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The race to be the world's biggest exporter

Race · 23 Oct 2026

Bar chart race of exports of goods and services in current US dollars, 1970 to 2024, for 12 countries. The US leads until 2012. China, in gold, climbs from 11th to 1st: it passes the US in 2013, falls behind in 2016 and leads again from 2017. In 2024 China exports $3.83tn, the US $3.22tn and Germany $1.94tn.

Exports of goods and services, 1970 to 2024, in current US dollars.

In 1970 the US exported $59.7bn and China $2.3bn, 11th of these 12 countries. The US led every year until 2012. China passed it in 2013, fell behind it again in 2016 and has led every year since 2017.

In 2024 China exported $3.83tn, the US $3.22tn and Germany $1.94tn. China's lead over the US was $118bn in 2018, the year US tariffs on China began. In 2024 it was $614bn.

Source: World Bank, 2024.

Source: World Bank, 2024