Products Imported from China to Bhutan

In the calendar year of 2023, China exported goods worth US$165 million to Bhutan. Among the main exports from China to Bhutan were Computers (US$138 million), Broadcasting Equipment (US$6.06 million), Cars (US$1.71 million), Telephones (US$1.36 million) and Insulated Wire (US$1.00 million). Over the span of 28 years, China’s exports to Bhutan have grown steadily at an annualized rate of 28.3%, rising from US$199,000 in 1995 to US$165 million in 2023.

List of All Products That Were Imported from China to Bhutan

The table below presents a comprehensive list of all commodities that were exported from China to Bhutan in 2023, categorized by product types, and ranked by their trade values in US dollars.

Tips to use this table

1. Identifying High-Demand Products: Analyze the top-ranked products to identify which items have the highest trade values. These products are likely to be in high demand in the Bhutan market, presenting lucrative opportunities for importers and resellers.
2. Niche Market Exploration: Explore products with significant trade values that may not be commonly known. These niche products could represent untapped market segments with less competition, allowing resellers and importers to carve out a unique position in the market.

Last Updated: April, 2024

Note #1: The HS4 code, or Harmonized System 4-digit code, is part of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS). It’s an internationally standardized system for classifying goods in international trade.

Note #2: This table is regularly updated on an annual basis. Therefore, we encourage you to revisit frequently to access the latest information regarding trade between China and Bhutan.

Trade Agreements between China and Bhutan

China and Bhutan do not have formal diplomatic relations, and consequently, their interaction, particularly in terms of formal trade agreements, is minimal. Bhutan has maintained a cautious approach to its relations with China, primarily due to historical border disputes and its strong diplomatic and military ties with India.

Despite the lack of official diplomatic ties, here are some relevant points regarding the economic and informal interactions between the two countries:

1. Border Trade – While not formalized through trade agreements, there is limited border trade between Bhutan and China, particularly through the border towns. This trade is small-scale and largely informal, consisting mainly of the exchange of local goods such as agricultural products.
2. Border Talks – China and Bhutan have engaged in multiple rounds of border talks over the years, aiming to resolve ongoing territorial disputes. While these discussions are not trade agreements per se, they are crucial for maintaining peace and stability, which indirectly affects economic interactions between the two nations.
3. Regional Cooperation – Bhutan and China are both part of broader regional organizations and initiatives where they participate indirectly, such as through the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and initiatives led by larger nations that include China. These platforms sometimes facilitate economic discussions that could affect bilateral relations, albeit indirectly.
4. Economic Impact through India – Bhutan’s economy and foreign relations are heavily influenced by India, including its economic policies towards China. Any significant economic agreements between India and China, such as trade agreements or economic corridors, could indirectly impact Bhutan, particularly through trade routes and regional economic strategies.
5. Tourism and Cultural Exchange – Informal cultural exchange through tourism and the promotion of Buddhist heritage sites could be seen as indirect forms of interaction between the peoples of China and Bhutan. However, these interactions are not governed by formal agreements.

While there are no official trade agreements between China and Bhutan, their interactions are shaped by broader geopolitical dynamics and regional engagements, which have implications for indirect economic and cultural exchanges.