CNY vs CNH explained: A simple guide to onshore and offshore Chinese Yuan

When navigating payments to suppliers in China, you may have encountered the terms CNY and CNH. Prima facie, both are Chinese currencies, but they serve different purposes and are handled differently.

When you hear the term "the Chinese yuan", it usually means the CNY. On the other hand, "offshore yuan" refers to the CNH.

Both currencies represent the Chinese yuan, but they operate under different rules. Both CNY and CNH have different accessibility and exchange rates. Choosing the correct version of the Chinese currency directly affects your costs, foreign exchange rates, payment speed, and settlement risk when trading with China or making international payments.

This guide clarifies the difference between CNY and CNH, outlines how each of these functions, and shows which one is ideal for your business.

Key takeaways

• The official currency system of China is Renminbi, but its denomination is called yuan. Yuan is traded separately in two markets, CNY (for the domestic market) and CNH (for offshore markets).
  
• CNY is China's onshore currency, governed by strict regulations and used exclusively within mainland China. Meanwhile, CNH serves as the offshore variant of the currency, enabling free trading beyond mainland China, including in Singapore.
  
• The exchange rates between CNY vs CNH vary because CNY is controlled, while market forces influence CNH.
  
• For your international transactions, using CNH makes more sense, unless your vendor specifically requests CNY.
  
• To reduce your foreign exchange expenses, consider comparing the CNY to the CNH exchange rate when importing goods from China.
  

Basics of the Renminbi (RMB)

Before delving into the specifics of CNH and CNY, it's essential to gain an understanding of the broader currency framework.

The Renminbi (RMB) is the official currency of the People's Republic of China. However, it's commonly known as the yuan (¥), which is actually its unit of currency.

Consider it from this perspective:

• RMB = Currency
  
• Yuan = Unit of Currency (like "dollars" inside "Singapore dollars")
  

Both CNY and CNH represent the yuan, but the difference lies in where and how they are traded.

Renminbi (RMB) and Yuan: What's the difference?

In simple terms, Renminbi is China's currency system, also commonly known as 'People's Money', and yuan is its denomination. You are paying in Yuan, but the currency is Renminbi. For example, a price tag of an item might say 100 yuan, but the accounting system uses RMB 100.

This difference becomes important when businesses compare:

• CNY to CNH to RMB
  
• RMB to CNY
  
• CNY and CNH for payment settlement
  

Why does China have two yuan markets? (Onshore CNY and Offshore CNH)

The official currency of China is RMB, but it's traded separately in two markets:

• Domestic market trades CNY
  
• Offshore market trades CNH
  

China imposes restrictions on the free flow of funds within its borders. By distinguishing between onshore and offshore yuan, they can:

• Minimise foreign exchange volatility
  
• Have a hold over its domestic currency
  
• Permit the restricted use of the yuan abroad without complete capital deregulation.
  

These primary characteristics separate the CNY from CNH.

What is CNY, and what is it used for?

Chinese Yuan Onshore, also commonly referred to as the CNY, is the official currency of China. It's managed by the People's Bank of China (PBOC), and it represents the RMB in domestic transactions.

Purpose of CNY:

• It's traded exclusively domestically
  
• It's used for local business transactions and settlements.
  

Characteristics of CNY:

• The PBOC manages its exchange rate
  
• The government heavily regulates it
  
• It isn't traded in the offshore markets
  
• The PBOC manages its exchange rate within a controlled trading band, which limits—but doesn't eliminate—market influence. Since March 2014, the PBOC has allowed it to fluctuate no more than 2% from the daily central parity rate.
  
• It's used domestically by residents and local businesses.
  

If your supplier has local operations in China, they may quote prices in CNY.

What is CNH, and what is it used for?

The Chinese Yuan Offshore, commonly known as CNH, is a version of the RMB designed explicitly for trading offshore. It is primarily traded in Hong Kong but has a presence in other markets and is controlled by international trading markets.

Purpose of CNH:

• It's traded offshore outside of Mainland China
  
• It's traded freely in financial hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and London.
  

