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Topic 02 of 18 · Country Index 2026
China: Economy & Innovation
What does an economy do for the people inside it?
China is placed joint 46th of 176 countries on economy & innovation in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics. Readings behind it: GDP per Capita (PPP) 25,067 (2025); Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit 29.49 (2025).
Share
Economy & Innovation
joint46th
of 176 countries placed
Placed from 4 of 4 key statistics
- 25,067GDP per Capita (PPP), 2025GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
- 29.49Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit, 2025Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
- 1.271Economic Complexity Index, 2024ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
- 89.38Account Ownership at a Financial Institution, 2024Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
01The evidence
The 4 key statistics that decide it
Only these place China on economy & innovation — one vote each. Every value is the publisher’s own, read at the edition the Country Index 2026 used — or, for a survey-based key, each country’s latest reading; the grey ticks are every other country it was compared with, lowest on the left.
25,067
GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Higher is better
China: 25,067. Across the 185 countries in this edition, values run from 1,067 (Burundi) to 139,593 (Singapore); the world median is 17,265.
- World median
- 17,265
- Best in Eastern Asia
- 117,098 Macau
- Land neighbours
- Bhutan 16,744 · Hong Kong 68,725 · India 10,039 · Kazakhstan 37,851 · Kyrgyzstan 7,878 · Laos 8,873 · Macau 117,098 · Myanmar 5,137 · Mongolia 17,773 · Nepal 5,277 · Pakistan 5,617 · Russia 42,358 · Tajikistan 5,062 · Vietnam 15,457
Key 2 of 4
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit
World Bank Group
Latest reading per country, 2016–2025 · China’s is from 2024 · CC BY 4.0
29.49
Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
Higher is better
China: 29.49. Across the 179 countries at their latest reading, values run from 2.113 (Pakistan) to 88.52 (Israel); the world median is 35.95.
- World median
- 35.95
- Best in Eastern Asia
- 83.21 Japan
- Land neighbours
- Afghanistan 21.54 · Bhutan 44.34 · Hong Kong 14.93 · India 21.46 · Kazakhstan 23.86 · Kyrgyzstan 21.47 · Laos 21.77 · Myanmar 11.33 · Mongolia 52.3 · Nepal 57.85 · Pakistan 2.113 · Russia 33.47 · Tajikistan 14.7 · Vietnam 40.52
Key 3 of 4
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
2024 edition · data for 2024 · CC0 1.0
1.271
ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Higher is better
Ranked 10th of 145 by Growth Lab at Harvard University
China: 1.271. Across the 145 countries in this edition, values run from -3.53 (Chad) to 1.729 (Japan); the world median is 0.131.
- World median
- 0.131
- Best in Eastern Asia
- 1.729 Japan
- Land neighbours
- Afghanistan -0.818 · Hong Kong 1.162 · India 0.705 · Kazakhstan 0.363 · Kyrgyzstan 0.212 · Laos -0.703 · Myanmar -0.943 · Mongolia -1.568 · Nepal -0.102 · Pakistan -0.233 · Russia 0.243 · Tajikistan -1.399 · Vietnam 0.672
Key 4 of 4
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution
World Bank Group
2024 edition · data for 2024 · CC BY 4.0
89.38
Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Higher is better
China: 89.38. Across the 139 countries in this edition, values run from 14.83 (Niger) to 99.85 (Iceland); the world median is 72.83.
- World median
- 72.83
- Best in Eastern Asia
- 98.52 Japan
- Land neighbours
- Hong Kong 97.31 · India 89.02 · Kazakhstan 87.05 · Kyrgyzstan 72.26 · Laos 37.65 · Mongolia 98.28 · Nepal 59.99 · Pakistan 27.3 · Russia 79.34 · Tajikistan 54.52 · Vietnam 70.55
02Over time
Which way China is moving
Each key’s published value, edition by edition, beside the world median. The Country Index 2026 is the first edition of the standing, so the standing itself has no history to chart yet.
