thank you captain obvious

contrary to claims of this country's president, avoiding china as trading partner is almost impossible.

top importers 2011
china $1.326 trillion
united states $1.212 trillion
japan $752 billion
taiwan $510 billion
south korea $478 billion

top exporters 2011
china $1.639 trillion
japan $759 billion
saudi arabia $604 billion
united states $576 billion
south korea $461 billion

in the eyes of the global economy, china is more important than the philippines. duh.

global shipping network, fortune magazine, may 21, 2012 page 41

to view the full six-page graphic made by nicolas rapp for fortune magazine, go here.