China’s Import Export Market: An Overview

13/02/2025

Since 2010, The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has been the world’s second largest economy. Their approach to industrial policies has resulted in a vast and dynamic import export market that covers a wide range of services and industries.

While their strategy has contributed to their growth in economic influence and foreign exchange reserves, for businesses looking to build or grow trade links, it can be difficult to navigate. However, there is still a need for certain goods like raw materials and machinery to be imported into China to meet consumer demand. Key cargo imports include:

Crude oil and natural gas
Semiconductors and other integrated circuits
Precious metals including silver and gold
Agricultural products

Because of its complex nature and expansive economic influence, understanding the import export market in China is critical for any business looking to grow and develop on a global scale.

Did you know?

China’s economy is larger than Japan, Germany, the UK, and India’s economies combined

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Factors Shaping Opportunities for Businesses Importing and
Exporting to China

China’s size, wealth, diverse demographics, and growth across several industries means that there are several trade opportunities for businesses looking at ways of exporting to China.

China’s approach to agricultural imports is hugely beneficial to countries like the USA, Brazil, and Australia. Businesses operating from these locations can focus on delivering high-quality produce including soybeans, meat, and grains that meet consumer needs as a way of building trade networks.

Similarly, for companies operating in the e-commerce sector, growth in online markets offers you the opportunity to connect directly with consumers. This allows your business to highlight relevant products and potentially start to build-up import demand.

Complexities of Navigating China Import - Exports as a Business

Although vast, China’s economy is well structured to promote economic development through its regulations. This means that while it presents a massive trade opportunity, for businesses looking at importing and exporting in China the process can be time consuming and complex.

In sectors like technology or agriculture, some products have strict import restrictions or require special licenses. There are also certain types of cargo, such as alcohol, tobacco, and cultural relics that are restricted or prohibited. Due to evolving government strategies, the list of prohibited items can change frequently. Therefore, businesses need to remain agile and adapt swiftly to these updates.

Another challenge to importing in China could be the customs clearance process:

Declaration: Information about the goods being imported or exported must be submitted to the customs authority. Importers must also have a Customs Registration Code.

Inspection: Either on arrival or before shipment cargo being imported or exported may be subject to inspection and certification by customs authorities.

Duty payment: Importers in China may also need to pay customs duties which vary depending on the type of product.

Release: After the customs clearance process is completed, the goods can be released and shipped to their destination.

Some products, particularly foods, are also subject to strict packaging and labelling requirements which must be adhered to secure successful imports.

There are also several documents which are required to import or export goods in China. All products must have a China Inspection and Quarantine Certificate to certify that your cargo complies with health and safety, and other national requirements.

Some documentation, such as the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Customs Declaration Form, follow standard international practice. However, certain types of cargo may require a Certificate of Origin, while others may need a unique seal number on the Bill of Lading before being shipped.

Importers and exporters in China may be subject to several taxes, including:

Value Added Tax (VAT)
Consumption tax (this is applied to certain luxury goods including tobacco, alcohol, and high-end luxury products)
Customs duties (calculated on the value of the goods being imported, alongside their country of origin)

Investing time in establishing strong relationships with Chinese suppliers, manufacturers, and partners to aid better communication.
Stay informed about trade policies and tariffs.
Conduct regular audits and product inspections before importing your cargo to China.

Global Trade Shifts: China Import-Export Trends to Watch

Global politics, combined with consumer demographics and China’s own strategic adjustments to foster resilience in its trade networks has led to several key trends emerging in its import export market.

One key trend is the diversification of exports, with China expanding its relationship with regions like ASEAN, the Middle East, and Latin America. In fact, ASEAN has become China’s largest trading partner, accounting for 15% of total trade value this year.

In terms of export commodities, increasing emphasis is being placed on high-value products, including automobiles, and electronics. According to China Briefing, Automotive Exports rose by 22.2% for the first half of 2024, indicating the dominance of the nation in the automotive industry.

Similarly, consumer demand combined with the speed of innovation means that the commercialization of AI driven technologies is expected to increase over the coming year, driving both domestic and global growth and trade.

China’s economic dominance makes it a driver of key trends across international imports and exports. As a business, watching and understanding these key changes can help you optimize your own operations accordingly making it easier to stand out from the competition.

Ask MSC

At MSC, we pride ourselves on connecting your business to all key global markets, including China through reliable and efficient shipping solutions. So, whether you are looking for guidance around China’s import logistics, or to export certain types of cargo, our team of local and global experts can ensure your shipments arrive on time, every time.