GDP per Capita (PPP)
GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP) · higher is better
ChinaWorld median
China rose from 4,066 in 2000 to 25,067 in 2025; the world median went from 10,589 to 17,265.
Every year’s figures
Year China World median 2025 25,067 17,265 2024 23,841 18,108 2023 22,687 17,686 2022 21,499 16,933 2021 20,843 16,260 2020 19,215 15,631 2019 18,821 16,761 2018 17,807 16,349 2017 16,758 16,129 2016 15,773 15,512 2015 14,857 14,857 2014 13,969 14,475 2013 13,081 14,681 2012 12,218 14,631 2011 11,405 13,916 2010 10,476 14,101 2009 9,519 13,655 2008 8,744 14,030 2007 8,014 13,755 2006 7,057 12,983 2005 6,298 12,023 2004 5,684 11,608 2003 5,192 11,183 2002 4,744 11,144 2001 4,372 10,907 2000 4,066 10,589 Economic Complexity Index
ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3) · higher is better
ChinaWorld median
China rose from 0.789 in 2000 to 1.271 in 2024; the world median went from 0.016 to 0.131.
Every year’s figures
Year China World median 2024 1.271 0.1310 2023 1.348 0.0710 2022 1.361 0.0580 2021 1.384 0.0010 2020 1.341 0.0470 2019 1.301 0.0300 2018 1.311 -0.0150 2017 1.295 0.0080 2016 1.294 -0.0660 2015 1.285 -0.0600 2014 1.261 -0.0190 2013 1.209 0.0140 2012 1.210 0.0060 2011 1.176 -0.0140 2010 1.150 -0.0020 2009 1.096 0.0990 2008 1.101 0.0700 2007 1.051 -0.0080 2006 0.983 0.0740 2005 0.955 0.0510 2004 0.931 0.0505 2003 0.877 0.0450 2002 0.847 0.0100 2001 0.823 0.0470 2000 0.789 0.0160 Account Ownership at a Financial Institution
Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+) · higher is better
ChinaWorld median
China rose from 63.82 in 2011 to 89.38 in 2024; the world median went from 37.03 to 72.83.
Every year’s figures
Year China World median 2024 89.4 73 2021 88.7 74 2017 79.5 59 2014 79.0 52 2011 63.8 37
03In context
China beside its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place among all 176 countries on economy & innovation, never a place within the region.
China and the countries it borders
Standing among all 176; the key columns are the publishers’ own values.
| Country | Standing | GDP per Capita (PPP)GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP) | Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of CreditFirms with a bank loan or line of credit (%) | Economic Complexity IndexECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3) | Account Ownership at a Financial InstitutionAdults with an account (% of population aged 15+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Hong Kong | 37th | 68,725 | 14.93 | 1.162 | 97.31 |
| China | =46th | 25,067 | 29.49 | 1.271 | 89.38 |
 Kazakhstan | 65th | 37,851 | 23.86 | 0.363 | 87.05 |
 Russiacompare | 66th | 42,358 | 33.47 | 0.243 | 79.34 |
 Bhutan | 68th | 16,744 | 44.34 | — | — |
 Mongolia | 70th | 17,773 | 52.3 | -1.568 | 98.28 |
 Vietnam | =73rd | 15,457 | 40.52 | 0.672 | 70.55 |
 Indiacompare | 86th | 10,039 | 21.46 | 0.705 | 89.02 |
 Nepal | 97th | 5,277 | 57.85 | -0.102 | 59.99 |
 Kyrgyzstan | 106th | 7,878 | 21.47 | 0.212 | 72.26 |
 Afghanistan | 131st | — | 21.54 | -0.818 | — |
 Laos | =138th | 8,873 | 21.77 | -0.703 | 37.65 |
 Tajikistan | 154th | 5,062 | 14.7 | -1.399 | 54.52 |
 Myanmar | 155th | 5,137 | 11.33 | -0.943 | — |
 Pakistancompare | 159th | 5,617 | 2.113 | -0.233 | 27.3 |
 Macau | not placed | 117,098 | — | — | — |
 North Korea | not placed | — | — | — | — |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across Eastern Asia
Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 176.
