing arms exports to Africa

Since the end of 2023, the PRC has become the largest arms supplier in Africa, overtaking Russia.

In the arms market, where Russian and French manufacturers habitually dominated, the Chinese quickly gained momentum due to the cheapness of their products. Given the specifics of organizing most African armies, where there is no way to repair equipment, Chinese armored personnel carriers have become the most key commodity.

It is possible to buy a lot of them, they are acceptable in quality, and cross-country ability allows you to maneuver throughout the country, mine and IED protection is also at the level. In 2024 alone, Mauritania, Benin, Senegal and Kot-d joined the list of buyers of Chinese armored vehicles. These are mainly the countries of the crisis Sahel, over which the threat of the spread of terrorism looms.

In addition, the Chinese compete with the Turks in the influence in the field of UAVs. The Bayraktars were replaced by the Tsaihuns, which are actively used by the Ethiopian Air Force and the DRC in conflicts.

Even Morocco's pro-Western authorities use some types of Chinese drones. They also play a role in the conflict in Sudan, where they are used by both sides for reconnaissance (they fell into the hands of rebels from the RBU, presumably from Libya).

A key aspect is the organization of logistics and the interaction of the PLA with the local armed forces. Thanks to the base in Djibouti, the PRC authorities have the opportunity to stop refueling in the strategically important Horn of Africa.

The main event in the plan for coordinating the actions of the PRC Armed Forces with African partners was the Peace Unity 2024 exercises held in Tanzania. About a battalion and more than 20 units of military equipment arrived from China, Mozambican and Tanzanian forces also deployed a significant number of military personnel.

The safety of industrial and mining projects is already provided by Chinese PMCs. Of course, this is a slightly different format of presence than the Russian one. Instead of helping to stabilize the situation, the Chinese rely on safe areas without interfering in the affairs of the state.

China's security export strategy is clearly different from Russia's. Instead of a direct military presence, which is represented by the African Corps and the Wagner PMC, the PRC conducts joint military exercises and increases arms sales, and industrial and mining facilities are protected by private contractors.

At the same time, there is no active political interference in the affairs of states. All military initiatives aim to secure the interests of Chinese business, not the other way around.

Record 10-month trade surplus. Most are formed in the United States

The growth of Chinese exports in the first 9 months of 2024 remains at a high level.

In September, Russia's purchases of Chinese goods reached a record.

At the same time, supplies to many markets are falling, demand in the United States and the EU is slowing down.

Earlier, China's trade surplus hit a record high in June 2024 as exports surged and imports shrank.

Exports of cars and ships set a record in September

Despite slowing overall export growth China in September 2024, auto and ship exports hit record highs this month, suggesting rapid changes in the country's industry that are weakening other suppliers from Asia and. EU

Chinese automakers are bypassing once unrivaled Japanese rivals. Brands, including, and Toyota Honda , Nissan are losing their share at an alarming rate.

Export growth to Central Asia and Transcaucasia

China's exports to all countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus grew strongly in 10 months of 2024.

Total exports China to, and Armenia Azerbaijan Georgia reached $1.1 billion in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $0.4 billion in the first quarter of 2019.

This 150% growth is clearly not to meet any boom in domestic demand in the Caucasus. All these goods are sent to Russia, said IMF chief economist Robin Brooks in May 2024.

Steel export growth

The surge in Chinese steel exports has seen prices in Europe fall below cost of production by September 2024, with the region's steel companies calling for a new, comprehensive tariff system.

The share of the yuan in foreign trade is growing rapidly

In 2024, the use of the Chinese yuan in cross-border transactions reached an all-time high as closer ties with Russia contribute to efforts Beijing to internationalize its currency and reduce dependence on. dollar USA

The West has taken care of China's restrictions on the export of raw materials for semiconductors. Prices are rising

China's control over the export of critical semiconductor materials hits supply chains and by the summer of 2024 raises Western fears about the lack of raw materials for the production of microcircuits and military optical equipment.

China imposed the restrictions, which it says protect its "national security and interests," in 2023, in response to U.S. restrictions.

Export growth to Belarus

Decline in exports of electric vehicles, batteries and solar panels

Growth in exports to Russia and Central Asia, with a general decline in exports at the beginning of the year

2023

Merchant fleet - 8.3 thousand ships

Second place in imports ($2.55 trillion)

First place in exports with a volume of $3.38 trillion or 14.2% of exports from all countries of the world

In 1958 China Japan , they provided about 2.5% of world exports. Japan The share peaked at 10% in 1986, while the share China declined to 1.4%.

Since the mid-1990s, however, Japan's share has steadily declined to 3% by 2023, while China's exports have risen to 14.2%, marking a significant shift in global trade leadership.

