$22.66T

Global imports in 2023 (Latest Complete Data)

13.14%

USA's share alone

50.2%

Top 10 countries

226

Countries & territories

Top Importing Countries 2024-2025: Complete Rankings & Analysis

Comprehensive analysis of global import leaders based on 2023 official trade datafrom UN Comtrade and CEPII BACI databases. This represents the most recent complete year of verified data.📊 2024 data expected January 2026 • 2025 data expected January 2027 • 2026 data expected January 2028

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Quick Answer

Based on the latest complete data (2023), USA remains the world's largest importer with $2.98T in imports, reflecting its dominant consumer market and strong domestic demand. USA's 13.14% share demonstrates the country's role as the global consumption engine. This ranking is expected to continue through 2024-2025 based on early indicators. Complete 2024 data will be available in January 2026, and 2025 data in January 2027.

Top 10 Importing Countries (2023):

  1. USA: $2.98T (13.14%)
  2. China: $2.13T (9.40%)
  3. Germany: $1.38T (6.08%)
  4. France: $773.5B (3.41%)
  5. Japan: $747.2B (3.30%)
  6. United Kingdom: $732.0B (3.23%)
  7. Netherlands: $710.0B (3.13%)
  8. India: $664.7B (2.93%)
  9. Italy: $636.0B (2.81%)
  10. China, Hong Kong SAR: $623.9B (2.75%)

Total global imports: $22.66T | Top 10 control: 50.2% of world trade

Key Comparisons:

  • • USA imports 1.4x as much as China ($2.98T vs $2.13T)
  • • The top 3 countries import $6.5T, more than the bottom 200 countries combined
  • • North America leads global import demand, followed by Asia-Pacific and Europe
  • • USA's lead over China (2nd place) is $0.8 trillion
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What are imports?

Imports are goods and services purchased by a country from foreign suppliers. Import values are measured in CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) terms, which include the cost of goods, shipping, and insurance to bring products to the importing country.

Top 10 Importing Countries - Quick Reference

RankCountryExportsGlobal Share
1USA$2.98T13.14%
2China$2.13T9.40%
3Germany$1.38T6.08%
4France$773.5B3.41%
5Japan$747.2B3.30%
6United Kingdom$732.0B3.23%
7Netherlands$710.0B3.13%
8India$664.7B2.93%
9Italy$636.0B2.81%
10China, Hong Kong SAR$623.9B2.75%

Key Facts

Largest Exporter

China ($2.98T)

Top 10 Share of Global

50.2%

Total Global Exports

$22.66T (2023)

Entities Tracked

204 countries, 22 territories

Second Largest Exporter

China ($2.13T)

Top 20 Share of Global

69.6%

Trillion Dollar Club

3 countries

Asia's Share

25.7%

Europe's Share

32.6%

Fastest Growing

Vietnam (+85%)

China's Lead Over USA

40% larger

$100B+ Exporters

40 countries

What are the key export statistics for 2024?

204
Sovereign Nations
3
Trillion Dollar Club
40
$100B+ Exporters
50.2%
Top 10 Share

Trade Concentration Facts:

As of 2023, China exports 1.4x more than the United States ($2.98T vs $2.13T), maintaining its lead established in 2013. The top 10 countries control 50.2% of global trade in 2023, down slightly from 54% in 2010. Asia's 25.7% export share in 2023 represents continued growth from 30% in 2000.

The global export landscape in 2023, totaling $22.66T, showcases unprecedented concentration of economic power. This stark disparity underscores the challenges facing developing nations in accessing global markets and the dominance of established industrial powers in international commerce.

🌍 Top 10 Export Powers: Detailed Analysis

🥇 China - $2.98T

The undisputed global manufacturing hub, China's export dominance spans electronics, machinery, textiles, and consumer goods. The nation leverages its vast industrial capacity, integrated supply chains, and competitive labor costs to maintain a 13.14% share of global exports. Key export categories include smartphones, computers, integrated circuits, and industrial machinery, with particular strength in intermediate goods that feed global production networks.

