BEIJING -- China imported more than $19 billion worth of technology last year, up 37.5% over the previous year and setting a new record.

More than 43%, or $8.27 billion, of the total import value of technology came from foreign enterprises operating in China. That’s up 23.6% from 2004.

 

Key and turnkey equipment with technological transfers contracts totaled $5.33 billion last year. Despite longstanding complaints over China’s unwillingness to enforce IP laws, proprietary technology licenses were worth some $5.10 billion. Technological services came in at $4.74 billion.

The European Union, the U.S. and Japan combined for 85.7% of the total value of tech imports into China. The EU led the way, at just over $9 billion (47%) of the tech imports, up 46.6% versus a year ago. The US contributed 20.2%, up 31.4%. Japan contributed 17.9%, up 16% year-on-year.

China’s Ministry of Commerce said the number of contracts was up 15.1%, topping 9,900, also a record.