China and Israel began their trade relations long before the actual establishment of the diplomatic relations in 1992. Though the initial figures were quite modest, due to the constant and rapid growth in trade throughout the years, the bilateral trade between the two countries has already reached 6.7 billion US$ in 2010.
In light of these economic developments and trends between the two countries, China was defined by the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade, and labor as an "Israeli Export Target Country". The main goal of this program is to encourage Israeli exports, especially in the fields of Telecommunication and High-Tech, Agro-technology, Security, Environment and Infrastructures to the Chinese market.
Each year, business delegations in various fields are conducted to different provinces to expose the local industries to Israeli companies in their field. Delegations were already successfully conducted in provinces such as Guangdong, Sichuan, Yunnan, Hainan, Heilongjiang etc.
The Israeli Economic activity in China is also expanding – Trade Representative offices were established in southern China in the cities of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and in southwest China in the city of Chengdu. A office in northeast China, in the city of Dalian will soon be opened as well.
Israel and China - Exports and Imports
Israeli export to China reflects its relevant advantages: Agro-technology such as drip irrigation, seeds, green houses, has been one of the first fields, where Israeli companies have managed to use their unique technologies and know-how. In other fields such as telecommunication, software and medical equipment, Israeli companies have managed to penetrate and even dominate some niches. The Israeli companies usually offer advanced though simple products and technologies which are much more suitable for the Chinese market.
While Israel and China's trade relations reached their hights in 2007, the relations coudn't avoid the down turns of the financial crisis. In 2009, bilateral trade have sunk by 17% yoy to levels of US$4.56 billion. Israel's trade deficit has shrank as well by 16% to US$2.47 billion. Exports reached US$1.04 billion while imports narrowed to US$3.52 billion.
However, Israel and China's trade relations have experienced a tremendous recovery in 2010 as trade levels reached US$6.7 at year end, a 44% growth yoy. Israel's Trade deficit to China at the end of 2010 stands on US$2.6 billion as imports reached US$4.7 billion and export reached US$2.1 billion.
Major Exports
Israel – China, 2010
Category
Percent out of Total Exports
Electrical machinery and equipment, sound and TV recorders and repruducers; parts
34.57%
Pearls, precious stones, precious metals imitation jewellery and coins
15.31%
Fertilizers
14.4%
Optical, photographic, measuring and medical instruments
11.65%
Machinery and mechanical appliances and computer equipment
5.15%
Organic chemicals
4.82%
(Source: Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics)
Major Imports from China
Israel – China, 2010
Category
Percent out of Total Imports
Electrical machinery and equipment, sound and TV recorders and repruducers; parts
16.69%
Machinery and mechanical appliances and computer equipment
12.01%
Organic chemicals
8.74%
Articles of apparel, and clothing accessories knitted or crocheted
5.83%
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted
5.32%
Furniture; bedding; lamps; medical furniture; prefabricated buildings
4.43%
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