Export slump for the first time since 2016

China's 2023 exports fell for the first time since 2016 as demand cooled.

China's exports to the South African countries exceeded those to the United States.

China's exports to emerging economies exceeded those to the United States and its satellite countries.

China remains the largest trading partner of African countries.

Slowing global economy, geopolitical tensions negatively affected China's trade.

Access to the first place in the export of cars in the world thanks to Russia

At the end of 2023, China became the world's largest exporter of cars for the first time. This is due to the rapid growth in the supply of Chinese cars to the Russian market against the background of the current geopolitical situation, due to which many foreign brands left the Russian Federation. This is stated in a study by the Chinese Association of Automakers (CAAM), the results of which were released at the end of December 2023.

According to CAAM estimates, 4.41 million cars were exported from China from January to November 2023, which is 58% more than in the same period of the previous year. Thus, according to this indicator, China for the first time outstripped Japan, which during the period under review exported 3.99 million vehicles (+ 15% compared to 2022).

China produced a record 30 million cars in 2023.

The Chinese Passenger Car Association estimated that 5.26 million cars were sold abroad in 2023, and said that this is probably almost 1 million more than Japan's exports.

It is noted that it was Japan that for a long time occupied the first place in the world ranking of car exporters, only in 2016 losing the leadership of Germany. However, in 2023, the situation changed. China took the lead thanks to large volumes of supplies to Russia: in the first 11 months of 2023, approximately 730 thousand Chinese cars entered the Russian market, which is seven times more than in the previous year. Chery Automobile and Great Wall Motor supplied in the Russian Federation mainly cars with a gasoline engine, including medium-sized crossovers and SUVs.

The second largest overseas market for Chinese automakers in 2023 was Mexico. The volume of deliveries of cars from China to this country on an annualized basis rose by 71%, reaching 330 thousand units. Chinese companies seek to form a customer base in Mexico, which will subsequently serve as a springboard for possible expansion into the US and Canadian markets.^[3]

Affordable electric vehicles from China actively penetrate into countries, Europe leaving behind one of the largest industries in the region.

In the first quarter of 2023, China for the first time came out on the 1st place in the export of cars, pushing from Japan this position. Almost 40% of its supplies abroad were electric vehicles. According to Chinese data, Tokyo the growth of Chinese indicators was also affected by a sharp increase in the supply of cars in. Russia According to Chinese data, in January-March, car exports increased by 58 percent compared to the same period last year.

Countries in Asia and Latin America - the main buyers of steel from China

Main article: Metallurgy in China

Record volume of exports to Kazakhstan

China's exports to Kazakhstan reached a new all-time high in December 2023.

Export growth to Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Iran

China hardens export conditions for metals to make processors

From August 1, 2023, it became known that China it strengthened control over the export of gallium and germany, two central components for the semiconductor sector. The authorities countries warned of upcoming changes back in July 2023. Similar measures were taken in response to how Washington he tried to cut access Beijing to the latest micro technologies.processors

As of August 2023, China holds a high position in the global markets of gallium and germany, producing 80% and 60% of these materials, respectively, according to the Association for Critical Raw Materials (CRMA). These elements are classified as "secondary metals," that is, the elements are usually produced as a byproduct of other manufacturing processes.

If you do not provide us with chips, we will not provide you with materials to create them.

According to regulations, gallium and German exports from China now require specialized licenses. Gallium and germanium are used not only in the manufacture of chips, but also play an important role in the military industry.

It is worth noting that the Netherlands, which houses semiconductor equipment maker ASML as well as the US and Japan, has already imposed its own restrictions on semiconductor technology exports to China.

It is noted that the imposed restrictions on China's exports can negatively affect the global semiconductor industry, and especially the American segment. Leading managers from Qualcomm, Intel and Nvidia have expressed concern that restrictions on the supply of their products to China could harm business.

In particular, Qualcomm receives more than 60% of its revenue in China by supplying mobile chips to local smartphone manufacturers. The Chinese market is the largest for Intel and brings the company about 25% of all revenue. NVIDIA is also heavily dependent on China, earning about 20% of its revenue in the Chinese market.

Western leaders expressed concern that all restrictions could slow the pace of development in the field of semiconductor technology and information technology, as well as deal a blow to the global semiconductor industry due to the reduction in the supply of gallium and Germany^[4].

China to limit drone exports

China has decided to restrict the export of drones and drone production equipment in order to "protect national security and interests." This was announced on July 31, 2023 by Reuters with reference to the country's Ministry of Commerce.