Placed either side on economy & innovation
The countries immediately above and below China in the topic’s list.
04Context, no vote
Where China is ahead of the world, and behind
58 more statistics filed under economy & innovation, published in full and deliberately given no vote in the standing. Select a row for the publisher, the rank and the links.
Ahead of the world median28
Statistics on which China does better than the middle country measured.
Liner Shipping Connectivity IndexUNCTAD · 2026 · world median 56.211,31956.21No real change since 2016
China: 1,319 · world median 56.21 · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 4.13 to 1,319; higher is better.
Ranked 1st of 175 by UNCTAD.
Informal Output (DGE Model Estimate)World Bank Group (Prospects Group) · 2020 · world median 27.58.01927.5No real change since 2010
China: 8.019 · world median 27.5 · Informal output, model estimate (% of official GDP). World Bank Group (Prospects Group), 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 7.91 to 60.43; lower is better.
Government AI Readiness IndexOxford Insights · 2025 · world median 40.1976.2740.19▲ Improved since 2020
China: 76.27 · world median 40.19 · AI readiness score (0–100). Oxford Insights, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 12.12 to 88.36; higher is better.
Ranked 8th of 195 by Oxford Insights.
ICT Goods ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 0.97521.320.975▼ Worsened since 2014
China: 21.32 · world median 0.975 · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 61.45; higher is better.
Position 7th of 119 · derived.
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)World Bank Group · 2024 · world median 43.941343.94▲ Improved since 2014
China: 13 · world median 43.94 · External debt stocks (% of GNI). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 2.213 to 350.57; lower is better.
Position 104th of 110 · derived, 1st = worst.
New Business DensityWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 2.18715.592.187No real change since 2014
China: 15.59 · world median 2.187 · New limited liability companies registered per 1,000 people aged 15–64. World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.02 to 26.76; higher is better.
Global Innovation IndexWorld Intellectual Property Organization · 2025 · world median 28.5256.5628.52No real change since 2022
China: 56.56 · world median 28.52 · GII score (0–100). World Intellectual Property Organization, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 11.94 to 65.96; higher is better.
Ranked 10th of 139 by World Intellectual Property Organization.
Firms Competing Against Informal FirmsWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 41.8112.1841.81No earlier reading
China: 12.18 · world median 41.81 · Firms competing against unregistered or informal firms (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 1.926 to 90.5; lower is better.
Position 169th of 181 · derived, 1st = worst.
ICT Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 7.47422.497.474▲ Improved since 2014
China: 22.49 · world median 7.474 · ICT services exports (% of services exports). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 56.25; higher is better.
Position 13th of 118 · derived.
Frontier Technology Readiness IndexUNCTAD · 2023 · world median 0.4850.8390.485No real change since 2013
China: 0.839 · world median 0.485 · Frontier Technology Readiness Index (0–1). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 1; higher is better.
Position 21st of 170 · derived.
Productive Capacities IndexUNCTAD · 2022 · world median 46.6761.5846.67▲ Improved since 2012
China: 61.58 · world median 46.67 · Productive Capacities Index (1–100). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 17.8 to 71.02; higher is better.
Position 28th of 195 · derived.
Logistics Performance IndexWorld Bank Group · 2023 · world median 2.93.72.9No real change since 2014
China: 3.7 · world median 2.9 · LPI score (1–5). World Bank Group, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 1.9 to 4.3; higher is better.
Ranked 19th of 139 by World Bank Group.
Research and Development SpendingUIS · 2023 · world median 0.8142.5770.814No real change since 2013
China: 2.577 · world median 0.814 · Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.006 to 6.346; higher is better.
Position 15th of 84 · derived.
Management Practices IndexWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 52.3960.4352.39No earlier reading
China: 60.43 · world median 52.39 · Management practices index, medium and large firms (0–100). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 28.07 to 69.29; higher is better.
