China's exports climb value chain, feeding into US trade tensions

Machinery and components overtake consumer goods, Japan report finds

20190312N China machine factory

A production line for robotic arms in China. The world's factory now exports high-value-added products like machinery and parts essential for manufacturing in other nations, rather than toys. © Reuters

YUI NAKAMURA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- China has transitioned into an export base for high-value-added products such as manufacturing equipment and components, Japan's Cabinet Office said in a report Tuesday, a trend that could impact production worldwide in light of the trade war.

Known as the world's factory, China has traditionally imported value-added parts to produce consumer goods for export. But the country's manufacturers have gradually acquired the technology to produce intermediary and capital goods at home.

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