🥈 United States - $2.13T

America's export portfolio reflects its technological leadership and resource abundance, with refined petroleum, aircraft, automobiles, and integrated circuits leading the way. The US excels in high-value sectors including aerospace (Boeing commercial aircraft), technology (semiconductors, software), and agricultural products (soybeans, corn). Services exports, though not reflected in these merchandise statistics, add another $900 billion to America's international trade presence.

🥉 Germany - $1.38T

Europe's export powerhouse, Germany dominates global markets for automobiles (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen), industrial machinery, and chemicals. The "Mittelstand" – Germany's network of specialized medium-sized enterprises – contributes significantly to exports of precision instruments, machine tools, and industrial equipment. Germany's 6.08% share of global exports reflects its engineering excellence and integration within European supply chains.

4. Japan - $773.5B

Despite decades of economic stagnation, Japan maintains its position as a top exporter through automobiles (Toyota, Honda, Nissan), electronics, and machinery. The country excels in high-tech components, robotics, and precision instruments. Japan's export strategy focuses on quality and innovation rather than volume, with particular strength in automotive parts, semiconductors, and industrial robots that power global manufacturing.

5. Italy - $747.2B

Italy's export success builds on its reputation for luxury goods, fashion, and specialized machinery. The country leads in exports of designer clothing, footwear, furniture, and food products, alongside industrial machinery and automotive parts. Italy's "Made in Italy" brand commands premium prices globally, with particular strength in leather goods, wine, pasta, and precision engineering equipment.

6. South Korea - $732.0B

South Korea's export miracle centers on technology and automotive sectors, with Samsung and LG dominating electronics while Hyundai and Kia expand automotive market share. The nation leads in memory chips, displays, smartphones, and ships. Korea's 3.23% of global exports reflects successful industrial policy and investment in high-tech manufacturing capabilities.

7. France - $710.0B

France leverages its aerospace leadership (Airbus), luxury goods (LVMH, Hermès), and agricultural abundance to maintain its export position. The country excels in aircraft, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, wine, and refined petroleum products. France's diverse export portfolio spans from high-tech aerospace to traditional luxury goods, reflecting both industrial capability and cultural soft power.

8. Netherlands - $664.7B

The Netherlands punches above its weight through strategic positioning as Europe's logistics hub, with Rotterdam serving as the continent's largest port. Re-exports account for significant trade volume, alongside domestic exports of refined petroleum, flowers, cheese, and high-tech equipment. The Dutch excel in agricultural technology, making them the world's second-largest agricultural exporter despite limited land area.

9. Mexico - $636.0B

Mexico's export growth accelerates through USMCA integration and nearshoring trends, with automobiles, electronics, and machinery leading exports. The country benefits from proximity to the US market, competitive labor costs, and extensive free trade agreements. Mexico's manufacturing sector, particularly automotive assembly and electronics, positions it as a critical link in North American supply chains.

10. Canada - $623.9B

Canada's resource wealth drives its export economy, with energy (oil, gas), minerals, and forestry products dominating trade flows. The country also exports vehicles, machinery, and agricultural products, with the United States receiving over 75% of Canadian exports. Canada's 2.75% share reflects both natural resource endowments and deep integration with the North American economy.

Regional Export Analysis

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Regional Export Dominance:

In 2023, Asia exports more than Europe and Americas combined (25.7% vs 53%), a milestone first reached in 2019. China's 2023 exports exceed all of Europe (13.14% vs 32.6%), reversing the 2008 relationship when Europe led. Asian exporters have outpaced European exporters since 2015, with the gap widening by over $2 trillion annually.

