Chinese Export Competition, Declining Exports and Adjustments at the Industry and Regional Level in Europe

We analyze how a set of 22 European countries are affected by increased Chinese export competition between 1995 and 2008. Employing product level data, we document a reduction in the export volume of European countries due to increased Chinese export competition. This alteration in the export sector induces changes within the manufacturing industries, especially a decline in employment. The analysis using more aggregated, regional level data, shows that the industry sector as whole declines resulting, amongst others, in an increased unemployment rate. The importance of Chinese export competition for Europe is attributable to its high export intensity.