Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Invest in China in 2022 (2024)

Posted by China Briefing Written by Alexander Chipman Koty Reading Time: 4 minutes

China continues to offer huge market growth potential, has a skilled labor pool and unparalleled infrastructure, and is investing in its capabilities as a manufacturing base for industries of the future. Investing in China is not always easy, but there is no other country that can replace it. Companies that ignore the market risk falling behind their competitors.

Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Invest in China in 2022 (1)

Foreign investors in China have faced numerous challenges in recent years. From the trade war with the US to unpredictable crackdowns on the tech and education sectors to pandemic-related disruptions, doing business in China presents unique hurdles not found in many other countries.

Yet despite these challenges, China remains an essential market for many international businesses. China is the world’s second largest economy, is an essential manufacturing and consumption market, and is more and more innovative in its business models.

3 reasons to invest in China

Investing in China is not always easy, but there is no other country that can replace it. Companies that ignore the market risk falling behind their competitors.

Here, we look at three reasons why foreign companies should continue to invest in China in 2022.

1. Market size and growth potential

Although China’s economic growth rate is slowing after years of breakneck expansion, the size of its economy dwarfs almost all others, be they developed or developing. Simply put, foreign companies cannot afford to ignore the world’s second largest economy.

In 2021, China’s GDP grew by 8.1 percent to reach US$18 trillion. With this growth, China’s economy surpassed that of the entire 27-country European Union, which stood at US$15.73 trillion.

Already the world’s second largest national economy, China’s economy is not done growing either.

With a population of 1.4 billion, China’s GDP per capita was US$12,551 in 2021, about six times lower than that of the US. While China is not guaranteed to eventually achieve GDP per capita on par with the US, the gap shows that there is still significant room for economic activity and household wealth to continue to grow before leveling off at a saturation point.

The British Consultancy Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) projects China’s economy to continue growing at 5.7 percent per year through 2025 and then 4.7 percent to 2030, at which point it will surpass the US to become the world’s largest economy. Although these growth rates are slower than in the past, they come from a higher base and reflect China’s transition towards becoming a high-income country.

2. Human resources and infrastructure

China continues to offer a unique and irreplaceable environment for manufacturing, with its vast labor pool, high quality infrastructure, and other advantages. While much has been made of rising labor costs in China, these costs are often offset by factors such as worker productivity, reliable logistics, and ease of in-country sourcing.

For example, in 2020, the average hourly cost for labor in the manufacturing sector was US$6.50 in China, compared to US$4.82 in Mexico and US$2.99 in Vietnam, two popular alternatives for manufacturing. However, while Vietnam’s labor costs in manufacturing are less than half of China’s, Vietnam’s productivity per worker is about one-third of productivity levels in China.

Workers in China’s manufacturing sector tend to be more experienced, more educated, and better resourced than in competing countries, often making China a more cost-efficient option despite slightly higher wages.

The breadth of China’s labor pool means that the country’s human resources are highly adaptable to business needs, as companies will be able to find workers and technical specialists experienced in a wide variety of fields.

Further, China’s labor market is becoming an asset not just for its size and cost efficiency, but for the quality of education. For instance, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings had 10 Chinese universities in its 2022 top 200 list – the most ever – including two in the top 20.

Overall, China was the fourth most represented country in the complete rankings, with 97 universities, behind only the US, Japan, and the UK. The improving quality of China’s universities is reflective of the next generation of Chinese workers that is more educated and competitive than previous ones.

3. Innovation and emerging industries

Once known as an economy rife with copycats and counterfeits, China-based businesses are advancing to the leading edge of innovation and experimental business models.

Companies that do not pay attention to China will not just miss out on the market, but also the country’s increasingly dynamic innovation that is beginning to influence trends worldwide.

China’s spending on research and development is equivalent to about 2.5 percent of GDP, which is far higher than other countries at similar levels of development. This spending has contributed to the growth of dynamic and innovative business models in areas like e-commerce, fintech, and artificial intelligence that are competitive with – or even lead – advanced economies like the US.

