China has officially announced that it will no longer seek special and differential treatment provisions for developing countries at the World Trade Organization (WTO). This move signifies a recognition of its growing economic might and a shift towards presenting itself as a constructive force in multilateral reform. Since joining the WTO in 2001, China has transformed into a global manufacturing powerhouse, with its exports growing exponentially from around $266 billion to over $3.5 trillion by 2022. The country’s trade surplus has also widened sharply since the pandemic, reaching nearly $1 trillion in 2024.
The article highlights a striking disproportion between China’s export power and its income level. In 2024, its per capita GDP was approximately $13,300, placing it among middle-income economies. Yet, it accounted for the largest share of world merchandise exports at 14.6%, far exceeding developed nations like the United States and Germany. This mismatch has long fueled tensions at the WTO, with countries like the U.S. pressing China to give up its developing-country privileges.
China’s export footprint has also expanded significantly over time. When it first joined the WTO, its exports were heavily concentrated in advanced economies, with the US alone absorbing over 20% of its goods. Today, China has successfully diversified its exports towards emerging economies, with developing nations like Vietnam, India, Brazil, and those in Africa and the Middle East becoming increasingly significant destinations.