Characteristics of CNH:

• It's generally more volatile than CNY, as its value is determined by global supply and demand.
  
• It's designed for trading in global markets
  
• It's ideal for overseas payments from offshore businesses to China
  

When you transfer funds to China, your financial institution or fintech company will usually process transactions in CNH unless you specifically ask that they settle them in CNY.

Understanding the offshore CNH market

The Offshore RMB (CNH) Market allows you to trade the Chinese Yuan outside of mainland China, primarily in Hong Kong. This market operates with fewer capital controls compared to the onshore (CNY) market, enabling free market forces to determine its exchange rate.

You can gain liquidity and access to China's economy without facing mainland restrictions, making it easier for you to engage in global investments and trade settlements.

Key features:

• It's market-driven, which is in stark contrast to the CNY
  
• It operates outside China’s domestic banking system and is subject to fewer capital controls, though it remains indirectly influenced by PBOC policy.
  
• Its pricing is market-driven and dynamic, and can react to geopolitical events and global investing sentiment.
  
• It's preferred by overseas organisations for trade settlement, foreign exchange hedging, and investing.
  

For local SMEs, startups, and consultants, CNH is especially important as Singapore is a vital offshore RMB centre.

Understanding the domestic CNY market

Understanding the CNY market is vital when addressing the CNH market because they operate together but under different conditions. Mainland China runs on CNY, and the PBOC tightly regulates the trading band and daily reference rate. The regulatory constraints and trading windows impact overseas businesses that directly engage with Chinese suppliers, particularly those that choose to bill in CNY.

Key features:

• The government regulates it through the PBOC
  
• It's exclusively used in mainland China for domestic transactions, and all reporting is done using CNY
  
• It's not freely traded in global markets and is heavily influenced by government-imposed capital controls.
  
• Payments can only be settled through domestic banks approved to operate onshore.
  
• CNY is ideal for onshore enterprises, manufacturing, and the local population.
  

CNY vs CNH: Key differences that matter for businesses

Here are the fundamental differences, in brief, between CNY and CNH:

[Table:1]

Why is there an exchange rate difference between CNY and CNH

When businesses compare CNY and CNH, the difference in their rate constitutes one of the primary issues. Let’s see why there is a difference:

Regulated vs Free Market:

• The PBOC manages CNY
  
• CNH is part of the globally traded market and depends on supply and demand.
  

Due to this major distinction, the exchange rates of CNY and CNH differ.

Capital Restriction:

Funds can't move freely between foreign and domestic markets, which leads to disparity in the value of both.

Market Trends:

Since CNH trades around the clock, global events have a more immediate impact on its price.

Which option is best for your business in Singapore

Understanding the differences between CNH and CNY charts is essential for your business operations. As a business owner in Singapore, you should consider using CNH for your imports, unless:

• Your vendor specifically requests CNY
  
• You're making payments to a government-owned enterprise or regulated entity in China.
  

To put this into context, consider the following examples. A Singapore-based importer paying a manufacturer in Shenzhen may receive an invoice in CNH to avoid onshore settlement delays. In contrast, a business paying a state-owned enterprise in China is often required to settle directly in CNY through an onshore bank.

Here’s a guideline to determine which payment form to choose:

• If your vendor requests in CNY, you should pay in CNY
  
• If your vendor accepts CNH, you should pay in CNH
  

By using CNH, you can select competitive FX platforms that could help you lower your costs. That said, settlement requirements can vary depending on the recipient bank, industry, and regulatory classification in China.

Tips when trading from China

• To effectively manage your costs, compare the rates of CNY and CNH before making a payment.
  
• Ensure you confirm the currency with your vendor upfront before proceeding with any payment.
  
• Where possible, consider alternatives to traditional SWIFT transfers, as they may involve higher fees and longer settlement time
  
• Use a fintech platform that offers real-time FX tracking
  
• When you place large orders, leverage bulk FX technology.
  
• Ensure complete transparency by asking your vendors about their acceptance of CNH.
  