Position 32nd of 169 · derived.
Digitally-Deliverable Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 25.4250.4725.42▼ Worsened since 2014
China: 50.47 · world median 25.42 · Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.377 to 87.15; higher is better.
Position 34th of 170 · derived.
Adjusted Net SavingsWorld Bank Group · 2021 · world median 8.38916.338.389▼ Worsened since 2011
China: 16.33 · world median 8.389 · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI). World Bank Group, 2021 edition, data for 2021.
Published values in that edition run from -81.62 to 32.18; higher is better.
Position 28th of 118 · derived.
Interest Payments on External DebtWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 1.4510.6711.451▲ Improved since 2014
China: 0.671 · world median 1.451 · Interest payments on external debt (% of GNI). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.069 to 17.92; lower is better.
Position 86th of 112 · derived, 1st = worst.
GDP GrowthWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 3.3964.963.396▼ Worsened since 2015
China: 4.96 · world median 3.396 · GDP growth (annual %). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -5.847 to 19.34; higher is better.
Position 47th of 186 · derived.
Debt Service on External DebtWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 12.938.59312.93▼ Worsened since 2014
China: 8.593 · world median 12.93 · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.285 to 96.2; lower is better.
Position 81st of 109 · derived, 1st = worst.
Researchers per Million InhabitantsUIS · 2024 · world median 701.952,107701.95No earlier reading
China: 2,107 · world median 701.95 · Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 1.446 to 18,130; higher is better.
Position 46th of 145 · derived.
Firms with an International Quality CertificationWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 10.416.0410.4No earlier reading
China: 16.04 · world median 10.4 · Firms with an internationally recognised quality certification (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 45.77; higher is better.
Crop Production IndexFAO · 2022 · world median 106.23111.85106.23▲ Improved since 2012
China: 111.85 · world median 106.23 · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 53.79 to 189.93; higher is better.
Position 68th of 195 · derived.
Comprehensive Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 46,48682,71246,486▲ Improved since 2010
China: 82,712 · world median 46,486 · National comprehensive wealth per person (real chained 2019 US$). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 4,276 to 1,246,092; higher is better.
Position 54th of 150 · derived.
Historical GDP per Capita (Maddison)GGDC · 2022 · world median 12,89019,23812,890▲ Improved since 2012
China: 19,238 · world median 12,890 · GDP per capita (2011 international $). Maddison Project, Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 596.39 to 149,171; higher is better.
Position 61st of 166 · derived.
Food Production IndexFAO · 2022 · world median 106.08111.75106.08▲ Improved since 2012
China: 111.75 · world median 106.08 · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 71.08 to 177.49; higher is better.
Position 75th of 195 · derived.
Water-Use EfficiencyFAO · 2023 · world median 16.127.616.1▲ Improved since 2013
China: 27.6 · world median 16.1 · Value added per cubic metre of freshwater withdrawn (constant US$ per m³). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.38 to 1,378; higher is better.
Livestock Production IndexFAO · 2022 · world median 107.06109.5107.06No real change since 2012
China: 109.5 · world median 107.06 · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 35.52 to 190.08; higher is better.
Position 87th of 194 · derived.
World Energy Trilemma IndexWorld Energy Council · 2023 · world median 63.864.463.8No earlier reading
China: 64.4 · world median 63.8 · Trilemma score (0–100). World Energy Council, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 27.7 to 83.2; higher is better.
Ranked 47th of 99 by World Energy Council.
Behind the world median4
Statistics on which China does worse than the middle country measured.
Regulatory QualityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.093-0.111-0.093No real change since 2015
China: -0.111 · world median -0.093 · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -2.106 to 2.113; higher is better.
Position 107th of 209 · derived.
Actual Individual Consumption per Capita (PPP)World Bank Group · 2021 · world median 12,8009,28612,800▲ Improved since 2017
China: 9,286 · world median 12,800 · Actual individual consumption per capita (PPP, current international $). World Bank Group, 2021 edition, data for 2021.
