China is the largest buyer of iron ore, crude oil, soybeans and copper concentrate, and a major exporter of steel and fertilizers.
CapitalBeijing
CurrencyRenminbi (CNY)
LanguagesMandarin
RegionAsia-Pacific
Why China matters for trade
- Sets demand for most industrial commodities
- Urea and phosphate exports are managed by quotas
- Food exporters must be registered with China's customs (GACC)
What China sells and buys
| Main exports | Main imports |
|---|---|
| Steel, Aluminium products, Fertilizers, Chemicals, Machinery, Rare earths | Iron ore, Crude oil, Soybeans, Copper concentrate, LNG, Coal, Chicken paws |
Main ports and routes
Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Qingdao, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Rizhao.
Check before you tradeExport controls on rare earths, graphite, antimony and other critical minerals have tightened since 2023. Check licence requirements.
Coming in the full guide
We are expanding this overview into a full country guide with trade values and product groups, opportunities, company setup, government procedures, ministries and official websites, how to find partners, business culture and recent trade updates.
RelatedMarkets: Metals & Ores · Energy & Petroleum · Grains, Sugar & Edible Oils · Fertilizers & Inputs · More Asia-Pacific guides · Trade Desk · Listings on TradeScout24
TradeScout24 Insights · Country overview; figures will be added from DEİK, business council and national sources · Last reviewed 31 Oct 2026