Here are some reasons why China's imports can increase despite trade frictions:
Domestic demand factors
1. Consumption upgrading
China's middle class population is growing rapidly. Consumers have an increasing demand for high quality products such as luxury goods, high end consumer electronics, and imported food. For example, the demand for imported wines, high quality dairy products, and overseas made cosmetics has been on the rise.
2. Industrial upgrading
Chinese enterprises are in the process of upgrading their production technology and equipment. They need to import advanced machinery, high tech components, and raw materials. For instance, in the manufacturing of semiconductors, China imports high precision lithography machines and other key equipment from abroad to improve its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
Global cooperation and diversification
1. Diversified import sources
China has been actively exploring new trading partners and diversifying its import sources. Even in the face of trade frictions with some traditional trading partners, it has increased imports from countries along the Belt and Road. For example, China has increased imports of energy resources from Central Asian countries and agricultural products from Southeast Asian countries.
2. Global value chain integration
China is deeply integrated into the global value chain. Many multinational companies have production and supply chain operations in China. These companies may import intermediate products or components into China for further processing and assembly, and then export the final products. This also promotes China's imports. For example, in the automotive industry, some foreign invested auto manufacturers in China import key parts from their global supply chains to assemble vehicles in China.
Policy support
1. Import promoting policies
The Chinese government has implemented a series of policies to promote imports, such as reducing import tariffs on a wide range of products, holding international import expos (like the China International Import Expo), which provides a platform for foreign companies to showcase their products and promotes trade negotiations and import transactions.
|