One unique advantage for data-fueled innovation in China is the size of its internet-using population. China has close to a billion internet users, which is more than the US and EU combined. About 800 million people in China use mobile payments on a daily basis – over eight times more than the US – leading to a world-leading fintech industry.

China’s tech ambitions are no longer limited to the domestic market either. For example, TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company Bytedance, now has one billion monthly users, even though the platform is not available in China itself. This makes it the world’s sixth most used social media platform, far ahead of more established platforms like Snapchat (557 million), Pinterest (444 million), and Twitter (436 million).

As the case of TikTok shows, trends that began in China are beginning to influence trends worldwide. Consequently, it is becoming more important to learn from the Chinese market to inform business models and strategies for global audiences.

Beyond opening an enormous market, investing in China positions international companies to gain experience with innovative products that can make them more innovative and competitive in their home countries.

About Us

China Briefing is written and produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The practice assists foreign investors into China and has done so since 1992 through offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Please contact the firm for assistance in China at china@dezshira.com.

Dezan Shira & Associates has offices in Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, United States, Germany, Italy, India, and Russia, in addition to our trade research facilities along the Belt & Road Initiative. We also have partner firms assisting foreign investors in The Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh.

Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Invest in China in 2022 (2024)

FAQs

Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Invest in China in 2022? ›

China continues to offer huge market growth potential, has a skilled labor pool and unparalleled infrastructure, and is investing in its capabilities as a manufacturing base for industries of the future.

Is 2022 a good time for investing China? ›

Although economic data may remain volatile for the next quarter or two, China is likely to be one of the very few major economies where growth could accelerate in 2023, enjoying a reopening recovery like much of the rest of the world had in 2022.

Why should we invest in China? ›



China is still one of the largest economies worldwide and is home to the world's largest consumer market. Taking into account the size of the population ad the spending power, its existing regulations and policies on foreign investments are still more attractive compared to alternative emerging markets.

Why China is attractive for investors? ›

After all, roads, highways, and bridges are essential for employee commutes and the transportation of goods. China also boasts a strong workforce, both in terms of numbers and aptitudes. Advances in these areas dramatically lower transaction costs and increase profits, letting investors earn robust returns.

What are the benefits of foreign investment in China? ›

FDI has contributed to higher investment and productivity growth, and has created jobs and a dynamic export sector. China's success, however, did not come without some pitfalls: an increasingly complex tax incentive system and growing regional income disparities.

Is it good to invest in China now? ›

Invest in China as consumer spending rebounds

Asset managers believe that one of the reasons to invest in China now is because the country has witnessed a steady revival in consumer spending in 2023 so far.

Why invest in China 2023? ›

China's economic growth in 2023 will be led by several key industries that are forecast to flourish due to the lifting of COVID restrictions, as well as government support and incentives. These include tourism, new energy vehicles, online shopping, software development, and healthcare.

What are the positives of trade with China? ›

While expanding foreign trade can disrupt US employment, trade with China also creates and supports a significant number of American jobs. Exports to China support over 1 million US jobs, and Chinese companies invested in the United States employ over 160,000 workers. It helps US companies compete globally.

What are the advantages of Chinese market? ›

Low corporate tax: Corporate tax in China is typically 25%, which is more than corporate tax in the UK, but much less than corporate tax in India, Mexico or Brazil. Easy port access: A large number of world-class seaports make Chinese products easy to export.

Why is China so important? ›

China's growing economy is also an important source of global demand. Its economic rebalancing will create new opportunities for manufacturing exporters, though it may reduce demand for commodities over the medium-term. China is a growing influence on other developing economies through trade, investment, and ideas.

Why is China the best place to start a business? ›

China is one of the most important emerging markets in the world and one that offers many business opportunities for foreign investors. Its fast growing economy and low labor costs are just two of the reasons to consider starting a business in China.

Who invests the most in China? ›

Among them, Germany stands out as the top investor by far, making up 43% of the total, on average, over the past four years, compared to 34% in the previous 10 years.

