# Merchandise trade (% of GDP)
The **"Merchandise trade (% of GDP)"** is an economic indicator that measures the total value of a country's merchandise trade — which includes both **exports and imports of goods** — as a percentage of its **Gross Domestic Product (GDP)**.
This indicator provides insight into the extent of a country's engagement in international trade relative to the size of its economy.
- The chart displays the **"Merchandise trade (% of GDP)"** for **China** over a **23-year period, from 2000 to 2022**.
- As the **world’s largest exporter**, **China** has a significant portion of its GDP derived from merchandise trade.