• Refer to charts that compare the CNY to CNH to monitor trends in exchange rates effectively.
  

Following these tips can help you better navigate the Chinese currency system and save money at the same time.

Common mistakes businesses should avoid

As a business owner in Singapore doing trade with China, here are some pitfalls you may encounter:

• Choosing CNY without checking the rate of CNH
  
• Presuming the exchange rate of both CNH and CNY is the same
  
• Using traditional banks for funds transfers without checking fintech platforms for competitive FX fees
  
• Paying with USD or SGD when the supplier accepts CNY/CNH
  
• Not knowing that CNH can be bought and sold freely
  
• Not holding CNH for doing business in multi-currency accounts
  
• Not considering that CNY can't be fully converted
  
• Using slower payment methods can cause shipping delays.
  

Aspire’s role in helping manage CNY and CNH efficiently

With the following methods, Aspire streamlines the entire CNY vs CNH payment process:

• Aspire's multi-currency accounts enable you to hold and convert funds in CNH, minimising foreign exchange fees and providing complete flexibility.
  
• You get upfront costs with no hidden markups when you use real-time foreign exchange rates.
  
• Aspire's convenient and reliable payments in CNH enable you to transfer money to China without hassle, utilising streamlined settlement methods.
  
• You pay lower foreign exchange fees than traditional banks when exchanging the Chinese currency and avoid paying inflated margins.
  
• Aspire helps ensure that payments made across international borders meet the requirements of Chinese recipients, making your business compliant. This also helps reduce shipment delays that happen due to a lack of due diligence.
  

Whether you're paying your suppliers, contractors, or logistics partners, a business owner in Singapore can confidently handle both CNY and CNH with an Aspire account.

Final thoughts

As a business owner, understanding the difference between CNY and CNH is essential if you trade with Chinese companies. Being aware of the difference impacts your business because you can manage:

• Foreign exchange costs
  
• Transaction speed
  
• Vendor pricing
  
• Payment flexibility
  
• Cash-flow planning
  

Your business will be able to maintain its competitive edge in the global supply chain by using Aspire to manage payments in Chinese currency in an effective manner, compare FX rates, and sending money to China without any hassle.

Frequently asked questions

What is Renminbi (RMB) and Yuan?

China has a currency system called the RMB, with the yuan serving as the central unit of currency in the country. The government maintains records in RMB, but you conduct your transactions in yuan. The yuan is symbolised by both CNY and CNH, and the primary distinction between the two lies in the market where they are traded.

Is CNY onshore or offshore?

Mainland China uses the domestic variant of CNY. The stringent regulations imposed by the Chinese central bank restrict its free trade with other countries.

What is China’s offshore market?

Markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and London, which are outside mainland China, allow for the free trading of CNH. These are referred to as offshore marketplaces. Global businesses can use Chinese currency in these markets without domestic restrictions.

What is the difference between Chinese yuan and Chinese yuan offshore?

The primary difference between the CNY and CNH is how they are regulated.

• The CNY is traded within Mainland China and is controlled by the PBOC.
  
• CNH is traded internationally and is driven by the market.
  

They may operate at different exchange rates.

Can you convert CNH to CNY?

Yes, you can convert CNH to CNY; however, this can only be done through authorised financial institutions because CNH is not traded freely in the domestic market.

How much is 1 yuan to SGD $1?

The conversion rate between 1 yuan and SGD $1 fluctuates daily. You can refer to an online FX calculator to get the exact real-time rate.

Do SWIFT transfers use CNH or CNY?

When using SWIFT transfers, CNH typically handles cross-border payments. It is necessary to have an onshore settlement to send CNY. Not all banks or financial institutions support this feature.

What is the difference between CNH and CNY settlement?

Here are the fundamental differences between CNH and CNY settlement:

• CNY settlements are done in China's domestic or onshore banking system
  
• CNH settlements utilise overseas or offshore banks in Singapore, Hong Kong, and other locations.
  

For overseas businesses, CNH settlement is a convenient and efficient option.