In 2021, the total value of Chinese merchandise imports and exports amounted to about 39.1 trillion yuan. This indicated approximately 21.4 percent growth compared to the previous year.
China’s international trade relations
In 2012, China surpassed the United States to become to the world’s largest trading country in terms of exports and imports of goods. While the United States remained the largest import nation with an import value of around 2.4 trillion U.S. dollars in 2020, China ranked first in global exports with an export value of some 2.59 trillion U.S. dollars in 2020.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, in 2021, the United States was the second most significant export partner of China with a share in total exports of about 17 percent. China is also one of the United States’ most potential markets for exports. As of 2020, exports from the United States to China had expanded more than sixfold since China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001.
The European Union was the second most important export partner of China as of 2021. Exports to the EU are dominated by industrial and consumer goods such as machinery and equipment, as well as footwear and clothing. Chinese imports from the EU are mainly machinery and transport equipment, chemical products and miscellaneous articles.
Hong Kong plays a unique role in intermediating and facilitating trade between China and the rest of the world. Mainland Chinese companies sell goods to Hong Kong which re-exports them at marked up prices. Majority of exports from Hong Kong are re-exports.
Total merchandise import and export value in China from 2011 to 2021
(in billion yuan)
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Statista Accounts:
Access All Statistics. Starting from $468 / Year
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
National Bureau of Statistics of China. (February 28, 2022). Total merchandise import and export value in China from 2011 to 2021 (in billion yuan) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved June 26, 2022, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/257252/import-of-goods-to-china/
National Bureau of Statistics of China. "Total merchandise import and export value in China from 2011 to 2021 (in billion yuan)." Chart. February 28, 2022. Statista. Accessed June 26, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/257252/import-of-goods-to-china/
National Bureau of Statistics of China. (2022). Total merchandise import and export value in China from 2011 to 2021 (in billion yuan). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: June 26, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/257252/import-of-goods-to-china/
National Bureau of Statistics of China. "Total Merchandise Import and Export Value in China from 2011 to 2021 (in Billion Yuan)." Statista, Statista Inc., 28 Feb 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/257252/import-of-goods-to-china/
National Bureau of Statistics of China, Total merchandise import and export value in China from 2011 to 2021 (in billion yuan) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/257252/import-of-goods-to-china/ (last visited June 26, 2022)