Regional export patterns reveal the shifting center of global economic gravity toward Asia, which now accounts for 25.7% of world exports. This Asian dominance, led by China, Japan, and South Korea, reflects decades of manufacturing investment and integration into global value chains. European nations maintain strong positions through high-value exports and intra-regional trade, collectively representing 32.6% of global exports.

North America's 17.9% share combines US technological leadership, Canadian resources, and Mexican manufacturing. The Middle East contributes 4.1% primarily through energy exports, while South America (2.6%) and Africa (2.2%) remain underrepresented in global trade despite abundant natural resources. This regional disparity highlights opportunities for trade development and the potential for shifting patterns as emerging economies industrialize and global supply chains diversify.

What is a trade surplus?

A trade surplus occurs when a country's total exports exceed its total imports over a specific period. Countries with trade surpluses are net exporters, meaning they sell more goods and services abroad than they purchase from other nations.

How is export data measured?

This analysis utilizes the CEPII BACI database for 2023, which harmonizes and reconciles UN Comtrade statistics to provide the most accurate picture of international trade flows. All values are expressed in current US dollars at 2023 exchange rates. Export figures represent merchandise trade only, excluding services which would add approximately $7 trillion to global trade volumes. Countries are ranked by total export value, with special economic zones and territories included under their administrative nations. Data processing applies mirror statistics reconciliation to address reporting discrepancies between trading partners.

