眼红中国1.2万亿美元贸易顺差?WTO提意见:中国必须让利减少摩擦
Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-02-17 13:42

Core Viewpoint - China's trade surplus is projected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2025, raising concerns about its impact on global trade dynamics and increasing dissatisfaction among other countries [1][3]. Trade Surplus Concerns - WTO Director-General Iweala expressed worries about China's record trade surplus, which accounts for 40.8% of the total trade surplus among 135 countries, marking a historical high since World War II [3]. - Iweala urged China to reduce exports and increase imports to alleviate trade tensions, a statement that has garnered significant attention [3]. Export and Import Dynamics - In the first 11 months, China's total import and export value reached 41.21 trillion yuan, with private enterprises becoming the mainstay of foreign trade [5]. - While exports have shown strong performance, imports grew only by 0.2%, further exacerbating the trade surplus [6]. - Exports to emerging markets like ASEAN, Africa, and Latin America increased by over 15%, while growth to traditional markets in Europe and the U.S. was only 3.1%, indicating a shift in China's export market structure [6]. Criticism of Trade Practices - Iweala's comments suggest a double standard, as they overlook the U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods and the EU's carbon border tax, which contradict WTO rules [8]. - Experts argue that China's trade surplus is not due to unfair competition but rather a result of a complete industrial chain and fair trade practices [8]. Economic Structure and Domestic Demand - China's economy has shifted from being heavily reliant on exports, with the foreign trade to GDP ratio dropping from 67% in 2008 to around 28% in 2025, while domestic consumption now contributes over 60% to GDP [12][14]. - Investments in sectors like new energy and semiconductors account for over 30% of fixed asset investments, showcasing a balanced growth model [14]. Policy Directions for Trade Balance - The Chinese government aims to promote domestic demand to achieve trade balance, with plans to enhance residents' income and improve public services to boost consumption [17][19]. - China is implementing broader self-opening policies, focusing on rule alignment and expanding market access, which will contribute to trade balance [19][21]. International Trade Relations - China has been proactive in providing market opportunities for other countries through platforms like the Import Expo and Canton Fair, indicating a willingness to import more high-end products if export restrictions are lifted [23]. - The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has stated its commitment to multilateral trade systems and willingness to expand imports, emphasizing that concessions must be based on fairness and mutual benefit [23].