The restrictions are due to take effect on September 1, 2023. They will affect some of the equipment, including a number of drone engines, lasers, communications equipment and anti-drone systems.

Some of the drones not intended for military purposes will also fall under export control. The export of any civilian drones for military purposes is prohibited, the representative of the department emphasized. Thus, China shows itself as a "responsible country," he said.^[5]

China to drastically cut overseas metal supplies for semiconductors

On July 4, 2023, it became known that China it restricts the export of metals for semiconductors and. electric vehicles This is reportedly a response to pressure that wants to United States contain China's technological progress. Experts warn of future disruptions to global supply chains and rising tensions between. countries

From August 1, 2023, China will have a much tougher control over the export of a number of gallium and germanium-based products used in high-tech ones. industries China produces most of these metals in the world, and the main importers are,,, and Japan Germany Netherlands the United States France.

Chinese exporting companies will need to go through procedures to obtain additional export licenses. And any domestic company that produces exports in excess of the allowed volumes will be punished, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.

China has hit American trade restrictions where it's really felt, "said Peter Arkell, chairman of China's Global Mining Association.

Some in the industry have previously expressed concern that China could impose restrictions on the export of rare earth metals, which are paramount to the production of electric vehicles and military equipment. China is a major producer of rare earth metals.

Gallium and germanium are just a few of the many minor metals that are nevertheless extremely important for various technical products. China is the dominant producer of most of these metals. It's a fantasy to suggest that another country could replace China in the short or even medium term, "Arkell said.

The above restrictions will affect not only exports to the United States, but any deliveries abroad in principle. A number of foreign companies, against the background of the latest news, are already trying to stock up on rare earth metals for future use, before the official adoption of restrictions, which is why metal prices have significantly increased. And some importers are looking for opportunities to bypass these restrictions or even alternative suppliers. However, this can hardly be done so simply.

Meanwhile, shares of some metallurgical companies and producers of rare earth metals are going up, as their investors bet in advance that additional restrictions could be imposed.

China's control over exports comes as Washington considers imposing new restrictions on the supply of high-tech chips to China, as well as selling chipmaking equipment to Chinese chipmakers.

Beijing last made a retaliatory move against U.S. pressure on the chip industry in May 2023, when it banned some domestic sectors from buying products from U.S. memory maker Micron.

The risk of a rapid escalation of tensions between the United States and China is not small. If this action does not change the dynamics of relations between countries, one should expect even more restrictions on the export of rare earth metals, - said analysts at Jefferies China to[6].

China is the world's largest importer of rice - 4.4 million tons

Russia, Mexico and Belgium lead in car imports from China

In the first 5 months of 2023 China , it exported Russia many more cars than anywhere else.

Australia, Canada biggest wheat suppliers to China

Although China said in 2022 that it would allow wheat imports from all regions of Russia, trade in 2023 is hampered by a number of problems, including phytosanitary norms and transport difficulties.

Slow recovery of imports from North Korea

Yuan use in cross-border deals in China outpaces dollar use for the first time

The share of the yuan in cross-border payments and receipts China in rose to a record high of 48% at the end of March 2023 from almost zero in 2010. dollar The share fell to 47% from 83% over the same period, the data showed.

Europe outpaces China in exports of goods to the United States

2022

China's share of global exports - 18%

China's exports to Belt and Road project countries exceeded exports to the US, EU and Japan

Main article: Belt and Road (BRI, New Silk Road)

Perhaps China's exports to developed markets went through third countries.

Saudi Arabia and Russia are the largest importers of oil to China

Russia in 2022 took second place in oil supplies to China (86.25 million tons of oil). On the first - Saudi Arabia (87.49 million tons).

China accounts for 99% of imports and 69% of DPRK exports

China chip imports fall for first time since 2004

On January 13, 2023, the General Customs Administration of China released data according to which the volume of supplies of integrated circuits to the Celestial Empire in 2022 decreased. The fall was recorded for the first time in almost two decades: the last time the decline was noted in 2004.

It is estimated that approximately 538.4 billion chips were delivered to the PRC in 2022. This is 15% less than in 2021, when shipments amounted to approximately 635.6 billion units. It is noted that in 2019, 2020 and 2021. deliveries showed an increase of 6.6%, 22% and 17%, respectively (on an annualized basis).

The decline in chip imports to China comes amid tougher sanctions from the United States. In 2022, US authorities imposed restrictions on the export of some types of semiconductors used in artificial intelligence systems and supercomputers. The measures are aimed at discouraging China's efforts to develop its own chip industry and strengthen its military capabilities.

