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China exported $2.3 trillion worth of products to 209 trading partners in 2015, according to the World Bank, up from $1.9 trillion just four years earlier.
As the government works to establish more consumer-led growth, this robust export engine is providing valuable support to an economy still expanding at 6.9%.
![china1 chart](https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/580e3919c524021c008b67ea-2400/china1-chart.png)
Source: World Bank, World Integrated Trade Solution, as of 2015
Why the export boom is likely to continue
There are two key reasons China's export boom can be sustained: scale and investment.
China's exports are dominated by manufactured products, which accounted for 94% of all exports in 2015, according to the World Trade Organization. Office machines, telecommunications equipment, clothing, and textiles are the country's top exports.
The sheer scale of the manufacturing sector required to fulfill this demand would be incredibly difficult and costly for competitors to replicate in a short period of time. This affords the country a big competitive advantage.
In addition to this scale and strong demand for Chinese products, the country's manufacturing sector also benefits from significant funding.
China is one of the largest recipients of foreign direct investment in the world, according to the World Trade Organization, receiving US$120 billion in 2014. And the manufacturing sector accounted for 33% of this total.
The advantages of massive scale, strong international demand, and this continued foreign investment are what underpin China's export strength - and are likely to do so for some time yet.
Investors attracted to a robust trade story might consider taking a closer look at this major global player.
If you're looking to access the Chinese market, consider the iShares MSCI China ETF (MCHI), or broaden your search to other countries.
EXPLORE: Research other countries in the Worldviews series.
MORE: How China's economy is rapidly rebalancing toward services
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