The value of all goods exported around the world hit almost $25 trillion in 2022.
Over the last 20 years, global trade has grown by about 300%. This is due to changes in international trade, the effects of globalisation, and technological growth.
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) data was used to make this graph by Truman Du that shows the top producers by country.
The world largest 11 exporters shipped out $12.8 trillion of goods in 2022, more than the rest of the world combined ($12.1 trillion).
China is at the top of the list with $3.6 trillion in exports, or 14% of all exports. Since 2009, the country has sent more goods abroad than any other in the world.
| Top 11 | Country | Exports (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | $3.6T |
| 2 | U.S. | $2.1T |
| 3 | Germany | $1.7T |
| 4 | Netherlands | $965.5B |
| 5 | Japan | $746.9B |
| 6 | South Korea | $683.6B |
| 7 | Italy | $656.9B |
| 8 | Belgium | $632.9B |
| 9 | France | $617.8B |
| 10 | Hong Kong | $609.9B |
| 11 | United Arab Emirates | $598.5B |
In terms of value, the most valuable things that China sent out were computers, optical readers, integrated circuits, solar power diodes, semiconductors, and phones (including smartphones).
Japan and South Korea, which are close by, are two of China main trade partners.
Mexico is now America biggest trading partner, beating out China
Trade between China and the European Union and the United States has grown. These are two of the biggest markets for items in the world.
But because of recent trade disputes, China will no longer be the US largest business partner in 2023.
Mexico has now passed China as the country that sells the most to the US. This change in the way trade works is part of the U.S. larger plan to buy things from closer to home and depend less on its geopolitical rivals.
The U.S. itself is the world second largest goods exporter, with over $2 trillion annually.
Canada was the largest purchaser of U.S. exports in 2022, accounting for 17% of total exports, followed by Mexico, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
The top exports of the United States are refined petroleum, petroleum gas, crude petroleum, cars, and integrated circuits.
