According to Customs statistics, in 2020, the total value of bilateral trade between China and Central and Eastern Europe countries (hereinafter referred to as CEECs) reached RMB716.18 billion, up by 8.8% over the previous year (the same below), accounting for 2.2% of China’s total foreign trade volume. Specifically, exports from CEECs amounted to RMB526 billion, up 8%, while imports marked RMB190.18 billion, up 11.2%.
The main features are as follows:
1. The main exports included electro-mechanical products and labor-intensive products.
China’s exports of electro-mechanical products to CEECs increased by 11.7% to RMB366.15 billion in 2020, taking up 69.6% of the country’s total export value to CEECs during the same period (the same below). Specifically, automatic data processing machines and parts thereof stood at RMB49.15 billion, up 5.9% and electrical equipments marked RMB33.23 billion, up 22.9%. Meanwhile, exports of labor-intensive products grew by 0.3% to RMB95.57 billion, accounting for 18.2%. Specifically, textile yarns, fabrics and articles thereof increased by 36.7% to RMB27.56 billion, while garments and clothing accessories dropped by 12.7% to RMB26.51 billion. Additionally, exports of basic organic chemicals grew by 13.6% to RMB6.44 billion, accounting for 1.2%. And exports of agricultural products dropped by 3.6% to RMB5.64 billion, representing 1.1%. Specifically, aquatic products declined 20.1% to RMB950 million (fresh and frozen fish fillets dropped by 24% to RMB620 million, accounting for 65.8% of aquatic products), vegetables went down by 6.9% to RMB360 million, and meat (including meat offal) fell by 24.2% to RMB330 million.
2. The main imports included electro-mechanical products, copper and wood.
China’s imports of electro-mechanical products from CEECs rose by 13% to RMB136.23 billion in 2020, accounting for 71.6% of its total import volume from CEECs during the same period (the same below). Specifically, passenger cars grew by 13.4% to RMB38.69 billion, and auto parts and accessories increased by 17.3% to RMB25.69 billion. Meanwhile, imports of unwrought copper and copper products grew by 13.6% to RMB12.17 billion, accounting for 6.4%. And imports of wood and articles thereof rose by 9.6% to RMB6.79 billion, accounting for 3.6%. Specifically, imports of wood in the rough stood at RMB4 billion, an increase of 14.4%, and wood sawn lengthwise marked RMB2.01 billion, up by 7.7%. In addition, imports of agricultural products went up by 12% to RMB4.65 billion, accounting for 2.4%. Specifically, dairy products took up RMB1.22 billion, up by 19.6%, grain food surged by 170% to RMB1.06 billion (wheat and maize accounted for 61.3% and 38.6%, respectively) liquors and beverages went up by 29% to RMB450 million (beer accounted for 45.4%), and meat (including meat offal) declined by 54.6% to RMB180 million (beef 61.7%).
3. Poland, Czech and Hungary are the top three trading partners.
In 2020, China's trade volume with Poland, Czech and Hungary were RMB214.98 billion, RMB130.48 billion and RMB80.98 billion, an increase of 12%, 7.4% and 15%, respectively, accounting for 30%, 18.2% and 11.3% of China's total trade value with 17 CEECs.
(The Chinese version shall prevail.)