Comparison of China's Export Composition to Major Markets in 2023 (USD Billion)

Overview

In 2023, China's total exports to major global markets remained stable, but each market showed varying dependence on different product categories. This infographic selects five major markets—the United States, European Union, ASEAN, Japan, and South Korea—and categorizes Chinese exports into five groups (electromechanical products, textiles and apparel, furniture and toys, metal products, and others), using a stacked bar chart to illustrate import volumes and structural differences.

Data Highlights

• United States: China's exports to the US totaled approximately $500 billion in 2023, with electromechanical products accounting for the largest share (60%, or $300 billion), followed by furniture and toys (15%, $75 billion) and textiles (10%, $50 billion).
• European Union: Exports reached about $450 billion, with electromechanical products at 55% ($247.5 billion), metal products and textiles each at 12% ($54 billion), and furniture and toys at 8% ($36 billion).
• ASEAN: Total exports were about $350 billion; electromechanical products accounted for 50% ($175 billion), textiles for 15% ($52.5 billion), and metal products for 10% ($35 billion).
• Japan: Exports stood at about $150 billion, with a very high share of electromechanical products (65%, $97.5 billion), while furniture and toys and textiles each contributed 8% ($12 billion).
• South Korea: Exports were about $120 billion, with electromechanical products at 60% ($72 billion), metal products at 15% ($18 billion), and textiles at 10% ($12 billion).

Key Observations

• Electromechanical products are the top category in all markets, but Japan and South Korea show higher dependence (>60%).
• Textiles and apparel have a relatively high share in the ASEAN market (15%), reflecting regional supply chain collaboration.
• Furniture and toys are notably significant in the US market (15%), while below 10% in other markets.
• Metal products account for the highest share in South Korea (15%), possibly due to industrial complementarity.

Data Sources

• China Customs Statistics (2023 quick estimates).
• UN Comtrade database for import data (preliminary estimates for full-year 2023).