
The Chinese dollar, also known as the Renminbi (RMB), is a currency that's making waves in global markets. It's the official currency of China and is widely used as a reserve currency.
The Chinese dollar is pegged to a basket of currencies, including the US dollar, euro, and yen, which helps to stabilize its value. This peg is known as the "managed float" system.
The Chinese government has been actively promoting the use of the RMB in international trade and finance. In 2009, the RMB was included in the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Special Drawing Rights (SDR) basket, giving it a new level of global recognition.
Terminology and Basics
The Chinese dollar, also known as the renminbi, has a unique set of terminology that can be a bit confusing at first. The formal name of the currency is "people's currency" in English, which is represented by the Chinese characters 人民币.
The primary unit of the renminbi is called a yuan, which literally means "unit" or "circle" in Chinese. You'll often see the symbol ¥ used to represent the yuan, but in written Chinese contexts, the character for yuan (元) or 圆 usually follows the number instead.
The renminbi is divided into smaller units, with 10 yuan equaling 100 fen. The formal name for 1⁄10 of a yuan is a jiao, which means "corner" in Chinese. However, in everyday Mandarin, people usually use the colloquial name "mao" instead of jiao.
Here's a breakdown of the different units of the renminbi:
In everyday conversation, people often use colloquial names like "kuai" (块) for 1 unit and "mao" (毛) for 1⁄10 unit. For example, ¥8.74 might be read as 八块七毛四 (pinyin: bā kuài qī máo sì) in everyday conversation.
Exchange Rate and Management
The Chinese currency, also known as the renminbi, has undergone significant changes in its exchange rate management over the years. China transitioned to a market-oriented exchange rate in the mid-1990s, which was a gradual process spanning 15 years.
The government eased controls on trade and current account transactions, allowing exporters to retain a share of their foreign exchange earnings. This marked the beginning of a shift towards a more market-driven exchange rate.
In 2005, the renminbi was allowed to float within a narrow band of 0.3% around the central parity published by the People's Bank of China. This band was later extended to 1.0% in 2012 and 2% in 2014. The renminbi's value is now determined by market supply and demand, with reference to a basket of foreign currencies.
The basket is dominated by the US dollar, euro, Japanese yen, and South Korean won, with a smaller proportion made up of other currencies. The Chinese government has also implemented strict management of the currency to prevent inflows of "hot money" and maintain the currency peg.
Banknotes
The People's Bank of China has issued commemorative banknotes over the years to mark significant events. These notes are a unique part of China's currency history.
A red ¥50 note was issued in 1999 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China. It features Mao Zedong on the front and various animals on the back.

In 2000, an orange polymer note with a face value of ¥100 was issued to mark the new millennium. This note features a dragon on the front and the China Millennium monument on the back.
The 2008 Beijing Olympics saw the issuance of a green ¥10 note featuring the Bird's Nest Stadium on the front. The back shows a classical Olympic discus thrower and various other athletes.
The People's Bank of China issued a blue ¥100 commemorative note in 2015 to commemorate aerospace science and technology. This note is a special edition in the history of Chinese currency.
To celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the issuance of the Renminbi, 120 million ¥50 banknotes were issued in December 2018. This was a significant move by the People's Bank of China.
In 2021, the People's Bank of China issued ¥20 commemorative banknotes in both paper and polymer to commemorate the 2022 Winter Olympics. These notes are a unique addition to China's currency.
A new ¥20 commemorative banknote was issued in January 2024 to commemorate the 2024 Chinese New Year. This note was made of polymer and is a special edition.
Exchange Rate Flexibility Increase
The Chinese government has been gradually increasing the flexibility of the renminbi's exchange rate over the years. This process began in the mid-1990s and involved changes in the official exchange rate, the use of a dual exchange rate system, and the introduction of markets for foreign exchange.
One of the key steps in this process was the easing of controls on trade and other current account transactions in 1979. This allowed exporters to retain a share of their foreign exchange earnings, referred to as foreign exchange quotas.
The government also introduced an "internal settlement rate" of ¥2.8 to 1 US dollar in the mid-1980s, which was a devaluation of almost 100%. This move was a significant step towards a market-oriented exchange rate.
In 2005, the daily trading price of the US dollar against the renminbi in the inter-bank foreign exchange market was allowed to float within a narrow band of 0.3% around the central parity published by the People's Bank of China. This marked a significant shift towards a managed float exchange rate regime.
