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Creative Industries of China: Tendencies and Structural Transformation in Production and Trade

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  • Chengpei Zhang

Abstract

This study analyzes the development and structural transformation of China's cultural industries from 2004 to 2023. Although China has become the world's largest exporter of cultural products, with a total trade volume of US$166.36 billion and a sustained trade surplus, structural contradictions persist within the industry. The study found that China's cultural industry exhibits a "strong manufacturing sector and weak content" dynamic, with core content products such as publications accounting for only 3.1% of total exports and experiencing a persistent trade deficit. The Belt and Road Initiative provides a crucial path to reducing reliance on developed countries' markets. China urgently needs to transform its industry from a scaledriven, manufacturing-dependent model to one centered on content innovation and quality to achieve sustainable growth. This study offers valuable insights for emerging economies seeking to address the structural challenges of cultural trade through regional cooperation.

Suggested Citation

  • Chengpei Zhang, 2025. "Creative Industries of China: Tendencies and Structural Transformation in Production and Trade," International Trade and Trade Policy, ФГБОУ ВО "Ð Ð¾Ñ Ñ Ð¸Ð¹Ñ ÐºÐ¸Ð¹ Ñ ÐºÐ¾Ð½Ð¾Ð¼Ð¸Ñ‡ÐµÑ ÐºÐ¸Ð¹ ÑƒÐ½Ð¸Ð²ÐµÑ€Ñ Ð¸Ñ‚ÐµÑ‚ им. Г.Ð’. Плеханова", vol. 11(4).
    • Handle: RePEc:acl:journl:y:2025:id:832
    DOI: 10.21686/2410-7395-2025-4-28-43
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    References listed on IDEAS

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