US–China Competition for National Power in Global South

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) has published an analytical report documenting how Chinese exports, investments, and state-directed finance have outpaced U.S. engagement in the Global South and offering policy recommendations for a “Globalization 2.0” response.

• Main findings: ITIF documents a large shift in import shares: China’s exports to the Global South rose from roughly $34 billion in 2000 to over $1.3 trillion in 2024, while U.S. exports grew only modestly, leaving U.S. export share at roughly 56 percent of China’s by 2024; the displacement is larger for national power industries (semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, telecom, vehicles, electrical machinery).
• Background & supporting details: The report highlights BRI investments totaling over $1.3 trillion (2013–H1 2025) with ~$755 billion in construction contracts and $554 billion in non-financial investments; cites $230 billion in Chinese EV subsidies (2009–2023); references U.S. federal tools (Ex‑Im Bank, DFC) and notes DFC committed ~$3.5 billion in new commitments in 2025, recommending scaled financing, export promotion, FDI screening, and allied coalitions to counter Chinese mercantilism.