Sino-Estonian trade and economic relations have been developing smoothly, based on solid legal foundation. The China-Estonia Joint Commission on Economic and Trade Cooperation is functioning well and four meetings have been held so far.

In recent years, Sino-Estonian trade registered growth in general. According to the Chinese Customs statistics, Sino-Estonian trade volume stood at US$14.68 million in 1998, an increase of 37.7% over the previous year, of which China's import was US$7.76 million while export was US$6.92 million. In 1999, the bilateral trade volume was US$10.39 million, a decrease of 29.2% over the previous year, of which China's import was US$3.16 million and export was US$7.23 million. In 2000, the trade volume between China and Estonia amounted to US$66.89 million, an increase of 543.6% over the previous year, of which China’s import was US$5.1million and export was US$61.79 million. In 2001, China-Estonian trade volume scored US$273.7 million, an increase of 309.2% over year 2002, of which China’s import was US$10.85million and export was US$262.8 million.

China mainly exports to Estonia apparel, shoes and other light industrial and textile products as well as fresh and frozen pork and beef. The major items China imports from Estonia consist of raw materials for paper manufacturing, non-ferrous metals, machinery and electrical products as well as textile products. Currently, there are 12 Chinese enterprises in Estonia with a registered capital of more than US$1 million. They are mainly engaged in commodities wholesale and retail sales, entertainment, restaurants and most of these businesses are being conducted individually or through individual contract.