The Global Minerals Chain From Exporting Economies to Industrial Consumers
There are two distinct roles in the global minerals system: upstream exporters and downstream manufacturing hubs, whose demand for resources continues to rise.
There are two distinct roles in the global minerals system: upstream exporters and downstream manufacturing hubs, whose demand for resources continues to rise.
In 2024, the top ten importers bought nearly USD 700 billion more than the top ten exporters supplied.
The EU dominates both markets, while the U.S. and Brazil remain strong exporters. China plays a larger role as an importer.
In 1995, nearly four-fifths of China’s exports went to just ten economies. By 2024, the top-ten's share was reduced to 51%.
China’s rise from 4% of world exports in 2000 to nearly 16% in 2024 reflects a two-decade structural transformation.
China’s rise from a minor exporter to the centre of global manufacturing redefined world trade flows, reshaped supply chains and forced the global economy to evolve.
China’s accession to the WTO accelerated its shift from the “workshop of the world” to a central node of manufacturing, production and demand.
Of China’s USD 3.6 trillion in exports in 2024, these were the top five export categories and products—and the largest buyers for each.
ANDAMAN PARTNERS presents a summary of China's four major export clusters.
Asia remains China’s main export destination, though its share has eased slightly.