What makes China such an attractive market for companies? ›

The shift from the traditional low-wage, labor-intensive manufacturing economy towards more technology-intensive high value-added production has fostered a burgeoning middle class in China that has generated consumer demand for a broad range of products.

What are the positive effects of foreign investment? ›

Economic growth

FDI boosts the manufacturing and services sector which results in the creation of jobs and helps to reduce unemployment rates in the country. Increased employment translates to higher incomes and equips the population with more buying powers, boosting the overall economy of a country.

What are the three benefits of foreign trade? ›

Beyond the modern conveniences of technology and the delicious food and drink imported from around the world, international trade creates job opportunities, contributes positively to the economy, offers multiple paths for companies to grow, and even helps to improve relationships between countries.

Which country has China invested most in? ›

The United States is the top destination in the world for Chinese FDI, drawing in $183.2 billion, or 15 percent of China's total outflows, between 2005 and 2019.

Who owns TikTok? ›

TikTok, which has over 150 million American users, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chinese technology firm ByteDance Ltd., which appoints its executives. ByteDance is based in Beijing but registered in the Cayman Islands, as is common for privately owned Chinese companies.

Is China a growing market? ›

In its World Economic Outlook released last week, the International Monetary Fund said China is “rebounding strongly” following the reopening of its economy. The country's GDP will grow 5.2% this year and 5.1% in 2024, it predicted.

Is China doing well financially? ›

China's economy is set to rebound this year as mobility and activity pick up after the lifting of pandemic restrictions, providing a boost to the global economy.

Why is China booming? ›

Driven by industrial production and manufacturing exports, China's GDP is actually now the largest in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP) equivalence. Despite this growth, China's economy remains strictly controlled by its government where there are accusations of corruption, unfair dealings, and falsified data.

Why is 2025 important to China? ›

“Made in China 2025” is a strategic plan that was initiated in 2015 to reduce China's dependence on foreign technology and promote Chinese technological manufacturers in the global marketplace. The goal is to reach this objective by the year 2025, a decade from the year when the plan first took root.

Why is China trying to keep the value of its currency from rising? ›

The Chinese yuan has had a currency peg since 1994. The effect of the peg and the low currency is that Chinese exports are cheaper and, therefore, more attractive compared to those of other nations. By exporting more goods, China's economy thrives.

What is the biggest advantage of China in the world? ›

China ranks first in terms of trade in goods and foreign exchange reserves, and ranks second in terms of its trade in services and consumer market. In 2020, it was the largest recipient of foreign direct investment.

What does the US need from China? ›

In 2021, of $506.4 billion in the U.S. imports from China, the top commodity sectors were Machinery and Mechanical Appliances (47.7% of total U.S. imports from China), Furniture, Bedding, Lamps, Toys, Games, Sport Equipment, Paint, and Other Miscellaneous Manufactured Items (13.5%), and Chemicals, Plastics, Rubber, and ...

How much does the US depend on China? ›

China is currently our largest goods trading partner with $559.2 billion in total (two way) goods trade during 2020. Goods exports totaled $124.5 billion; goods imports totaled $434.7 billion. The U.S. goods trade deficit with China was $310.3 billion in 2020.

What are the pros and cons in China? ›

Pros And Cons of Living in China – Summary Table
Pros of Living in ChinaCons of Living in China
1. The Food Is Delicious1. There Are Different Food And Hygiene Practices
2. Salaries Are Comparable To Living Costs2. Workloads Are Tough
3. There Are Many Job Opportunities3. Surveillance Is High
5 more rows

What is the best thing about China? ›

Chinese people invented paper, printing, the compass, and gunpowder. The Four Great Inventions have made important contributions to human civilization. Besides the four great inventions, Chinese people also invented many other things, such as Chinese football (cuju 蹴鞠), kites, silk, and porcelain.

What is China famous for in business? ›

The largest Chinese companies have market interests in construction, oil production, insurance, banking, and technology.

