LAUSR

This study investigates the determinants of Chinese nonferrous metals imports and exports using 40-country/region panel data during the period 1995–2014. The paper extends the standard gravity model to identify the factors that affect Chinese international nonferrous metals trade. The results can be summarized as three main findings: (1) Chinese nonferrous metals imports are mainly associated with market size, geographic proximity, ore resource endowment, a high degree of economic openness, a high level of political risk, and a well-developed seaport transportation system of trade partners; (2) Chinese nonferrous metals exports are mainly affected by market size, ore resource scarcity, a high degree of economic openness, and a high level of political risk; and (3) exchange rate, i.e., the price of currency, has a significant positive effect on export flow, but it is not the determinant of Chinese nonferrous metals import flow at the present stage of Chinese economic development.