Monday, March 29, 2010

Lies, Damned Lies, and Chinese Statistics

Lies, Damned Lies, and Chinese Statistics

"I think I now understand what the Chinese mean when they say they are in favor of balanced trade. Balanced trade with Chinese characteristics occurs when China exports goods that the U.S. imports, and U.S. companies operating in China have Chinese workers produce goods that Chinese consumers then purchase."

American Flag: Lapel Pin by Daquella manera

$51.7 million was the value of U.S. imports of American flags in 2001; just over half of this amount ($29.7 million) was for U.S. flags made in China. The bulk of these flags was imported in October, the first full month following Sept. 11, when $34.8 million worth were brought into the country.

Recent years dollar import value of American Flags:

- 2008 $3.4 million ($3 million from China)
- 2007 $4.7 million ($4,3 million from China)
- 2006 $5.3 million ($5 million from China)
- 2005 $5.5 million ($5 million from China)
- 2004 $5.2 million ($4,8 million from China)
- 2003 $6.0 million ($4.5 million from China)
- 2002 $7.9 million ($5.2 million from China)
- 2001 $51.7 million ($29.7 million from China)
- 2000 $747,800 ($381,600 from Taiwan)
- 1999 $1.1 million ($487,109 from China)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau – Foreign Trade Statistics