However, the band was extended to 0.5% in 2007, and then to 1.0% in 2012, and finally to 2% in 2014. This suggests that the Chinese government is still cautious about allowing the exchange rate to float freely.
In 2010, the People's Bank of China released a statement claiming that they would proceed further with reform of the renminbi exchange rate regime and increase the renminbi exchange rate flexibility. This move was widely praised by world leaders, and the renminbi rose to its highest level in five years.
The renminbi has continued to appreciate against the US dollar, reaching a record high in 2016. According to the China Foreign Exchange Trading system, the yuan gained 19 basis points to a record high of 6.3972 per $1 on Friday.
It's worth noting that the Chinese government has also taken steps to manage the exchange rate, such as introducing an annual exchange limit of a maximum of US$50,000 for Chinese and non-Chinese citizens.
Digital Renminbi and Internationalization
The Chinese government has made significant strides in internationalizing the renminbi, starting with a pilot scheme in 2009 that allowed limited businesses in Guangdong province and Shanghai to trade with counterparties in Hong Kong, Macau, and select ASEAN nations.
This program was a success and was later extended to 20 Chinese provinces and international counterparties in 2010, and then to the remaining 11 Chinese provinces in 2011.
China has also been working to establish the renminbi as an international reserve currency, with agreements in place for trade with Russia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Japan to be settled directly in renminbi instead of US dollars.
By September 2023, the renminbi had become the second most utilized currency in international trade, having tripled in use over the last three years.
Renminbi Banknotes Commemorative Issues
The People's Bank of China has issued several commemorative renminbi banknotes over the years. These special notes are designed to honor significant events and milestones in China's history.
A red ¥50 note was issued in 1999 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China. It features Mao Zedong on the front and various animals on the back.
In 2000, an orange polymer note with a face value of ¥100 was issued to celebrate the new millennium. This note features a dragon on the front and the China Millennium monument on the back.
The 2008 Beijing Olympics were commemorated with a green ¥10 note featuring the Bird's Nest Stadium on the front and a classical Olympic discus thrower on the back.
On November 26, 2015, a blue ¥100 commemorative note was issued to commemorate aerospace science and technology. The People's Bank of China also issued ¥20 commemorative banknotes in both paper and polymer in December 2021 to commemorate the 2022 Winter Olympics.
The People's Bank of China issued 120 million ¥50 banknotes on December 28, 2018, to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the issuance of the Renminbi.
Digital Renminbi
Digital Renminbi is a digital currency issued by the People's Bank of China, similar to a digital banknote. It's designed to be used for everyday transactions, just like cash.
The Digital Renminbi is expected to be widely used, with the People's Bank of China planning to issue a total of 3 trillion yuan in digital currency by the end of 2023. This is a significant amount, considering the total value of the Chinese yuan in circulation is around 10 trillion yuan.
Digital Renminbi is designed to be secure, with advanced anti-counterfeiting features and encryption to protect users' information. It's also expected to be widely accepted, with a plan to have over 50 million merchants accepting the digital currency by the end of 2023.
The Digital Renminbi is also expected to be used for cross-border transactions, with the People's Bank of China planning to launch a digital yuan for international use in the near future. This could make it easier for businesses and individuals to conduct cross-border transactions.
Internationalisation
The internationalisation of the renminbi has been a gradual process, with significant milestones achieved in recent years. In 2009, the Chinese government introduced a pilot scheme allowing limited businesses in Guangdong province and Shanghai to conduct trade transactions with counterparties in Hong Kong, Macau, and select ASEAN nations.
The success of this pilot led to the expansion of the program to 20 Chinese provinces and international counterparties in 2010, and eventually to all 11 remaining provinces in 2011. This marked a significant shift towards greater internationalisation of the renminbi.
The renminbi's presence in international trade has grown substantially, with the currency passing the euro as the second most utilized currency in international trade in 2023, having tripled in the last three years. This is a testament to the increasing acceptance of the renminbi as a legitimate international currency.
China has agreements with several countries, including Russia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Japan, allowing trade to be settled directly in renminbi. Australia and South Africa are also set to join this list soon.
The renminbi's use as a reserve currency has also gained traction, with countries such as Chile, Venezuela, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa holding renminbi in their reserves or taking steps to purchase bonds denominated in renminbi.
Market and Economic Impact
The market and economic impact of the Chinese yuan's rise is a complex issue. Experts say that pushing for a yuan rise will only harm economic relations between China and the United States.
