A Study on the Trade Competitiveness and Complementarity of Industrial Robots between China and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Member States

Abstract

The objective: To analyze the trade scale, structure, and potential of industrial robots between China and other Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership member countries, and propose strategies for enhancing trade cooperation. Methodology: We conducted a retrospective quantitative analysis (2014-2023) using empirical trade indices applied to bilateral trade data primarily sourced from UN Comtrade. The study comprised: (1) assessing trade volume trends and market structure concentration; (2) evaluating trade potential through three established indices: the Trade Competitiveness Index (TC) and Revealed Comparative Advantage Index (RCA) to measure competitive advantages, and the Trade Complementarity Index (TCI) to assess structural matching of exports and imports. These indices were selected for their proven ability to quantify distinct trade dynamics relevant to potential. Findings: Trade volume grew 77.41% (2014-2023) with high market concentration (Japan/South Korea/Singapore: 80.8% share). Revealed Comparative Advantage Index (RCA) analysis revealed a declining comparative advantage for China (-1.66), though Vietnam/Thailand showed gains. Trade Complementarity Index (TCI) revealed China gained competitiveness in service robots but faced deficits in production/multifunctional robots. Through the lens of the above, the study enables trade structure optimization trade structure through RCEP exchanges., ultimately uncovering new perspectives for trade cooperation. Recommendation: The study concludes that optimization of China's export structure is needed while addressing diversified market demand. Enhanced bilateral and multilateral cooperation is critical for leveraging complementary advantages and achieving mutual benefits in the industrial robotics trade. These recommendations ultimately support win-win development under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership framework.