China’s exports rise 14%, while imports rise 25%, in April year-on-year

Financial Times: The rising global dominance of Chinese industries, including ships, chips, cars and robots, has sparked criticism from trading partners over excess capacity in China and Beijing’s deep state support.

A flood of low-cost and high-tech products from China is disrupting economies across the world. Economists are increasingly questioning whether other countries can absorb China’s exports.

My Opinion: China's exports grew 14% while imports grew 25% in April yoy. So while China has a large trade surplus, imports grew faster than exports. Chinese offerings of low cost high tech products are largely benefiting consumers around the world, especially middle class consumers in developing economies.

Startups generally sell products or services below cost to gain market share. American companies like Tesla and Uber did that. And the computer industry began with state funding in USA, including from defense and NASA. There is nothing particularly unethical about state support. State support is common, especially for infant industries.

And protectionism has returned, to protect domestic industries, from foreign competition. As a consumer and global citizen, I am against protectionism in general. Because free trade benefits consumers, and is a net benefit for the global economy.