Economic Activities in China: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

China, with a population of approximately 1.408 billion (as of end-2024, NBS), is the world’s most populous country — though its population has declined for three consecutive years since 2022 due to falling birth rates. It is located in East Asia, covering a total area of 9,562,910 square kilometers, ranking 4th globally, below the United States.

China, the world’s second-largest economy in terms of GDP, had a GDP of approximately $18.74 trillion in 2024, according to World Bank data. China’s GDP per capita in 2024 was $13,303, placing it among upper-middle-income economies globally.

Despite facing challenges such as trade tensions and demographic shifts, China continues to be a major player in the global economy, with a focus on innovation, technology, and sustainable growth.

What are the economic activities of China?

• Primary activities: 6.8% of GDP (2024, World Bank).
• Secondary activities: 35.6% of GDP (2024).
• Tertiary activities: 57.6% of GDP (2024).

Primary Sector of China

China’s primary sector, particularly its agricultural activities, thrives due to its diverse climate and abundant natural resources. With 55.46% of the country’s land dedicated to agriculture, China produces a wide range of crops and animal products. The main agricultural products include maize, rice, vegetables, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, cucumbers/gherkins, tomatoes, watermelons, and pork.

Agriculture contributed 6.8% to GDP in 2024, a slight decrease from prior years, reflecting China’s ongoing economic modernization toward industry and services.

China’s diverse geology provides abundant natural resources, driving its primary sector. Rich in coal, iron ore, petroleum, and natural gas, these resources fuel the economy. Additionally, its reserves of rare earth elements, uranium, and vast hydropower potential support industrial growth. The country’s arable land also plays a crucial role in agriculture, ensuring food security.China’s oil production ranks 4th globally, with around 3.98 million barrels per day. The country holds 25.1 billion barrels in reserves, accounting for 1.57% of the world’s total.China’s robust gas production, ranking 4th globally, bolsters its economic activity, diversifying its resource-driven primary sector.

Secondary Sector of China

What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?The secondary sector involves industries that create finished products from raw materials. China is a world leader in industrial output, producing goods like iron, steel, aluminum, machinery, textiles, petroleum products, chemicals, consumer goods, food, transportation equipment, and more.Manufactures play a crucial role in China’s total exports, accounting for an impressive 91.88% in 2023. This highlights the significant contribution of the manufacturing sector to the country’s economy and global trade.

Tertiary sector of China

What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?The tertiary sector in China encompasses a wide range of services where individuals provide knowledge and time to enhance productivity and meet various needs. This sector involves intangible goods such as advice, expertise, and attention, catering to both consumer and business-to-business services. Key tertiary activities in China include restaurants, healthcare and medical care, education and training, banking and finance, communication and information exchange, media production and distribution, and tourism and hospitality.Highlighting these, China’s tourism industry significantly contributes to its economy, with 131.9 million inbound arrivals in 2024 (China National Immigration Administration), recovering to around 90% of pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Popular destinations include the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City in Beijing, showcasing the country’s rich history and culture.Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular economic sector, boasting 1.781 billion subscriptions, or 125 per 100 inhabitants. This extensive network fosters technological growth, enhancing connectivity and innovation.

Military Activities and Economic Sectors of China

The military is a good example of many economic activities working together. In the primary sector, resources are extracted for military use, like metals for weapons. The secondary sector makes military equipment, such as tanks and planes. The tertiary sector includes services provided by the military, like training and support. The quaternary sector focuses on research and development, while the quinary sector involves high-level decision-making and strategy.

In 2023, China spent approximately $296.4 billion on its military, representing about 1.7% of GDP, according to SIPRI estimates. China has an active military force of 2,035,000 personnel, which means there are 2.1 active military members for every 1,000 people in the country.

Biggest company in China

Which is the biggest company in China? State Grid Corporation of China is the largest by revenue, with approximately $548 billion in revenue in FY2024 (one of the world’s largest companies by revenue). Founded in 2002, it is a wholly state-owned enterprise operating China’s national power grid infrastructure, part of the secondary/utility economic sector. (Fortune Global 500)

International Trade of China

Import Activities of China

China’s import activities are of high importance, with total imports in 2023 reaching approximately $2.557 trillion, accounting for about 14.0% of its 2023 GDP (World Bank WITS).China’s import activities include crude petroleum, integrated circuits, iron ore, natural gas, and gold. Its top import partners are the US, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and Taiwan.

Exports Activities of China

China’s total exports in 2023 amounted to approximately $3.380 trillion, representing about 18.5% of its 2023 GDP (World Bank WITS).China’s export activities are diverse, with top partners being the US, Hong Kong, Japan, Germany, and South Korea. Key export commodities include broadcasting equipment, integrated circuits, computers, garments, and machine parts.

China economy challenges in 2025

China, one of the world’s top two economies, faces challenges including renewed trade tensions, a persistent property sector downturn, and an accelerating demographic decline. Despite sustained growth from exports and manufacturing, structural reforms remain a priority for long-term sustainable development.

Sources

• World Bank: China Data
• IMF: China Country Profile
• CIA World Factbook: China
• World Bank WITS: China Trade Profile
• Fortune Global 500: State Grid

Last updated: June 20, 2026