What is the most successful business in China? ›

The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China was both China and the world's largest company by assets in 2021, with over US$5.5 trillion in total assets.
...
2022 Fortune Global 500 List.
NameChina Life Insurance Company
Profit (US$ Million)3,087.1
Assets (US$ Million)903,089.7
Employees182,646
IndustryInsurance
24 more columns

Which business is booming in China? ›

Internet Services in China

Revenue for the Internet Services industry is expected to grow at a rapid 15.1% in 2022, to reach $1.0 trillion. Industry revenue is expected to grow at an annualized 20.9% over the five years through 2022, driven by booming domestic demand.

Who owes China the most money? ›

At the end of 2021, of the 98 countries for whom data was available, Pakistan ($27.4 billion of external debt to China), Angola (22.0 billion), Ethiopia (7.4 billion), Kenya (7.4 billion) and Sri Lanka (7.2 billion) held the biggest debts to China.

What US companies invest in China? ›

Investment firms including Blackstone, KKR, Sequoia, Carlyle Group, Bain Capital, Silver Lake, General Atlantic and Warburg Pincus all have notable exposure to China.

What does China make the most money from? ›

Manufacturing, services and agriculture are the largest sectors of the Chinese economy – employing the majority of the population and making the largest contributions to GDP. Since 1949, the Chinese Government has been responsible for planning and managing the national economy.

Why China is the best supplier? ›

The infrastructure in China is well established and robust. Most Chinese manufacturers also have years of experience and in-depth knowledge of global supply chain management. Both these factors allow them to scale-up manufacturing as and when required.

What companies rely on China the most? ›

Top 10 S&P 500 Companies With the Highest Revenue Exposure in China
CompanyIndustryRevenue share from China
Wynn ResortsCasino70%
Las Vegas SandsCasino63%
QualcommSemiconductor60%
Texas InstrumentsSemiconductor55%
6 more rows
Jan 17, 2023

Why is China essential for international business? ›

China is a major hub for world trade. Given its huge land mass, population, a large growing economy, and strategic ports, it lends itself freely to huge International trade. The top Chinese imports from the world are electronic equipment, oil, machinery, mined raw material, and medical and scientific equipment.

What makes a country attractive to foreign investors? ›

How do foreign governments encourage foreign investment? Foreign governments encourage international investments by the political stability of a country. A business's prosperity is based on a government's favourable legislation and political goodwill.

What are the two positive effects of foreign trade? ›

International trade allows countries to expand their markets and access goods and services that otherwise may not have been available domestically. As a result of international trade, the market is more competitive. This ultimately results in more competitive pricing and brings a cheaper product home to the consumer.

What is the main purpose of foreign investment? ›

Foreign Investment Explained

Foreign investment refers to investment from another country. Since it comes from cross-border, more rules and regulations are required. It is beneficial for developing countries because it helps build infrastructure, create employment, share knowledge, and increase purchasing power.

What are the 5 reasons for international trade? ›

The five main reasons international trade takes place are differences in technology, differences in resource endowments, differences in demand, the presence of economies of scale, and the presence of government policies. Each model of trade generally includes just one motivation for trade.

What is the greatest benefit from international trade? ›

A significant advantage of international trade is market diversification. Focusing only on the domestic market may expose you to increased risk from economic downturns, political factors, environmental events, and other factors.

Why do people invest in China? ›

China continues to offer huge market growth potential, has a skilled labor pool and unparalleled infrastructure, and is investing in its capabilities as a manufacturing base for industries of the future. Investing in China is not always easy, but there is no other country that can replace it.

Who is richer between USA and China? ›

The U.S. makes up 23.93% of the total global economy, says Investopedia. The World Bank Group lists China as the second richest country in the world as of 2021, possessing a GDP of $17.734 trillion along with a GDP per capita of $12,556.3. China makes up 18.45% of the total global economy.

What will China interest rate be in 2022? ›

Interest Rate in China averaged 4.38 percent from 2013 until 2023, reaching an all time high of 5.77 percent in April of 2014 and a record low of 3.65 percent in August of 2022.

