TNAG-2527-FCO40-3696-Hong-Kong-China-Relations-Committee-1992 — Page 117

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

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7

The

China started to enjoy trade surpluses continuously.

recent substantial increase in imports was mainly due to

the imports of raw materials and semi-manufactures, and

fertilizers. This is consistent with the official strategy

that imports are used primarily for supporting exports and

overall economic growth, rather than for meeting consumer

demand.

Exports

Imports

Year-on-year

Year-on-year

Visible

growth rate

growth rate

Value (US$BN)

in money terms

Value

in money terms

trade balance

(%)

(US$Bn)

(%)

(US$Bn)

1990 Annual 62.1

18.1

53.3

-9.8

8.7

H1

25.7

15.0

23.1

-17.7

2.5

H2

36.4

20.2

30.3

-2.7

6.2

1991

H1

30.4

18.5

26.8

15.9

3.6

Q3

19.1

21.2

16.5

22.9

2.6

Q1-Q3

49.5

19.5

43.3

18.5

6.2

9.

Largely triggered by China's substantial visible

trade surplus with the United States, by the exports of

prisoner goods to the United States, and by the reluctance

on the part of the Chinese government to open up the market

for imported goods, President Bush ordered a full-scale

investigation into the

unfair trade practices of China in early October 1991. This inquiry, which will last one year

and is known as the Section 301 investigation under the US

trade law, may result in severe retaliation by the US

This investigation was initiated after the US

Administration expressed dis-satisfaction over the package

of trade reform

government.

measures submitted by China to the United

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