Published values in that edition run from 688.7 to 52,654; higher is better.
Position 102nd of 173 · derived.
Total Factor Productivity LevelGGDC · 2023 · world median 0.6270.4710.627▲ Improved since 2013
China: 0.471 · world median 0.627 · TFP level at current PPPs (USA = 1). Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.052 to 1.192; higher is better.
Gini Index of Disposable Income (SWIID)Frederick Solt, University of Iowa · 2023 · world median 3340.833▼ Worsened since 2013
China: 40.8 · world median 33 · Gini index of disposable household income (0–100), SWIID estimate. Frederick Solt, University of Iowa, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 22.3 to 51.2; lower is better.
Position 17th of 79 · derived, 1st = worst.
No better end26
These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.
Container Port TrafficUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 1,827,788299,703,8001,827,788No real change since 2014
China: 299,703,800 · world median 1,827,788 · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 17,263 to 299,703,800.
Position 1st of 103 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Scholarly ArticlesOurResearch · 2025 · world median 2,2401,094,8902,240No real change since 2022
China: 1,094,890 · world median 2,240 · Articles with at least one author at an institution in the country (full counting). OpenAlex (OurResearch), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1 to 1,094,890.
Merchant Fleet by Country of OwnershipUNCTAD · 2026 · world median 275.73377,047275.73No real change since 2016
China: 377,047 · world median 275.73 · Merchant fleet owned (thousand dead-weight tons). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 397,071.
Gross Savings (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2024 · world median 22.0642.7222.06Moved since 2014
China: 42.72 · world median 22.06 · Gross savings (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from -21.13 to 47.82.
Position 4th of 146 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 11.2624.7311.26Moved since 2015
China: 24.73 · world median 11.26 · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.481 to 43.97.
Position 7th of 132 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Creative Goods ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 1.2356.0811.235Moved since 2014
China: 6.081 · world median 1.235 · Creative goods exports (% of merchandise exports). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 37.23.
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 24.6535.6424.65Moved since 2015
China: 35.64 · world median 24.65 · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 2.228 to 75.09.
Position 25th of 158 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Creative Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 6.17116.166.171Moved since 2014
China: 16.16 · world median 6.171 · Creative services exports (% of services exports). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.002 to 63.91.
Statutory Corporate Income Tax RateOECD · 2026 · world median 242524Moved since 2016
China: 25 · world median 24 · Combined statutory corporate income tax rate, central and sub-central government (%). OECD, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 36.13.
Price Level of Household ConsumptionGGDC · 2023 · world median 0.5230.5610.523No real change since 2013
China: 0.561 · world median 0.523 · Price level of household consumption (US output price level in 2021 = 1). Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.177 to 65.54.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 6.5726.6596.572Moved since 2015
China: 6.659 · world median 6.572 · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.025 to 47.59.
Position 79th of 158 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2021 · world median 1.7081.7081.708Moved since 2011
China: 1.708 · world median 1.708 · Natural resources rents (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2021 edition, data for 2021.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 61.03.
Position 99th of 180 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Statutory Minimum WageILO · 2024 · world median 657.95543.54657.95Moved since 2014
China: 543.54 · world median 657.95 · Statutory minimum wage per month (2021 PPP $). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 4.038 to 3,804.
Tax Revenue (% of GDP)OECD · 2024 · world median 21.8519.5121.85No real change since 2014
China: 19.51 · world median 21.85 · Total tax revenue, all levels of government (% of GDP). OECD, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 3.11 to 45.18.
Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All ProductsWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 3.662.183.66Moved since 2014
China: 2.18 · world median 3.66 · Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%). World Bank Group, 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 29.52.
Complexity Outlook IndexGrowth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · world median -0.225-0.656-0.225Moved since 2014
China: -0.656 · world median -0.225 · Complexity Outlook Index (standardised; roughly −2.5 to +3). Growth Lab at Harvard University, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from -1.682 to 2.878.
