Export trade is of paramount importance to a country, and not only that, some provinces of certain countries are also relying on import and export trade to boost their GDP.
In the first half of this year, Japan, with a population of only 1.2 billion, achieved an export trade volume of 338.3 billion US dollars.
In comparison, Guangdong, which has a similar population base to Japan, how much export volume has it created?
This island giant, Japan, has a population of approximately 121.56 million, while Guangdong, as the economic leader of China, also has a permanent population of 127 million.
At first glance, the two are evenly matched in terms of population size, but upon closer examination, the differences are significant.
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Japan's population structure is like an inverted pyramid, with nearly 30% of its population over the age of 65, which can be described as a "silver wave."
In contrast, Guangdong is teeming with young people, with a continuous influx of "fresh blood" every year, adding vitality to the province.
The vitality is as vibrant as a glass of fizzy cola.
When it comes to economic strength, Japan is a "veteran who is still strong."
In 2023, Japan's real GDP grew by 1.9% year-on-year, and the nominal growth rate reached 5.7%, a figure that is quite impressive on a global scale.
In comparison, Guangdong, this "young man," is not to be outdone.
In 2023, Guangdong's regional gross product broke through the 13 trillion yuan mark, becoming the first province in the country to exceed a GDP of 13 trillion yuan, a report card that is enough to make many countries envious.
It can be seen that although Japan is a country and Guangdong is a province, their comparability is still very strong, and with a similar population base, it is difficult to distinguish the overall strength.
So, let's first look at who has the best export trade performance between Japan and Guangdong in the first half of this year.
Speaking of Japan's export trade, we have to mention that staggering figure: 338.3 billion US dollars, which is not a small amount, equivalent to the annual GDP of a medium-sized country.
So, how did Japan create such an astonishing export volume in just half a year?
First, we must admit that the Japanese are masters at "playing with" exports, and their export products are like a meticulously crafted Swiss Army knife, each one a high-quality item.
Take automobiles, for example; who doesn't know the resounding brands like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan?
Japanese cars are like mobile works of art on the road, environmentally friendly and durable, thus deeply loved by global consumers.
Speaking of electronic products, Japan is the "big brother" in this field.
From Sony's TVs to Canon's cameras, from Nintendo's gaming consoles to Panasonic's home appliances, the innovation and quality of Japanese electronic products make them irresistible to global consumers.
These high-tech products have contributed significantly to Japan's export volume.
In addition, machinery and equipment are also a highlight of Japan's exports, with Japanese industrial robots, precision instruments, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment being "unique" in the global market.
However, Japan's export strength is not solely based on these traditional advantage industries.
In recent years, Japan has been making significant efforts in future industries such as hydrogen energy, quantum technology, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence, with remarkable results.
These emerging industries are like the "new engines" of the Japanese economy, adding new momentum to its exports.
However, Japan's export journey has not been smooth sailing.
Faced with global economic uncertainty and increasingly fierce international competition, Japan is constantly adjusting its strategies.
In general, Japan's export volume of 338.3 billion US dollars is supported by a vast and sophisticated industrial system.
As for their performance in the second half of this year, let's wait and see.
So, how about Guangdong's export performance in the first half of the year?
If Japan's export is a meticulously crafted work of art, then Guangdong's export is like a galloping horse that never stops.
In the first half of 2024, Guangdong delivered an astonishing export report card: 28.5 trillion yuan, approximately 399.7 billion US dollars, a figure that not only exceeded Japan's 338.3 billion US dollars for the same period but also set a new record for Guangdong itself.
Some may ask, how did Guangdong achieve this?
In fact, ASEAN, Hong Kong, the United States, the European Union, and Taiwan are all "stalwart brothers" of Guangdong.
Trade between Guangdong and these regions is like a bustling "economic party."
It is particularly worth mentioning that Guangdong's development of emerging markets has been significant.
The export growth to the Middle East's 17 countries, Latin America, and the five Central Asian countries is like a rocket, with increases of 14.6%, 18.8%, and 34.3% respectively.
Behind these figures are the relentless efforts and wisdom of Guangdong entrepreneurs.
Let's take a look at Guangdong's "punch products."
Electromechanical products can be said to be the "mainstay" of Guangdong's exports, accounting for more than 64% of the total export value.
Mobile phones, computers, and home appliances are like the "three carriages" of Guangdong manufacturing, galloping in the international market.
On the other hand, Guangdong's three pillar industries—computer communication electronic equipment, electrical machinery equipment, and automobile manufacturing—are like three "strong men," providing strong momentum for Guangdong's economic development.
In 2023, the added value of these three industries reached 963.761 billion yuan, 475.981 billion yuan, and 276.066 billion yuan, with growth rates of 3.6%, 8.8%, and 11.2% respectively.
Behind these figures is Guangdong's continuous effort in the field of high-end manufacturing.
However, Guangdong is not satisfied with this.
New energy, ultra-high-definition video display, biomedicine, and high-end equipment manufacturing, and other emerging industries are rising rapidly, expected to become new trillion-level and 500 billion-level industrial clusters.
These emerging industries are like the "new stars" of Guangdong's economy, shining in the international market.
In general, Guangdong's export strength is not only reflected in the astonishing figures but also in the continuous optimization of its industrial structure and the continuous improvement of its innovation capabilities.
From traditional advantage industries to emerging strategic industries, from large enterprises to "specialized, refined, and innovative" SMEs, Guangdong is interpreting "innovation-driven" and "high-quality development" in its own way.
So, what are the differences when analyzing the export trade of Guangdong and Japan together?
When we compare these two economic giants, Japan and Guangdong, it is like watching an exciting economic "boxing match."
Although they have a similar population size, they present completely different styles in export trade.
This difference is not only reflected in the figures but is deeply rooted in their economic structure, population characteristics, and international status.
Japan's economic structure is like an "old driver," taking a stable route.
The service industry occupies a significant proportion of Japan's economy, and the domestic market is developed, making Japan's economic structure more diversified.
In contrast, Guangdong is more like an "urgent pioneer," mainly focused on manufacturing and export-oriented economy, with a high proportion of export in GDP.
This is like one being a steady long-distance runner and the other being a sprinter with explosive power.
However, Guangdong is not complacent.
In recent years, Guangdong has been accelerating the development of emerging industries and high-tech industries, promoting economic transformation and upgrading.
In addition, Japan, as a developed country and a member of the G7, has a status in the global economy like an "old aristocrat," which has won Japan many advantages in international trade.
Although Guangdong is not an independent country, as the largest economic province in China, its status is also not to be underestimated.
Guangdong is like a "new noble," playing an increasingly important role in the global industrial chain.
Both are "leaders" in the economic development of their respective countries and have a significant impact on the global industrial chain, but the nature of the influence is different.
Japan's influence is more reflected in high-end technology and brand value, while Guangdong shows strong strength in manufacturing capabilities and industrial chain integration.
In general, Japan relies on its technological advantages and brand influence to dominate the high-end market; Guangdong relies on its strong manufacturing capabilities and flexible market response to shine in the mass market.
Facing the future, both face their own challenges.
Japan needs to deal with the pressure brought by an aging population while maintaining technological innovation advantages.
Guangdong needs to accelerate industrial upgrading while maintaining manufacturing advantages and climbing to the high-end of the value chain.
This competition among members of the "1.2 billion population club" not only shows the unique charm of the two economies but also provides valuable insights for us to think about the multiple paths of economic development.
On the road ahead, there are both challenges and opportunities.
We look forward to seeing these two economic giants continue to move forward on their respective development paths and contribute more to the prosperity of the global economy.