Central and South American Trade with China Reaches $351 Billion in 2023

Central and South American trade with China surged from $11 billion in 2001 to $351 billion in 2023, achieving a 17% annual growth rate (CAGR). In 2023, China accounted for 22% of the region's total trade. Leading export categories included soybeans ($40 billion), copper ores and concentrates ($36 billion), iron ores and concentrates ($23 billion), mineral fuels ($22 billion), meats ($12 billion), and copper products ($9 billion), comprising 77% of total exports to China. Major imports were electrical and mechanical machinery ($64 billion), organic chemicals ($15 billion), vehicles excluding railways ($12 billion), and plastics and related products ($12 billion), collectively representing 59% of total imports from China.