China, as noted, is forced to reduce purchases of equipment for the production of microchips amid weakening demand for electronics and export restrictions. USA In addition, the PRC suspends large-scale investments aimed at creating a chip industry to compete with the United States. According to reports, due Bloomberg to the ongoing pandemic COVID-19 , the Chinese economic sector is experiencing additional pressures. Meanwhile, integrated circuits remain the largest item in China's imports. According to a study China by the National Bureau of Statistics, domestic production of microchips in November 2022 fell by 15.2% compared to the same month in 2021. The final result was approximately 26 billion units.^[7]

The volume of foreign trade transactions in yuan increased by 37% to 7.92 trillion yuan

The volume of transactions in Chinese currency in the implementation of cross-border trade of the PRC in 2022 increased by about 37%, to 7.92 trillion yuan. The government requires the country's financial institutions to intensify mutual settlements with other states in Chinese currency.

China overtakes Germany to become second largest car exporter after Japan

Overtook in 2022 China , Germany becoming the second largest Japan after the exporter of cars in the world. Exports accounted for 11.5% of the total production volume, China or 27 million cars.

Imports of industrial robots in China were three times higher than exports

In 2022, China imported industrial robots worth approximately $2 billion, while exports were three times less - about $610 million. Such data at the end of January 2023 was released by the Chinese Robotics Alliance (CRIA). Read more here.

Cutting imports of chip machines due to US restrictions

China is buying fewer chipmaking machines due to the imposition of US restrictions.

Australian imports continue to rise despite China restrictions

Many exporters Australia found other markets after blocking in. China

Reduced furniture exports

Trade with Ukraine halves in the 1st half of the year

In the first half of 2022, the volume of trade between China and Ukraine fell by almost half: trade between the countries decreased by 46.6%, to $5.79 billion.

The EU and the United States are the largest export destinations from China

2021

1st in the world in terms of electronics exports with a share of 34%

China's largest trading partners: the United States, Japan and South Korea

China is among the largest arms exporters in 5 years with a share of 4.6%

China's foreign trade in 2021 grew by 30.3%, to a record $6.05 trillion

In general, China's foreign trade for 2021 increased by 30.3%, to a record $6.05 trillion, follows from the data of the Main Customs Administration of the PRC, released on January 14, 2022.

US falls several times behind China on trade with Africa

Sharp decline in trade with North Korea

Export boom amid COVID-19 pandemic in other countries

By the end of October, China's exports in 2021 had already beaten all 2020 indicators.

China's continued export growth surprised economists, who predicted that global spending on Chinese-made goods would decline as more countries resumed operations this year.

This turned out to be premature, as the more contagious delta variant of COVID-19 spread around the world.

2020: China exports rise to record $2.59 trillion

China at the end of 2020 increased exports by 3.6%, to $2.59 trillion (historical maximum). At the same time, imports decreased by 1.1%, to $2.06 trillion. This is evidenced by the data of the Chinese customs.

Early established control over the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has allowed Chinese enterprises to benefit from global demand in the absence of strong competitors. This export momentum is expected to continue even after mass vaccination and the recovery of industrial production in the United States and Europe.

Demand growth was recorded in all directions. Exports from China rose 18.1% in dollar terms in December compared to 2020 - and record November growth reached 21.1% - while imports rose 6.5%. For the full year, China's trade surplus reached $535 billion, up 27% from 2019. This is a new record since 2015.

According to the customs agency, China's factories exported almost 40 masks for every person in the world outside the country using face masks alone.

Demand for goods from China may remain high over the next few months, given the recent surge in COVID-19 infections in the United States and Europe, said Ding Shuang, chief economist for mainland China and North AsiaStandard Chartered.

The data showed that external demand stimulates China's economic recovery and is likely to continue in the coming months, according to a report published on January 14, 2021. Exports are likely to continue to grow in part because of higher U.S. demand for the expected economic aid package. Chinese manufacturers have flexibly adjusted their production lines to provide goods to meet demand in the new era of COVID-19. Moreover, in China there is a significant increase in the production of both goods related to the pandemic and not related to it.

The analysis also revealed shifts in China's trading partner economy in 2020, with a bloc of 10 Southeast Asian countries climbing exports to the top spot, followed by the European Union and the United States.^[8]

2019: World's largest computer device export - $148 billion

2018

Clothing exports - $158 billion

Leadership in pyrotechnics exports

2017: Semiconductor imports more oil imports

China imports more semiconductors than oil- for example, in 2017 the total cost of importing semiconductors was 260 billion, dollars oil - 162 billion.

2015

Apple export leader with 14.7% share

Arms Export Map

1700: England bans cotton imports from India, Iran and China

In 1700, the English parliament banned the import of cotton fabrics from India, Iran and China.

Notes