Foreign Value Added Share of Gross ExportsOECD · 2022 · world median 27.4116.9927.41Moved since 2012
China: 16.99 · world median 27.41 · Foreign value added (% of gross exports). OECD, 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 4.491 to 66.08.
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 36.3421.0736.34Moved since 2015
China: 21.07 · world median 36.34 · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1.103 to 199.76.
Position 110th of 138 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Foreign Direct Investment InflowsUNCTAD · 2025 · world median 1.9680.5371.968Moved since 2015
China: 0.537 · world median 1.968 · FDI inflows (% of GDP). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -32.97 to 2,221.
Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2025 · world median 9.6022.6039.602Moved since 2015
China: 2.603 · world median 9.602 · Services exports (% of GDP). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.085 to 166.21.
Trade (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 79.6837.9679.68Moved since 2015
China: 37.96 · world median 79.68 · Exports plus imports (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 2.382 to 396.65.
Position 122nd of 138 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Terms of Trade IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · world median 103.2382.52103.23Moved since 2015
China: 82.52 · world median 103.23 · Terms of trade index (2015 = 100). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 38.2 to 1,448.
Inflation, GDP DeflatorWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 3.306-0.9223.306Moved since 2015
China: -0.922 · world median 3.306 · Annual change in the GDP implicit deflator (%). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -7.93 to 227.09.
Export Concentration IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · world median 0.3060.0930.306Moved since 2015
China: 0.093 · world median 0.306 · Export concentration index (0–1, normalised Herfindahl–Hirschman). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.059 to 0.933.
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 41.7216.8941.72Moved since 2015
China: 16.89 · world median 41.72 · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1.279 to 196.89.
Position 129th of 138 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Commodity Export DependenceUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 67.176.2967.17No real change since 2014
China: 6.29 · world median 67.17 · Commodity exports (% of merchandise exports, three-year average). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 4.605 to 99.77.
No current reading for China
Average Monthly Earnings of Employees (last 2022), Business Ready: Operational Efficiency, Business Ready: Public Services, Business Ready: Regulatory Framework, General Government Consumption (last 2024), Gini Index (last 2022), GNI per Capita (PPP) (last 2021), Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP) (last 2024), Household Consumption (last 2024), Income Share Held by Lowest 20% (last 2022), Income Share Held by Richest 10% (last 2022) and Palma Ratio (last 2022). Listed rather than hidden, so the page can be checked against it.
“Position · derived” is this site’s ordering of the published values, 1st = best unless the row says otherwise; the publisher ranks no country on it. Rank, position and standing
05Country Index 2026
Economy & Innovation among China’s 16 topics
Economy & Innovation is China’s 7th best-placed topic of 16. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Food & Agriculture6th of 1844/4 keys
- Mobility & Trade9th of 1774/4 keys
- Digital & Technologyjoint 23rd of 1984/4 keys
- Health & Wellbeing47th of 2003/4 keys
- Poverty & Inequality39th of 1593/3 keys
- Education & Knowledge51st of 1982/4 keys
- Economy & Innovationjoint 46th of 1764/4 keys
- Development & Human Capital62nd of 1963/3 keys
- Work & Labour60th of 1824/4 keys
- Risk & Resilience80th of 1934/4 keys
- Energyjoint 87th of 1653/3 keys
- Peace & Security102nd of 1774/4 keys
- Governance & Institutions125th of 1944/4 keys
- Gender & Equality124th of 1834/4 keys
- Environment & Sustainability157th of 1864/4 keys
- Democracy & Civil Liberties178th of 1983/4 keys
06The top of the list
Who leads on economy & innovation
The three countries placed highest of 176, and the leaders China can most readily be measured against.
1
AustriaWestern Europe
1st of 176 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: chensiyuan · CC BY-SA 4.0, greyscale
2
JapanEastern Asia
2nd of 176 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: JurriaanH · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
3
GermanyWestern Europe
3rd of 176 · 4 of 4 keys
Placed highest nearby
Highest in Asia
Japan2nd4/4 keysThis page
China=46th4/4 keys
Positions out of 176 placed on the topic. A country needs readings on enough keys to be placed, and the top of the list is often held on fewer of them.
