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The Imbalance of Embodied CO 2 in China’s Imports, Exports and Its Causes

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  • Zhiheng Chen

    (College of Northeast Asian Studies, Jilin University, No. 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, China)

  • Yaru Tan

    (College of Northeast Asian Studies, Jilin University, No. 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, China)

Abstract

Constraining the embodied CO 2 from international trade is a crucial part of China’s efforts to achieve emission peak and carbon neutrality. By referring to the WIOD, this article applies the Global Multi-Regional Input-Output (GMRIO) Model and the Value-added Trade Accounting Method to calculate the amount of embodied CO 2 in China’s international trade from 2000 to 2014. Results indicate that China’s embodied CO 2 in imports and exports is imbalanced in three dimensions: product, region, and industry. One direct cause of this phenomenon is China’s higher carbon emission factors compared to its trading partner. However, the real cause is the global relocation of energy-intensive industries, which leads China to undertake the production of high-carbon industries. To achieve the 3060 Dual Carbon Goal and high-quality economic development, China needs comprehensive and systematic reforms in its economic structure.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhiheng Chen & Yaru Tan, 2022. "The Imbalance of Embodied CO 2 in China’s Imports, Exports and Its Causes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-17, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:11:p:6460-:d:823812
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    References listed on IDEAS

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