China suffers clean energy trade deficit with US

The US has a US$1.63 billion surplus in the clean energy trade over China.

A report by the Pew Charitable Trusts for 2011, the latest year data is available, highlight the long-term potential for the U.S. to hold its top spot in the clean energy sector. The U.S. and China traded US$8.5 billion worth of clean energy goods.

Pew said U.S. companies are tapping into the growing worldwide demand for clean energy goods and services are finding the payoff for its leadership in wind, solar and energy smart technology innovation.

U.S. firms enjoyed surpluses in all three major clean energy sectors: solar, wind and energy smart technologies, or products that use energy efficiently.

In solar and wind, China used its manufacturing and labor edge to produce large numbers of cells and turbines. But the U.S. focused successfully on high-margin material, high-tech equipment and other high-value products that ultimately raked in greater profits.