Complete Export Rankings: 204 Countries & 22 Territories

Click any country to view detailed trade analysis and bilateral relationships

RankCountryExport ValueShareMarket Share
🥇1
USA flag
USA
$2.98T13.14%
13.1%
🥈2
China flag
China
$2.13T9.40%
9.4%
🥉3
Germany flag
Germany
$1.38T6.08%
6.1%
4
France flag
France
$773.5B3.41%
3.4%
5
Japan flag
Japan
$747.2B3.30%
3.3%
6
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
$732.0B3.23%
3.2%
7
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
$710.0B3.13%
3.1%
8
India flag
India
$664.7B2.93%
2.9%
9
Italy flag
Italy
$636.0B2.81%
2.8%
10
China, Hong Kong SAR flag
China, Hong Kong SAR
$623.9B2.75%
2.8%
11
Canada flag
Canada
$548.6B2.42%
2.4%
12
Mexico flag
Mexico
$538.4B2.38%
2.4%
13
Rep. of Korea flag
Rep. of Korea
$481.0B2.12%
2.1%
14
Belgium flag
Belgium
$471.6B2.08%
2.1%
15
Spain flag
Spain
$462.3B2.04%
2.0%
16
Singapore flag
Singapore
$409.0B1.80%
1.8%
17
Poland flag
Poland
$387.0B1.71%
1.7%
18
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
$380.3B1.68%
1.7%
19
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
$378.0B1.67%
1.7%
20
🌐
Türkiye
$333.3B1.47%
1.5%
21
🌐
Other Asia, nes
$323.5B1.43%
1.4%
22
Australia flag
Australia
$283.2B1.25%
1.3%
23
Viet Nam flag
Viet Nam
$277.7B1.23%
1.2%
24
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
$273.8B1.21%
1.2%
25
Thailand flag
Thailand
$273.1B1.21%
1.2%
26
Brazil flag
Brazil
$252.1B1.11%
1.1%
27
Czechia flag
Czechia
$228.6B1.01%
1.0%
28
🌐
Indonesia
$219.0B0.97%
29
Austria flag
Austria
$216.2B0.95%
30
Russian Federation flag
Russian Federation
$207.5B0.92%
31
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
$205.0B0.90%
32
Sweden flag
Sweden
$182.8B0.81%
33
Hungary flag
Hungary
$146.2B0.65%
34
🌐
Philippines
$143.4B0.63%
35
Romania flag
Romania
$134.1B0.59%
36
Ireland flag
Ireland
$133.1B0.59%
37
Denmark flag
Denmark
$125.6B0.55%
38
Portugal flag
Portugal
$113.9B0.50%
39
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
$112.9B0.50%
40
South Africa flag
South Africa
$106.9B0.47%
41
Norway flag
Norway
$97.0B0.43%
42
Egypt flag
Egypt
$90.8B0.40%
43
Greece flag
Greece
$88.4B0.39%
44
Chile flag
Chile
$83.1B0.37%
45
Israel flag
Israel
$81.8B0.36%
46
Finland flag
Finland
$81.4B0.36%
47
Argentina flag
Argentina
$73.1B0.32%
48
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
$71.7B0.32%
49
Morocco flag
Morocco
$71.2B0.31%
50
Iraq flag
Iraq
$70.1B0.31%
51
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
$69.8B0.31%
52
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
$66.4B0.29%
53
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
$63.0B0.28%
54
Colombia flag
Colombia
$61.6B0.27%
55
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
$61.6B0.27%
56
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
$59.5B0.26%
57
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
$52.8B0.23%
58
Peru flag
Peru
$51.5B0.23%
59
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
$49.6B0.22%
60
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
$46.5B0.21%
61
Croatia flag
Croatia
$43.4B0.19%
62
Panama flag
Panama
$42.1B0.19%
63
Oman flag
Oman
$41.2B0.18%
64
Serbia flag
Serbia
$40.9B0.18%
65
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
$40.1B0.18%
66
Algeria flag
Algeria
$39.9B0.18%
67
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
$39.3B0.17%
68
Qatar flag
Qatar
$38.2B0.17%
69
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
$31.3B0.14%
70
Dominican Rep. flag
Dominican Rep.
$30.6B0.14%
71
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
$29.9B0.13%
72
