Recent Trends in Chinese Merchandise Imports (2000-2015): Taking the Puzzle Apart

This article aims to assess recent developments in the Chinese merchandise import sector through retrospective analysis of the main imported products during the 2000-2015 period. The grouping of these trends helps to shed light on the different aspects of the country’s gradual shift towards stimulating private consumption. The findings suggest a focus on a narrower range of machinery products, emphasis on imports of vehicles and aircraft, along with the pursuit of cheaper and more environmentally friendly energy resources. The enhancement of private consumption is further manifest by significant upward trends in the food and beverage import sector.