Will China market recover in 2023? ›

China Earnings Expected to Rebound in 2023 as U.S. and Global Earnings Slow. As of November 23, 2022. 2022 and 2023 values are consensus forecasts. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Is 2022 a good year to start investing? ›

If you have a strategy, an emergency fund, and money to spare that you can invest for several years, then 2022 may be the perfect time to begin investing and building wealth.

Is 2022 a good year to invest in stocks? ›

Investors shouldn't let the bears scare them out of taking advantage of selloffs, but they also shouldn't chase gains when there's a lot of market strength. In the end, 2022 could be an OK year for the market return overall, just not as strong as what we've seen in the last few years.

How much debt is China in 2022 in dollars? ›

Key information about China National Government Debt

China National Government Debt reached 3,750.7 USD bn in Dec 2022, compared with 3,651.5 USD bn in the previous year. China National Government Debt data is updated yearly, available from Dec 2005 to Dec 2022.

What is the interest rate in China compared to the US? ›

Economists generally expect US interest rates to rise to between 3.5 and 3.75 per cent, up from the current range of 2.25 to 2.5 per cent. China's benchmark rate currently stands at 3.65 per cent.

Are Chinese interest rates rising? ›

First, the PBOC not only raised two of its interest rates--the one-year lending rate from 5.31% to 5.58% and the one-year deposit rate from 1.98% to 2.25%, both increases of 0.27%--it also, as reported by the Economist.com, eliminated the cap on the rate that all banks could charge on loans.

What will China be like in 2030? ›

China's GDP should grow 5.7% per year through 2025 and then 4.7% annually until 2030, British consultancy Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) forecasts. Its forecast says that China, now the world's second-largest economy, would overtake the No. 1-ranked U.S. economy by 2030.

What is the market prediction for China? ›

Economic Outlook Note - China

Economic growth will slow to 3.3% in 2022 and rebound to 4.6% in 2023 and 4.1% in 2024.

What is the prediction for China's economy? ›

China's economy grew 4.5% in the first quarter of 2023, beating expectations. Analysts at JPMorgan and Citi raised their full-year forecasts for China's economy after it delivered an impressive first-quarter gross domestic product growth of 4.5% on Tuesday.

Where is best to invest in 2022? ›

That's why we've rounded up the best type of investments for 2022 to help you protect your financial future.
  1. High-yield savings accounts. MORE FROMFORBES ADVISOR. ...
  2. Certificates of Deposit (CDs) ...
  3. I-Bonds. ...
  4. Index funds. ...
  5. Other Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) ...
  6. Dividend stocks. ...
  7. Alternative investments and cryptocurrencies.
Feb 9, 2022

What not to invest in 2022? ›

What the experts say investors would be best off avoiding in 2022
  • Cryptocurrency. ...
  • Long-term bonds. ...
  • Growth stocks at any price. ...
  • Emotional decision-making. ...
  • Technology stocks. ...
  • Emerging market stocks.
Dec 22, 2021

What is the next thing to invest in 2022? ›

Going into 2022, among the key market sectors to watch are oil, gold, autos, services, and housing. Other key areas of concern include tapering, interest rates, inflation, payment for order flow (PFOF), and antitrust.

What to invest in right now? ›

12 best investments right now
  • High-yield savings accounts.
  • Certificates of deposit (CDs)
  • Money market funds.
  • Government bonds.
  • Corporate bonds.
  • Mutual funds.
  • Index funds.
  • Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
May 4, 2023

Is Tesla a buy or sell? ›

Tesla's market capitalization is $532.95 B by 3.17 B shares outstanding. Is Tesla stock a Buy, Sell or Hold? Tesla stock has received a consensus rating of buy. The average rating score is and is based on 62 buy ratings, 26 hold ratings, and 5 sell ratings.

What are the 10 best stocks to buy right now? ›

10 Best Stocks to Buy Now—May 2023
  • U.S. Bancorp USB.
  • Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing TSM.
  • GSK PLC GSK.
  • Wells Fargo WFC.
  • Roche Holding RHHBY.
  • Comcast CMCSA.
  • International Flavors & Fragrances IFF.
  • Anheuser-Busch InBev BUD.
May 1, 2023

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