Kiribati-China Bilateral Trade Analysis 2023
Complete trade statistics: $37.76M total volume •Kiribati deficit: $37.72M
Kiribati → China
$24,213
Exports (2023)
China → Kiribati
$37.74M
Imports (2023)
Trade Balance
$37.72M
Deficit for Kiribati
Total Trade
$37.76M
Combined Volume
Trade Flow Visualization
Direct trade relationship between Kiribati and China. Green line shows exports from Kiribati, red line shows imports.
Detailed Product Trade Analysis
Comprehensive breakdown of trade flows by product category, revealing the specialized nature of the Kiribati-China commercial relationship and competitive positioning in global markets.
Kiribati → China Exports
Export Market Intelligence
🎯 Strategic Export Focus
Kiribati's export portfolio to China demonstrates strategic specialization, with footwear: n.e.c. in heading no. 6403, (not covering the ankle), outer soles of rubber, plastics or composition leather, uppers of leather representing a key competitive advantage in this bilateral market.
China → Kiribati Imports
Import Dependency Profile
📦 Import Strategy Analysis
Kiribati's import pattern from China reveals significant dependencyin vessels: n.e.c. in heading no. 8901, for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods, highlighting complementary economic structures and potential supply chain optimization opportunities.
Competitive Trade Position Analysis
Market Leadership
Kiribati demonstrates competitive strength in exportingfootwear: n.e.c. in heading no. 6403, (not covering the ankle), outer soles of rubber, plastics or composition leather, uppers of leather to China, leveraging comparative advantages.
Trade Complementarity
The bilateral relationship showsmoderatecomplementarity, with each country specializing in different sectors.
Growth Potential
The $37.76M trade volume indicates substantial economic integration with room for expansion in emerging sectors.
Executive Summary: Kiribati-China Trade Relationship
Key Trade Highlights 2023
- Total Trade Volume: $37.76 millionrepresenting a significant bilateral economic relationship
- Trade Balance: Kiribati maintains a deficit of $37.72 million
- Export Focus: Kiribati's primary exports include footwear: n.e.c. in heading no. 6403, (not covering the ankle), outer soles of rubber, plastics or composition leather, uppers of leather, machinery: parts for filtering or purifying liquids or gases, cases and containers: n.e.c. in heading 4202, with outer surface of sheeting of plastics or of textile materials
- Import Dependencies: Key imports from China include vessels: n.e.c. in heading no. 8901, for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods, cereals: rice, semi-milled or wholly milled, whether or not polished or glazed, salt (including table salt and denatured salt): pure sodium chloride whether or not in aqueous solution: sea water
Strategic Trade Indicators
📈 Market Position: This bilateral trade relationship represents an important regional trade partnerships, with complementary economic strengths driving sustained commercial exchange.
Historical Trade Analysis & Economic Context
Trade Evolution Timeline
2019-2023: Recent Trends
Current trade volume of $37.76M represents the culmination of evolving bilateral commercial relationships, influenced by global supply chain shifts and changing economic priorities.
2015-2019: Growth Period
Sustained expansion in bilateral trade driven by complementary economic structures, with Kiribati leveraging its comparative advantages in footwear: n.e.c. in heading no. 6403, (not covering the ankle), outer soles of rubber, plastics or composition leather, uppers of leather.
2010-2015: Foundation Building
Establishment of modern trade frameworks and reduction of barriers, facilitating increased commercial exchange and investment flows between the two economies.
Pre-2010: Early Development
Initial stages of bilateral trade relationship development, with focus on traditional export-import patterns and gradual market integration.
Key Economic Drivers
Comparative Advantage
Kiribati's specialization in footwear: n.e.c. in heading no. 6403, (not covering the ankle), outer soles of rubber, plastics or composition leather, uppers of leathercomplements China's demand patterns, creating natural trade synergies.
Supply Chain Integration
Deep integration in global value chains has strengthened bilateral linkages, particularly in vessels: n.e.c. in heading no. 8901, for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods.
Market Access & Trade Policy
Favorable trade agreements and market access conditions have facilitated the growth of this $37.76M bilateral relationship.
Trade Pattern Insights
Trade Relationship Outlook
The $37.76M bilateral trade volume positions this relationship for continued growth, supported by technological advancement, evolving consumer preferences, and strengthening economic ties. Key opportunities lie in expanding cooperation in emerging sectors while managing potential supply chain vulnerabilities.
Economic Impact & Strategic Outlook
Economic Impact Assessment
Trade Volume Impact
The $37.76 million bilateral trade volume represents a important trade relationshipfor both economies.
Industrial Integration
Trade flows in footwear: n.e.c. in heading no. 6403, (not covering the ankle), outer soles of rubber, plastics or composition leather, uppers of leather and vessels: n.e.c. in heading no. 8901, for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods demonstrate deep industrial linkages and supply chain integration.
Trade Balance Effects
Kiribati's trade deficit of $37.72 million impacts its overall economic position in this bilateral relationship.
Strategic Future Outlook
🚀Growth Opportunities
⚠️Risk Factors
🎯Strategic Recommendations
- Strengthen cooperation in high-value sectors beyond current trade patterns
- Develop alternative supply chains to reduce dependency risks
- Explore joint ventures in emerging technology sectors
- Enhance trade facilitation and reduce transaction costs
Market Position & Competitive Summary
The bilateral trade relationship between Kiribati and China represents a total trade volume of $37.76 million in 2023. This partnership demonstrates an unfavorable trade balance for Kiribati, with imports exceeding exportsby $37.72 million.
Export Strengths
Kiribati's exports to China total $24.21 thousand, with competitive advantages in footwear: n.e.c. in heading no. 6403, (not covering the ankle), outer soles of rubber, plastics or composition leather, uppers of leather, representing $3,411 or14.1% of bilateral exports.
Import Dependencies
Imports from China amount to $37.74 million, highlighting economic interdependence in vessels: n.e.c. in heading no. 8901, for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods, with Vessels: n.e.c. in heading no. 8901, for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods comprising10.4% of total imports.
The trade relationship reflects broader economic patterns and comparative advantages. The trade deficit indicates Kiribati's strategic sourcing from China. This partnership is characterized by complementary trade flows, with each country specializing in different product categories based on their respective economic strengths, industrial capabilities, and position in global value chains.
Download Bilateral Trade Data
Access detailed trade data between Kiribati and China in multiple formats.
Data Source: CEPII BACI (Base pour l'Analyse du Commerce International) • Last Updated: January 2025 • Coverage: 1995-2023

