Comparing the Export and Import Trade Patterns of the Chinese Low-technology Manufactures

摘要

This study analyzes the Chinese trade patterns in low-technology manufactures for the period of 1987-2017. We employ H-index, or the difference between net export capability and symmetric revealed comparative advantage, to assess the trade policies in exports and imports. The results reveal that China has comparative advantage in the exports, and has had comparative disadvantage in the imports before 2006. We document that China has attempted to protect its low- technology industries by both export facilitation and import restriction.