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
$29.2B0.13%
73
🌐
Iran
$29.1B0.13%
74
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
$29.0B0.13%
75
Jordan flag
Jordan
$28.8B0.13%
76
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
$28.2B0.12%
77
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
$25.7B0.11%
78
Latvia flag
Latvia
$25.3B0.11%
79
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
$24.7B0.11%
80
Kenya flag
Kenya
$24.2B0.11%
81
Estonia flag
Estonia
$23.7B0.10%
82
Libya flag
Libya
$22.4B0.10%
83
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
$22.4B0.10%
84
Ghana flag
Ghana
$21.9B0.10%
85
United Rep. of Tanzania flag
United Rep. of Tanzania
$21.0B0.09%
86
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
$20.3B0.09%
87
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
$20.0B0.09%
88
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
$18.9B0.08%
89
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
$18.6B0.08%
90
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
$18.1B0.08%
91
Belarus flag
Belarus
$17.8B0.08%
92
Senegal flag
Senegal
$17.8B0.08%
93
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
$17.4B0.08%
94
Honduras flag
Honduras
$17.0B0.08%
95
Angola flag
Angola
$16.7B0.07%
96
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
$16.5B0.07%
97
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
$16.4B0.07%
98
Georgia flag
Georgia
$16.3B0.07%
99
Bosnia Herzegovina flag
Bosnia Herzegovina
$15.8B0.07%
100
Liberia flag
Liberia
$15.4B0.07%
101
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
$15.4B0.07%
102
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
$14.6B0.06%
103
Togo flag
Togo
$13.9B0.06%
104
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
$13.8B0.06%
105
Armenia flag
Armenia
$13.3B0.06%
106
Dem. Rep. of the Congo flag
Dem. Rep. of the Congo
$12.9B0.06%
107
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
$12.7B0.06%
108
Yemen flag
Yemen
$11.8B0.05%
109
China, Macao SAR flag
China, Macao SAR
$11.7B0.05%
110
Uganda flag
Uganda
$11.3B0.05%
111
Malta flag
Malta
$11.3B0.05%
112
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
$10.6B0.05%
113
Zambia flag
Zambia
$10.5B0.05%
114
🌐
Gibraltar
$10.4B0.05%
115
Nepal flag
Nepal
$10.3B0.05%
116
Bolivia (Plurinational State of) flag
Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
$10.0B0.04%
117
Venezuela flag
Venezuela
$10.0B0.04%
118
Iceland flag
Iceland
$9.6B0.04%
119
Zimbabwe flag
Zimbabwe
$9.6B0.04%
120
Djibouti flag
Djibouti
$9.3B0.04%
121
Rep. of Moldova flag
Rep. of Moldova
$9.0B0.04%
122
Albania flag
Albania
$9.0B0.04%
123
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
$8.7B0.04%
124
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
$8.5B0.04%
125
Brunei Darussalam flag
Brunei Darussalam
$8.3B0.04%
126
Lao People's Dem. Rep. flag
Lao People's Dem. Rep.
$8.1B0.04%
127
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
$8.0B0.04%
128
Namibia flag
Namibia
$7.8B0.03%
129
🌐
Marshall Isds
$7.4B0.03%
130
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
$7.1B0.03%
131
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
$6.8B0.03%
132
Guinea flag
Guinea
$6.7B0.03%
133
Botswana flag
Botswana
$6.6B0.03%
134
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
$6.5B0.03%
135
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
$6.5B0.03%
136
Mali flag
Mali
$6.5B0.03%
137
Congo flag
Congo
$6.3B0.03%
138
Sudan flag
Sudan
$6.3B0.03%
139
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
$6.0B0.03%
140
Benin flag
Benin
$6.0B0.03%
141
