Significant inequality shown in Chinese provincial export-related fine particle matter pollution and their contributors

International export is a key driver of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution in China, but the specific pollution contribution among foreign consumers to Chinese regions is still unclear. Here, we integrate atmospheric and economic models to explore this contribution. International export accounts for 9.9% of China’s ambient PM2.5 pollution in 2017, ranging from 7.2% in the Southwest to 13.8% in the East Coast. Material & energy production and transportation are the key producing contributors. The USA and Western Europe are the leading pollution contributors to most provinces. Foreign consumption on construction and manufacturing products contributes most pollution. Over 75.0% of the pollution is embodied in indirect exports and the proportion decreases as the supply chain deepens. Although inland regions only account for 19.8% of China’s export volume, their associated pollution contributions reach 65.0%. This study offers a basis for targeted cooperation on pollution mitigation between Chinese provinces and foreign countries. International export accounted for up to ten percent of particulate matter pollution in China in 2017, according to combined atmospheric and economic model analysis.