07Analysis
Charts and analysis about China and economy & innovation
China · Economy & Innovation
China Leads Global High-Technology Exports
The world’s ten largest high-technology exporters as a treemap, with the rest of the world beside them. Each country’s figure is its own most recent year, between 2022 and 2024.
On economy & innovation
India vs Pakistan 2025: Comparison of Hunger Index, Happiness, HDI, Rule of Law, Literacy & GDP
India and Pakistan on six published measures: hunger, happiness, human development, rule of law, literacy and GDP per capita, each from its own publisher and year.
On economy & innovation
Countries in Asia with the highest average salaries 2024
Thirteen Asian countries by gross average monthly wage, each carrying its WORLD rank rather than an Asian one — so the numbers skip, from 11th place to 45th.
08Questions
China on economy & innovation: questions answered
Every answer is built from the numbers on this page, so none can say something the page does not.
How does China rank on economy & innovation?
China is placed joint 46th of 176 countries on Economy & Innovation in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics (GDP per Capita (PPP), Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit, Economic Complexity Index and Account Ownership at a Financial Institution). The position is this site’s ordering of published statistics, not a rank any publisher printed.
What is the latest GDP per Capita (PPP) figure for China?
25,067 in 2025 (gDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)), according to World Bank Group. The world median in the same edition was 17,265.
What is the latest Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit figure for China?
29.49 in 2025 (firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)), according to World Bank Group. The world median in the same edition was 35.95.
How does China compare with India on economy & innovation?
India is placed 86th of 176, and China joint 46th. GDP per Capita (PPP): India 10,039, China 25,067; Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit: India 21.46, China 29.49; Economic Complexity Index: India 0.705, China 1.271; Account Ownership at a Financial Institution: India 89.02, China 89.38.
How have China’s economy & innovation figures changed?
GDP per Capita (PPP) rose from 4,066 in 2000 to 25,067 in 2025; Economic Complexity Index rose from 0.789 in 2000 to 1.271 in 2024; Account Ownership at a Financial Institution rose from 63.82 in 2011 to 89.38 in 2024.
Which economy & innovation statistics are missing for China?
No current reading is published for China on Average Monthly Earnings of Employees, Business Ready: Operational Efficiency, Business Ready: Public Services, Business Ready: Regulatory Framework, General Government Consumption, Gini Index, GNI per Capita (PPP), Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP), Household Consumption, Income Share Held by Lowest 20%, Income Share Held by Richest 10% and Palma Ratio. They are listed rather than hidden, so the evidence on the page can be checked against it.
09Method
Method, sources and how to cite
What this topic does not measure
The total size of an economy is deliberately left out: a very large economy spread over a very large population is not doing more for each person. Growth rates, trade shares and the structure of output (how much is farming, industry or services) are published here as context, because they describe an economy's shape rather than how well it serves people. Jobs and wages have their own topic, Work & Labour.
How the Economy & Innovation standing is decided
A standing is this site’s ordering, named with its edition — never a publisher’s rank. 4 key statistics vote, one vote each; every country’s published value becomes a place within that key’s own field, the places are averaged, and the average is never published. A country needs 2 of the 4 keys to be placed.
The economy & innovation method, step by stepHow every standing on this site is built
The key statistics and their licences
- GDP per Capita (PPP) — World Bank Group, CC BY 4.0
- Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit — World Bank Group, CC BY 4.0
- Economic Complexity Index — Growth Lab at Harvard University, CC0 1.0
- Account Ownership at a Financial Institution — World Bank Group, CC BY 4.0
The other 58 statistics on this page come from 15 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
The standing itself is part of the Country Index 2026, published under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photographs
China’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- China (banner) — Seebeer Edited by Nicholasjf21, Public domain
- Austria — chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Japan — JurriaanH, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Germany — dronepicr, CC BY 2.0
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). China: Economy & Innovation — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/china/economy