The People's Bank of China (PBOC) is committed to continuing exchange rate reform, with the supply and demand relations in the market playing an increasingly important role in deciding the exchange rate of the Chinese currency.
A stronger yuan is not the solution to the US' faltering economy, and could even threaten the global recovery. Experts say that the speedy appreciation of the yuan is not the answer.
The yuan has been on the rise, hitting a new high ahead of Xi's visit, which experts say shows market confidence in the Chinese economy. This confidence is likely to continue, with the yuan expected to fluctuate greatly this year but ultimately appreciate by 2 percent to 3 percent against the US dollar.
Expected Rise This Year
The yuan is expected to fluctuate greatly this year. This could be a wild ride for investors and traders.
The value of the yuan will ultimately appreciate by 2 percent to 3 percent against the US dollar. This means that the yuan will be worth more compared to the dollar at the end of the year.
The fluctuations in the yuan's value could be significant, making it a challenging time for those with investments in the currency. It's essential to stay informed and adjust your strategies accordingly.
The appreciation of the yuan against the dollar is a positive sign for China's economy. It could lead to increased trade and investment opportunities.
Futures Market
Renminbi futures are traded at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
The exchange rate used for cash settlement is published by the People's Bank of China.
Futures are cash-settled, meaning no physical delivery of the currency is required.
Renminbi futures are traded at a specific exchange, giving investors a platform to buy and sell the currency.
Purchasing Power Parity
The yuan's value is a topic of much discussion, and scholars have weighed in on the matter. A 2011 study suggests that the yuan is undervalued by 37.5% based on purchasing power parity analysis.
The World Bank estimated that one International dollar was equivalent to approximately ¥1.9 in 2004. This gives us a baseline for understanding the yuan's value.
The International Monetary Fund has made similar estimates, with one International dollar equivalent to ¥3.462 in 2006, ¥3.621 in 2007, and so on, up to ¥3.937 in 2014. These numbers demonstrate the yuan's value over time.
Here are the IMF's estimates in a table for easy reference:
The People's Bank of China has made adjustments to the yuan's value, lowering its daily fix to the US dollar by 1.9% to ¥6.2298 on 11 August 2015.
Hits New High Pre-Xi Visit
The yuan has hit a new high ahead of Xi's visit, with experts saying the rise shows the market has confidence in the Chinese economy. This is a significant development, considering the yuan's previous record high of 6.3972 per $1 on Friday.
The yuan's appreciation is not a new phenomenon, as it has been gaining value against the US dollar in recent times. In fact, it's expected to fluctuate greatly this year but ultimately appreciate by 2 percent to 3 percent against the US dollar.
The speed of the yuan's appreciation has been impressive, with some experts warning that a stronger yuan could slow Chinese growth and threaten the global recovery. This is a concern that's been echoed by some commentators, who argue that the yuan's rise is not the solution to the US' faltering economy.
Despite these concerns, the yuan's rise is a testament to the market's confidence in the Chinese economy. The yuan's value is up 19 basis points to a record high of 6.3972 per $1, according to the China Foreign Exchange Trading system.
Record and Future Developments
The Chinese dollar, also known as the yuan, has been making headlines lately with its record-breaking exchange rate.
The exchange rate of the Chinese currency hit a 19-year record high after the country reported a significant jump in capital inflows in September.
This surge in capital inflows is a clear indication that investors have confidence in the Chinese economy, which is a positive sign for the country's economic growth.
Experts say the rise in the yuan's value shows that the market has confidence in China's economy, which is a significant development.
The record-breaking exchange rate is a testament to the country's growing economic influence and its status as a major player in the global economy.
The yuan's new high is a result of the country's strong economic fundamentals and its growing attractiveness to foreign investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is $1 US in China?
As of 31/12/2024, $1 US is equivalent to approximately 7.2991 Chinese Yuan. Check our live currency converter for the latest exchange rates and up-to-date information.
What is Chinese currency called?
The official currency of China is called the Chinese yuan renminbi, also abbreviated as CNY. It's composed of the "renminbi" name and the "yuan" unit, meaning "people's currency
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renminbi
- https://gjia.georgetown.edu/2024/04/18/de-dollarization-the-belt-and-road-initiative-and-the-future-of-the-chinese-yuan/
- https://www.brookings.edu/articles/chinese-currency-revaluation/
- https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/yuan-dollar-exchange-rate.htm
- https://msadvisory.com/chinese-currency-rmb/
Featured Images: pexels.com