A new report from the Boao Forum for Asia reveals that the Chinese mainland continues to be a pivotal hub in global manufacturing value chains. The report, titled "Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress Annual Report 2025," highlights how global trade in intermediate goods has increasingly leaned towards the Chinese mainland since 2017.
In 2023, reliance on intermediate goods from the Chinese mainland was recorded at 16 percent, edging out North America's 15 percent share. The analysis underlines that the trade frictions instigated by the United States in 2018 did not strengthen its own role in these supply chains but instead widened the gap in favor of the Chinese mainland.
Despite some shifts in trade patterns since 2021, the Chinese mainland has maintained its dominant position. The report notes that in 2023, the Chinese mainland led in 20 of the 22 most traded intermediate goods, demonstrating enduring advantages in both traditional manufacturing and technology-intensive sectors.
These insights offer a fresh perspective for young global citizens, business and tech enthusiasts, thought leaders, and digital nomads, emphasizing how intricate global supply chains are evolving and shaping international trade and innovation.
Reference(s):
Report: China remains center of global manufacturing value chains
cgtn.com