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
$5.8B0.03%
142
Guyana flag
Guyana
$5.5B0.02%
143
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
$5.3B0.02%
144
Somalia flag
Somalia
$5.2B0.02%
145
Mauritania flag
Mauritania
$5.1B0.02%
146
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
$5.1B0.02%
147
🌐
Montenegro
$5.1B0.02%
148
Turkmenistan flag
Turkmenistan
$4.7B0.02%
149
Gabon flag
Gabon
$4.5B0.02%
150
Gambia flag
Gambia
$4.2B0.02%
151
Syria flag
Syria
$4.2B0.02%
152
🌐
Maldives
$4.0B0.02%
153
Cuba flag
Cuba
$4.0B0.02%
154
Haiti flag
Haiti
$3.7B0.02%
155
Fiji flag
Fiji
$3.3B0.01%
156
🌐
Cayman Isds
$3.3B0.01%
157
Malawi flag
Malawi
$3.1B0.01%
158
🌐
New Caledonia
$2.6B0.01%
159
Barbados flag
Barbados
$2.5B0.01%
160
Niger flag
Niger
$2.3B0.01%
161
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
$2.2B0.01%
162
Dem. People's Rep. of Korea flag
Dem. People's Rep. of Korea
$2.1B0.01%
163
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
$2.1B0.01%
164
State of Palestine flag
State of Palestine
$2.0B0.01%
165
Andorra flag
Andorra
$2.0B0.01%
166
Sierra Leone flag
Sierra Leone
$1.9B0.01%
167
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
$1.8B0.01%
168
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
$1.8B0.01%
169
Belize flag
Belize
$1.7B0.01%
170
Suriname flag
Suriname
$1.7B0.01%
171
South Sudan flag
South Sudan
$1.6B0.01%
172
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
$1.6B0.01%
173
🌐
French Polynesia
$1.6B0.01%
174
Antigua and Barbuda flag
Antigua and Barbuda
$1.4B0.01%
175
Chad flag
Chad
$1.3B0.01%
176
🌐
Bermuda
$1.3B0.01%
177
🌐
Curaçao
$1.2B0.01%
178
Bhutan flag
Bhutan
$1.2B0.01%
179
🌐
Aruba
$1.1B0.00%
180
🌐
Greenland
$1.1B0.00%
181
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
$1.0B0.00%
182
Timor-Leste flag
Timor-Leste
$988.2M0.00%
183
Saint Lucia flag
Saint Lucia
$981.9M0.00%
184
🌐
Saint Maarten
$979.4M0.00%
185
🌐
Guam
$907.4M0.00%
186
🌐
Br. Virgin Isds
$856.6M0.00%
187
Central African Rep. flag
Central African Rep.
$816.8M0.00%
188
🌐
Bonaire
$729.7M0.00%
189
Burundi flag
Burundi
$675.1M0.00%
190
Samoa flag
Samoa
$583.8M0.00%
191
🌐
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
$581.8M0.00%
192
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
$568.1M0.00%
193
🌐
Solomon Isds
$549.8M0.00%
194
🌐
Turks and Caicos Isds
$482.2M0.00%
195
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
$471.8M0.00%
196
Dominica flag
Dominica
$468.3M0.00%
197
Comoros flag
Comoros
$455.6M0.00%
198
Eritrea flag
Eritrea
$440.0M0.00%
199
San Marino flag
San Marino
$388.7M0.00%
200
Grenada flag
Grenada
$364.4M0.00%
201
Saint Kitts and Nevis flag
Saint Kitts and Nevis
$312.4M0.00%
202
Tonga flag
Tonga
$273.0M0.00%
203
🌐
Anguilla
$225.9M0.00%
204
🌐
Cook Isds
$212.6M0.00%
205
Sao Tome and Principe flag
Sao Tome and Principe
$185.9M0.00%
206
🌐
American Samoa
$183.0M0.00%
207
🌐
Falkland Isds (Malvinas)
$171.9M0.00%
208
Palau flag
Palau
$165.9M0.00%
209
Kiribati flag
Kiribati
$158.2M0.00%
210
🌐
N. Mariana Isds
$138.5M0.00%
211
🌐
FS Micronesia
$126.2M0.00%
212
Tuvalu flag
Tuvalu
$99.0M0.00%
213
🌐
Christmas Isds
$84.4M0.00%
214
🌐
Br. Indian Ocean Terr.
$73.6M0.00%
215
Nauru flag
Nauru
$66.9M0.00%
216
🌐
Saint Helena
$63.1M0.00%
217
🌐
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
$59.8M0.00%
218
🌐
Wallis and Futuna Isds
$52.7M0.00%
219
🌐
Montserrat
$52.5M0.00%
220
🌐
Saint Barthélemy
$36.8M0.00%
221
🌐
Norfolk Isds
$31.5M0.00%
222
🌐
Fr. South Antarctic Terr.
$26.1M0.00%
223
🌐
Niue
$17.8M0.00%
224
🌐
Tokelau
$14.1M0.00%
225
🌐
Cocos Isds
$13.1M0.00%
226
🌐
Pitcairn
$6.4M0.00%

