China, U.S. Are Looking Past Each Other on Trade and Investment

U.S. exports of goods and services to China have been practically flat since the first quarter of 2014, while Chinese exports to the United States have expanded only modestly. This is not an inspiring record. Meanwhile, two-way stocks of direct investment remain well below potential – about US$ 60 billion from the United States to China and around US$ 50 billion going the other direction. This stands in contrast with a potential of at least US$ 100 billion in each direction.