Characteristics and transfer paths of CO2 emissions embodied in trade and China’s carbon reduction strategies

This study focused on CO2 emissions embodied in trade (CEET) to better promote carbon emission reduction given that foreign trade occupied an increasing proportion of the global economy. Based on technical adjustment, CEET balance worldwide during 2006–2016 was calculated and compared to avoid false transfer. This study also explored the influencing factors of CEET balance and identified the transfer pathway of China. Results indicate that developing countries are the major exporters of CEET, and developed countries are CEET importers in general. China is the largest net exporter of CEET and bears a large amount of it for developed countries. Trade balance and trade specialization are important factors of the imbalance of CEET in China. The transfer of CEET between China and the USA, Japan, India, Germany, South Korea, and other countries is relatively active. Agriculture, mining, manufacturing, electricity, heat, gas, water production and supply, and transportation, storage, and postal services are the major sectors, where the transfer occurs in China. Reducing CO2 emissions requires global cooperation in the context of globalization. Strategies are proposed to deal with imbalances and transfer of CEET issues in China.