Economy / Trade
China Foreign Trade (1978-2024)
China is the world's largest trading nation. Total goods trade reached $6.1 trillion ($6.3 trillion USD) in 2024. Exports consistently exceed imports, making China the world's largest trade surplus country.
Total Trade 2024
$6.1T
~$6.3T USD
Exports 2024
$3.6T
~$3.6T USD
Imports 2024
$2.6T
~$2.6T USD
Trade Surplus
$1.0T
~$1.0T USD
China's Trade Growth
In 1978, China's total trade was just $20 billion. By 2024, it reached $6.1 trillion ($6.3 trillion) — a 1,200x increase. China became the world's largest goods trader in 2013, surpassing the United States.
Top Trading Partners (2024)
- ASEAN: Largest partner since 2020 (~$900B)
- European Union: ~$800B total trade
- United States: ~$660B (declining due to tariffs)
- Japan: ~$320B
- South Korea: ~$300B
Top Exports
- Electronics & machinery (50%+ of exports)
- Textiles & clothing
- Electric vehicles & batteries (fastest growing)
- Solar panels
- Steel & metals
Trade War Impact
US-China tariffs (2018-present) reduced bilateral trade by ~15-20%, but China redirected exports to ASEAN, Latin America, and Africa. Total trade continued growing despite tariffs.
Source: National Bureau of Statistics & General Administration of Customs, 2025.