China Reports $31.48 Billion Trade Deficit for February
China surpassed the U.S. as a trading partner in many places around the world in the short span of five years, according to an analysis of trade data conducted by the Associated Press. Reuters

China surpassed the U.S. as a trading partner in many places around the world in the short span of five years, according to an analysis of trade data conducted by the Associated Press.

In 2006, the U.S. was the larger trading partner for 127 countries, while China was the larger trading partner for 70, AP reported. By last year, the two had traded places: 124 countries for China, 76 for the U.S.

Adding insult to injury, the change in comparative status encompassed U.S. allies such as Australia and South Korea.

AP made the observations in the first installment of its "China's Reach," a series the news cooperative said would analyze China's influence with its trading partners over three decades, and explore how it is changing business, politics, and daily life.

Australia China South Korea U.S.