US Dollar to Chinese Yuan Conversion
Get the latest USD to CNY/RMB exchange rate
About USD to CNY Conversion
The USD to CNY exchange rate represents the value of the US Dollar against the Chinese Yuan (also called Renminbi or RMB). This is one of the world's most economically significant currency pairs due to the massive trade relationship between the United States and China, the world's two largest economies.
Our USD to CNY converter uses live market exchange rates updated hourly, reflecting the managed float system controlled by China's People's Bank of China (PBOC). Whether you're conducting business with China, planning travel, monitoring international trade flows, or tracking currency markets, this tool provides reliable USD/CNY rates.
Understanding China's Currency: CNY vs RMB vs CNH
China's currency system can be confusing. Here's the breakdown:
- RMB (Renminbi): The official name meaning "People's Currency" - like saying "Sterling" for British money
- Yuan (¥): The basic unit of RMB - like saying "Pound" for British money. 1 RMB = 1 Yuan
- CNY: The ISO currency code (Chinese Yuan) used in forex markets and international transactions - represents onshore yuan traded within China
- CNH: Offshore yuan traded in international markets (mainly Hong Kong) with slightly different rates due to fewer capital controls
Bottom line: CNY and RMB refer to the same currency. This converter shows CNY rates.
Current USD to CNY Market Dynamics
Unlike freely floating currencies, the yuan operates under a managed float system:
- PBOC Daily Fixing: People's Bank of China sets a daily reference rate (central parity rate) each morning at 9:15 AM Beijing time
- Trading Band: CNY is allowed to fluctuate ±2% from the daily fixing rate during trading hours
- Capital Controls: China maintains strict controls on cross-border capital flows, limiting how freely yuan moves in/out of the country
- Strategic Management: PBOC intervenes to prevent excessive volatility and maintain export competitiveness
- Gradual Liberalization: China is slowly allowing more market determination while maintaining ultimate control
Factors Affecting USD to CNY Exchange Rate
Key drivers of the USD/CNY rate include:
- PBOC Policy Decisions: The central bank's daily fixing rate and intervention activities
- US-China Trade Relations: Trade tensions, tariffs, and bilateral agreements significantly impact the rate
- US Federal Reserve Policy: US interest rate decisions and dollar strength
- China's Economic Data: GDP growth, trade balance, manufacturing PMI, and inflation
- US Economic Indicators: Employment, inflation, and growth data affecting dollar strength
- Trade Balance: US trade deficit with China creates demand dynamics
- Capital Flows: Foreign investment into/out of China affects currency demand
- Geopolitical Tensions: US-China relations and global trade policies
Historical USD/CNY Exchange Rate
The yuan's exchange rate history reflects China's economic evolution:
- 1994-2005: Fixed at 8.28 CNY per USD (peg to dollar)
- 2005: China began gradual appreciation, abandoning strict peg
- 2008 Financial Crisis: Re-pegged around 6.83 CNY during crisis
- 2010: Resumed gradual appreciation
- 2014-2015: Yuan strengthened to 6.20 CNY per USD (strongest level)
- 2015-2016 Devaluation: Surprise PBOC devaluation to boost exports, weakened to 6.95 CNY
- 2018-2020 Trade War: Yuan weakened past 7.00 CNY per USD for first time since 2008
- 2020-2021 Strengthening: Recovered to 6.35 CNY amid China's COVID recovery
- 2022-2023 Weakness: Weakened to 7.30+ CNY due to China's zero-COVID policy and US rate hikes
- 2026: Currently trading around 7.20-7.30 CNY per USD
Doing Business with China: USD to CNY Considerations
For businesses and individuals transacting with China:
- Currency Risk: PBOC can adjust rates significantly, affecting contract values - consider hedging for large transactions
- Capital Controls: Moving large amounts in/out of China requires government approval - plan transfers carefully
- Payment Methods: WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate in China; international credit cards have limited acceptance
- Bank Transfers: SWIFT transfers work but can take 3-5 days; check your bank's China transfer fees
- Business Accounts: Foreign companies need proper licensing to hold CNY accounts in China
- Exchange Rate Timing: Consider the PBOC daily fixing when planning large currency exchanges
Common USD to CNY Conversion Amounts
Popular conversion amounts for business and travel:
- 100 USD to CNY: Approximately ¥724 (daily expenses in China)
- 500 USD to CNY: Approximately ¥3,620 (one-week business trip)
- 1000 USD to CNY: Approximately ¥7,240 (common travel/business amount)
- 5000 USD to CNY: Approximately ¥36,200 (larger business transactions)
- 10000 USD to CNY: Approximately ¥72,400 (significant trade payments, investments)
USD to CNY Converter - Frequently Asked Questions
Need Other Currency Conversions?
Try our CNY to USD converter or explore our full currency converter supporting 150+ currencies worldwide including EUR, GBP, JPY, AUD, and more.