Estimated Share of Chinese Exports to EU by Product Category (2023)

Overview

Based on estimates from the General Administration of Customs of China and Eurostat, total Chinese exports to the EU in 2023 were approximately EUR 500 billion. The breakdown by major product categories is as follows:

• Machinery and electronics: 57%, including machinery, electronic components, and communication equipment, the absolute mainstay of Chinese exports.
• Textiles and raw materials: 12%, covering garments, fabrics, footwear, etc., benefiting from price competitiveness.
• Furniture, toys, and miscellaneous manufactures: 10%, supported by stable European consumer demand.
• Chemical products: 8%, including organic chemicals and plastics, with some items facing anti-dumping investigations.
• Metals and metal products: 6%, mainly steel, aluminum and their products, heavily affected by trade barriers.
• Others: 7%, including optical instruments, medical devices, and food products.

Trends and Interpretation

• The share of machinery and electronics continues to rise, reflecting China's industrial upgrading and supply chain advantages.
• Textiles' share is gradually declining as orders shift to Southeast Asia.
• Chemical exports are growing faster, but long-term compliance costs increase due to the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
• Chinese companies have strong potential in high-end manufacturing and new energy exports to the EU, but need to navigate technical barriers and localization requirements.