Rising Export Powers: 2017-2023

Growth Champions:

Vietnam's exports grew 6x faster than China's from 2017-2023 (85% vs 14% growth), making it the decade's standout performer. Bangladesh's $21B export gain over six yearsexceeds the total annual exports of 150+ countries as of 2023. Poland's 52% growth since 2017contrasts sharply with UK's 12% decline and Italy's stagnation over the same period.

The past six years witnessed remarkable export growth among emerging economies, with Vietnam leading the charge through a 85% increase in export values from $214B to $396B. This growth stems from Vietnam's strategic positioning as a manufacturing alternative to China, attracting electronics and textile production from global brands seeking supply chain diversification. Bangladesh similarly surged 62% from $34B to $55B, cementing its position as the world's second-largest garment exporter after China.

India's exports expanded 48% from $298B to $442B, driven by pharmaceuticals, technology services, and refined petroleum products. Poland emerged as Europe's rising star with 52% growth, benefiting from nearshoring trends and EU integration. These success stories demonstrate how strategic positioning, competitive labor costs, and targeted industrial policies can rapidly transform export capabilities.

Who are the top growth performers?

🇻🇳 Vietnam+85%
🇧🇩 Bangladesh+62%
🇵🇱 Poland+52%
🇮🇳 India+48%
🇲🇽 Mexico+41%

Declining Export Performance

Export Declines:

Russia's $87B export decline since 2021 represents the largest absolute drop among major economies, erasing gains made since 2016. UK's $62B export loss from 2019-2023 reflects post-Brexit trade disruptions and equals Ireland's entire 2023 export economy. Hong Kong's 15% decline since 2018marks the end of two decades of re-export growth, falling below 2015 levels.

Not all nations maintained export momentum, with several experiencing significant declines due to geopolitical tensions, commodity price volatility, and structural challenges. Russia's exports contracted 18% from $481B to $394B following international sanctions and energy market disruptions. The UK saw a 12% decline post-Brexit, falling from $514B to $452B as trade frictions with the EU impacted competitiveness.

Hong Kong's re-export model faced pressure from US-China tensions and mainland China's direct trading growth, resulting in a 15% decline. Venezuela's economic crisis devastated its export capacity, plummeting 65% from already depressed levels. These declines highlight vulnerabilities in export-dependent economies facing political instability, sanctions, or structural economic transitions.

Who saw the largest declines?

🇻🇪 Venezuela-65%
🇷🇺 Russia-18%
🇭🇰 Hong Kong-15%
🇬🇧 United Kingdom-12%
🇳🇬 Nigeria-8%

Product Specialization by Region

Asia-Pacific

Electronics (45%), textiles (18%), machinery (15%), automotive (12%). Dominates consumer electronics, semiconductors, and apparel manufacturing.

Europe

Vehicles (22%), machinery (20%), chemicals (15%), pharmaceuticals (12%). Excellence in luxury vehicles, precision engineering, and specialty chemicals.

North America

Technology (18%), aerospace (15%), energy (14%), agriculture (12%). Leadership in aircraft, software, refined petroleum, and grains.

Middle East

Energy (68%), petrochemicals (15%), metals (8%), construction materials (5%). Overwhelming dependence on oil and gas exports.

South America

Agriculture (35%), minerals (28%), energy (18%), food products (12%). Raw materials and agricultural commodities dominate.

Africa

Minerals (42%), energy (25%), agriculture (18%), precious metals (10%). Resource extraction with limited value-added manufacturing.

Regional export specialization reflects comparative advantages shaped by resource endowments, industrial development, and historical investment patterns. Asia's dominance in electronics manufacturing stems from decades of supply chain development and technical expertise accumulation. Europe leverages centuries of engineering tradition and brand prestige in luxury goods and precision machinery. North America combines technological innovation with abundant natural resources.

The Middle East and Africa's concentration in raw materials exports highlights the "resource curse" challenge – abundant natural resources often inhibit economic diversification. South America shows similar patterns, though Brazil and Mexico achieve greater manufacturing integration. These specialization patterns suggest opportunities for value-chain upgrading, particularly for resource-rich nations seeking to capture more value through processing and manufacturing rather than raw material exports.

What is FOB (Free on Board)?

FOB (Free on Board) is a trade term indicating that export values include the cost of goods and loading onto the transport vessel at the port of origin. FOB excludes international shipping costs, insurance, and duties, providing a standardized way to compare export values across countries.

What is global export market share?

Global export market share represents a country's export value as a percentage of total world exports. For example, China's 13.14% market share means Chinese exports account for 13.14% of all goods traded internationally.

Common Questions About Global Exports

Which country exports the most in the world?

China is the world's largest exporter with $2.98T in exports (2023). This represents 13.14% of global trade, nearly double the United States' $2.13T. China has maintained this position for 15 consecutive years since overtaking Germany in 2009.

What are the top 5 exporting countries?

