China’s dominance in global manufacturing was highlighted in a recent report by China Briefing, which revealed that the country contributed about 30 percent of the world’s manufacturing value in 2023. This significant share underscores China’s position as a leading global manufacturing powerhouse.
The manufacturing sector remains a cornerstone of China’s economy, representing 26.2 percent of the country’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023. The report also noted that in the first half of 2024, manufacturing GDP reached $2.34 billion, marking a 6.3 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023 and accounting for approximately 27 percent of China’s total GDP.
Despite a gradual shift towards a service-oriented and high-tech economy, manufacturing continues to be a major driver of China’s economic growth. The sector provides substantial employment opportunities, fuels innovation, and generates significant export revenue.
According to data from the World Bank and China’s General Administration of Customs, manufacturing exports constituted over 90 percent of China’s total exports. In 2023, China exported around $3.68 trillion worth of manufacturing products out of a total $3.71 trillion in goods exported, with manufacturing products making up 98 percent of this total.
China is also home to over 2,000 industry clusters, which are specialized areas designed to encourage collaboration and competition among businesses in sectors such as electronics, textiles, automotive manufacturing, and aviation.
