China Trade & Business
Essential information for conducting business and trade with China
China's Economic Landscape 2025
GDP Growth: China maintains steady economic growth with focus on domestic consumption and technological innovation.
Manufacturing Hub: Remains the world's largest manufacturing base while transitioning to high-tech industries.
Belt & Road Initiative: Continues expanding trade partnerships across 140+ countries with infrastructure investments.
Digital Economy: Leading in e-commerce, fintech, and digital payment systems with over 1 billion mobile payment users.
Key Trade Statistics
+5.2%
+0.3%
+8%
stable
Freight Forwarding Guide
Complete guide to freight forwarding in China for importers and exporters
Learn about transport modes, costs, customs clearance, and choosing the right forwarder
Major Export Categories
China's export economy spans from traditional manufacturing to cutting-edge technology, with increasing focus on value-added products and green energy solutions.
Major Trading Hubs
China's strategic ports and economic zones drive global trade flows, handling over 30% of world container traffic and connecting Asia-Pacific markets with global supply chains.
China's financial capital and largest container port
Silicon Valley of China, tech manufacturing hub
Historical trading port, hosts Canton Fair
Political center, headquarters for state enterprises
International finance hub, gateway to mainland China
Current Market Opportunities
Green Technology
China leads in solar panels, EVs, and renewable energy infrastructure. Major opportunities in sustainable manufacturing and clean tech partnerships.
Consumer Market
Growing middle class of 400+ million consumers drives demand for premium goods, healthcare products, and lifestyle services.
Digital Services
Fintech, e-commerce platforms, and SaaS solutions see rapid growth. Cross-border digital trade expanding through CBEC policies.
Supply Chain Innovation
Smart logistics, automation, and AI-driven supply chain solutions create new opportunities for international partnerships.
Business Information
Business Etiquette
Understanding Chinese business culture is crucial for successful partnerships. Relationship-building (guanxi) and face-saving practices remain central to business dealings.
Meetings
Do's
- Arrive early
- Exchange business cards with both hands
- Address by title and surname
Don'ts
- Rush negotiations
- Show impatience
- Refuse social invitations
Gift Giving
Do's
- Present gifts with both hands
- Wrap gifts nicely
- Give gifts to the group
Don'ts
- Give clocks or watches
- Use white or black wrapping
- Give gifts in sets of 4
Communication
Do's
- Be indirect and diplomatic
- Show respect for hierarchy
- Build relationships first
Don'ts
- Be overly direct
- Lose composure
- Ignore seniority
Regulations & Requirements
China continues modernizing its regulatory framework with digital customs systems, simplified procedures for qualified businesses, and enhanced IP protection measures.
Import Requirements
- Business license registration
- Import/Export license
- Product certification (CCC for applicable items)
- Customs declaration
- Quarantine inspection (for applicable goods)
Free Trade Zones
China operates 21 pilot free trade zones offering simplified customs procedures, tax incentives, and regulatory sandboxes for financial and tech innovation.
Shanghai FTZ
Est. 2013Guangdong FTZ
Est. 2015Hainan FTZ
Est. 2018Tax System
Digital Commerce
China's digital economy represents over 40% of GDP, with live-streaming e-commerce, social commerce, and omnichannel retail driving unprecedented growth in online trade.
E-Commerce Platforms
Alibaba
B2BLargest B2B platform for international trade
1688.com
B2BDomestic wholesale marketplace
JD.com
B2CMajor e-commerce platform, strong in electronics
Tmall Global
B2CCross-border e-commerce for international brands
Payment Methods
- Letter of Credit (L/C)
- Telegraphic Transfer (T/T)
- Alipay (for smaller transactions)
- WeChat Pay (domestic)
- USD/EUR bank transfers
Expert Business Tips
Build guanxi (relationships) - critical for business success
Understand the role of government in business
Be patient - decision-making can be slow and consensus-driven
Invest in quality translation and interpretation
Respect intellectual property concerns on both sides
Consider hiring local agents or consultants
Attend trade fairs like Canton Fair for networking
Understand regional differences in business culture
Essential China Business Reading
Gain deeper insights into China's business environment, economic model, and strategic importance with these expert analyses.
Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future
by Dan Wang
Technology analyst Dan Wang examines China's engineering-first approach versus America's lawyer-dominated society in this compelling analysis of two superpowers.
The New China Playbook: Beyond Socialism and Capitalism
by Keyu Jin
LSE economist Keyu Jin bridges East and West to explain China's unique economic model that defies traditional capitalism-socialism categories.
Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company
by Patrick McGee
Financial Times journalist Patrick McGee reveals how Apple's manufacturing dependence on China created unexpected vulnerabilities and unintended consequences.