China Trade Openness
Trade as % of GDP NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS
China's trade openness was 38.03% in 2025, ranked 170th globally. This represents a 2.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
China's trade openness stood at 38.03% in 2025, a rise of +0.83% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 38.03% by 2025. China ranked 170th globally.
China’s trade openness has risen dramatically from a low of 6.31 in 1960 to an all‑time peak of 63.57 in 2006, reflecting the country’s shift toward export‑led growth and integration into global value chains. After a brief trough of 4.83 in 1970, openness expanded steadily, reaching 38.03 in 2025, which places China at rank 170 worldwide and aligns it closely with peers such as Uganda (38.72) and Cameroon (37.56). The long‑term upward trajectory mirrors reforms that liberalised tariffs, reduced non‑tariff barriers and encouraged foreign direct investment, while the 2006 high coincided with China’s accession to the World Trade Organization and a surge in manufacturing exports. Despite the recent slowdown relative to the 2006 peak, the indicator remains well above its early‑period levels, suggesting that continued policy support for trade facilitation and diversification of export markets could sustain or even raise China’s openness in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Openness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 39.21% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 38.62% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 38.03% | - | - |
| 2025 | 38.03% | +0.83% | #170 |
| 2024 | 37.20% | +1.09% | #11 |
| 2023 | 36.11% | −1.34% | #10 |
| 2022 | 37.44% | +0.92% | #12 |
| 2021 | 36.52% | +2.48% | #10 |
| 2020 | 34.04% | −1.16% | #16 |
| 2019 | 35.20% | −1.69% | #10 |
| 2018 | 36.89% | −0.06% | #13 |
| 2017 | 36.95% | +0.77% | #13 |
| 2016 | 36.18% | −2.52% | #15 |
| 2015 | 38.70% | −5.37% | #15 |
| 2014 | 44.07% | −1.85% | #17 |
| 2013 | 45.92% | −1.56% | #21 |
| 2012 | 47.48% | −2.47% | #23 |
| 2011 | 49.95% | +0.09% | #27 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2013. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw trade openness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
China's trade openness was 38.03% in 2025. Ranked 170th globally. This represents a 2.2% increase from the previous year.
China's trade openness peaked at 63.57% in 2006.
The lowest trade openness in China was 4.83% in 1970.
China ranks 170th globally in trade openness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
China's trade openness is projected to reach 38.03% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade openness of China in 2025 was 38.03%. This ranks 170th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_china_trade-openness,
title = {China Trade Openness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/china/trade-openness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}