Yunnan

Yunnan's GDP reached 3.0 trillion yuan in 2023 (+4.4%), with per capita GDP at 64,100 yuan. Pillar industries include agriculture, tobacco (major export and GDP contributor), mining, hydropower, and tourism. Secondary sector leads at 45% of GDP; tertiary at 40%; agriculture at 15%. The province is a major production base for copper, lead, zinc, tin, and aluminum—Gejiu ranks #1 nationally in zinc reserves ('Kingdom of Zinc'). Yunxi refined tin is registered on London Metal Exchange. Germanium, indium, phosphate, and nickel reserves also significant. Geographic location gives comparative advantage for border trade with Southeast Asia via the Lancang/Mekong River waterway. Land transportation improvements strengthen GMS (Greater Mekong Subregion) cooperation. Yunnan and Guangxi serve as trade gateways connecting China to Southeast Asia. The province lags eastern China in development but benefits from cross-border commerce positioning.