Willem Thorbecke*

Abstract

China’s surplus in processing trade remains large. Processed exports are final goods produced using parts and components that are imported duty free. Because much of the value-added of these exports comes from East Asia, exchange rates throughout the region should affect their foreign currency prices. This paper presents data on value-added exchange rates for processed exports over the 1993–2013 period and reports that they significantly affect exports. While the renminbi appreciated 36 percent between the beginning of 2005 and the end of 2013, exchange rates in supply chain countries depreciated. This has mitigated the effect of the RMB appreciation on the price competitiveness of processed exports.

Key words: Chinese exports, competitiveness, global supply chains
JEL codes: F10, F14, F40