Trade as a share of GDP in China
China: Trade as a share of GDP was 38.0% in 2025. ◆ Volatile
Trade as a share of GDP in China, 1960–2025
Source: National statistical organizations and central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates (2026) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in % of GDP.
Analysis
In 2025, trade as a share of gdp in China stood at 38.0%.
The figure is down 1.9% over ten years.
Over the whole period, trade as a share of gdp in China peaked at 63.6% in 2006 and was at its lowest, 4.8%, in 1970.
That places China 173rd out of 191 countries with data for 2025, putting it in the bottom quarter.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 5.7% | 4.9% | 6.3% | 10 |
| 1970s | 9.5% | 4.8% | 16.5% | 10 |
| 1980s | 22.2% | 17.9% | 30.0% | 10 |
| 1990s | 31.9% | 24.2% | 35.9% | 10 |
| 2000s | 51.6% | 38.1% | 63.6% | 10 |
| 2010s | 42.1% | 35.5% | 49.9% | 10 |
| 2020s | 36.9% | 34.3% | 38.0% | 6 |
Countries ranked near China
More economy & growth data for China
- Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added 3.9% (2025)
- Households and NPISHs Final consumption expenditure 7.56 trillion constant 2015 US$ (2024)
- Households and NPISHs Final consumption expenditure 5.0% (2024)
- Manufacturing, value added 4.82 trillion current US$ (2025)
- Households and NPISHs Final consumption expenditure per capita 5,364 constant 2015 US$ (2024)
- Households and NPISHs Final consumption expenditure per capita growth 5.1% (2024)
- Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added 9.76 trillion constant LCU (2025)
- Final consumption expenditure 4.5% (2025)
- Final consumption expenditure 10.72 trillion constant 2015 US$ (2025)
- Final consumption expenditure 76.41 trillion current LCU (2024)
Frequently asked questions
- What is trade as a share of gdp in China?
- Trade as a share of gdp in China was 38.0% in 2025, according to National statistical organizations and central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest trade as a share of gdp recorded in China?
- The highest recorded value was 63.6% in 2006.
- What is the lowest trade as a share of gdp recorded in China?
- The lowest recorded value was 4.8% in 1970.
- How does China rank for trade as a share of gdp?
- China ranks 173rd out of 191 countries with data for 2025.
- Is trade as a share of gdp rising or falling in China?
- Over the last ten years it is down 1.9%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this China data come from?
- The figures come from National statistical organizations and central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Trade as a share of GDP. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
Download this data
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About this data
Trade in goods and services as a share of GDP, shown as a percentage.