However, it is now attempting to transition towards a more innovation-driven economy to support its domestic growth and global competitiveness. For decades, the country’s strong economic growth was largely driven by its focus on exports, with oil powering its industrial production. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and reliant on advanced technologies, demand for semiconductor chips continues to skyrocket.Ĭhina’s vast manufacturing capacity and booming consumer electronics industry are driving its use of semiconductors in a range of applications. Semiconductors are essential components in electronic devices, controlling the electrical current in everything from smartphones and laptops to advanced medical equipment and autonomous vehicles. Why Does China Import So Many Semiconductors? However, a surprising fact reflects the country’s role in the global technology industry – China has been importing more semiconductors than oil in U.S. As the world’s most populous nation and a global manufacturing hub, China has long been associated with importing vast quantities of oil to fuel its rapid industrial growth.