Facts & Figures

China moving up the value chain

September 18, 2006

Complex manufactured goods account for a growing share of China's merchandise exports. For example, in 1995 clothing and textiles made up 29.6% of exports, but by 2005 this proportion had dropped to 17.1%. At the same time, the share of exports made up of electronics and machinery increased from 18.6% to 42.2%. Six of China's top 10 exports were textile-related in 1995, but by 2005 seven of the top 10 exports were related to machinery and electrical machinery. This change in export composition suggests that China is moving up the value chain as it develops, producing-and exporting-higher value items.

Provided by the Current and Structural Analysis Division, Office of the Chief Economist, www.international.gc.ca/eet.

Data: World Trade Atlas