The top 5 exporting countries are China ($2.98T), United States ($2.13T), Germany ($1.38T), France ($773.5B), and Japan ($747.2B). Together, these five nations control approximately 40% of global exports. The Netherlands punches above its size due to its role as Europe's distribution hub.

What is China's main export?

China's main exports are electronics and electrical equipment, accounting for approximately 27% of its total exports. This includes smartphones, computers, integrated circuits, and consumer electronics that supply global markets. China's manufacturing dominance extends beyond electronics to machinery, textiles, and steel products.

How much does the US export?

The United States exports $2.13T worth of goods annually (2023), making it the world's second-largest exporter. US exports represent 9.40% of global trade, with key products including aircraft, refined petroleum, and agricultural products. Despite ranking second in goods exports since 2013, the US maintains its lead in services exports, adding another $900 billion to its 2023 trade profile.

Which European country exports the most?

Germany is Europe's largest exporter with $1.38T in annual exports, ranking third globally. Germany specializes in vehicles, machinery, and chemicals, with exports representing over 40% of its GDP. The Netherlands follows as Europe's second-largest exporter at $773.5B, largely due to re-exports through Rotterdam port.

Which country has the largest trade surplus?

China has the world's largest trade surplus at approximately $823 billion (2023). Germany follows with a surplus of around $250 billion, built on its manufacturing excellence. These surpluses contrast with the United States' trade deficit of over $900 billion.

What percentage of global exports come from Asia?

Asia accounts for 25.7% of global exports, making it the dominant exporting region. This Asian dominance is led by China, Japan, and South Korea's manufacturing prowess. Asia's share has doubled from 21% in 2000 to 25.7% in 2023, with the most rapid growth occurring from 2000-2015.

Is China's export lead growing or shrinking?

China's export lead has stabilized at around 13.14% of global trade after rapid growth from 2000-2015. While China's exports grew 12% from 2022-2023, its global market share has plateaued at around 13.14% since 2018 as supply chains diversify. Countries like Vietnam, India, and Mexico are gaining share as 'China Plus One' manufacturing strategies take hold.

Which country exports the most cars?

China became the world's largest car exporter in 2023, surpassing Japan with over 5 million vehicle exports. Japan remains the second-largest auto exporter, followed by Germany which specializes in premium vehicles. The shift reflects China's growing dominance in electric vehicle production and exports.

Which country exports the most oil?

Saudi Arabia is the world's largest oil exporter, shipping approximately $326 billion worth of crude oil annually. Russia and the United Arab Emirates follow as major oil exporters, each exceeding $150 billion in petroleum exports. These three nations collectively control over 35% of global oil exports.

What percentage of global exports come from the top 10 countries?

The top 10 exporting countries control 50.2% of global exports. This concentration has remained relatively stable over the past decade despite supply chain diversification efforts. The top 20 countries account for 69.6%, highlighting the concentrated nature of international trade.

Which small country has the highest exports per capita?

Singapore has one of the world's highest exports per capita at over $400,000 per person annually. This reflects Singapore's role as a major trading hub and its focus on high-value exports like electronics and chemicals. Other high per-capita exporters include Switzerland, Netherlands, and Belgium.

📊 Data Source & Updates

Current Data: 2023 (Latest complete year) from CEPII BACI database, which harmonizes UN Comtrade statistics for accuracy. Updated monthly with revisions.

🔄 Data Release Schedule (CEPII BACI):

  • 2024 preliminary data: Expected January 2026 (version 202601)
  • 2024 complete data: Finalized by January 2027 with revisions
  • 2025 preliminary data: Expected January 2027 (version 202701)
  • 2025 complete data: Finalized by January 2028 with revisions
  • 2026 preliminary data: Expected January 2028 (version 202801)

Note: BACI releases data with a ~2 year lag. Data becomes available in January, approximately 12-13 months after year end.

Note: Values represent merchandise exports only (goods, not services). Service exports would add approximately $7 trillion to global totals. We update rankings as soon as new official data becomes available.