BEIJING (AP) – Already the biggest auto market and steel maker, China
edged past Germany in 2009 to become the top exporter, yet another sign
of its rapid rise and the spread of economic power from West to East.
Total 2009 exports were more than $1.2 trillion, China's customs agency
said Sunday. That was ahead of the 816 billion euros ($1.17 trillion)
forecast for Germany by its foreign trade organization, BGA.
China's new status is mostly symbolic but highlights its growing
presence as an industrial power, major buyer of oil, iron ore and other
commodities and, increasingly, as an investor and key voice in managing
the global economy.