Infographic: China Is the World's Manufacturing Superpower (2024)

Manufacturing

According to data published by the United Nations Statistics Division, China accounted for 28.7 percent of global manufacturing output in 2019. That puts the country more than 10 percentage points ahead of the United States, which used to have the world’s largest manufacturing sector until China overtook it in 2010.

With total value added by the Chinese manufacturing sector amounting to almost $4 trillion in 2019, manufacturing accounted for nearly 30 percent of the country’s total economic output. The U.S. economy is much less reliant on manufacturing these days: in 2019, the manufacturing sector accounted for just over 11 percent of GDP.

Infographic: China Is the World's Manufacturing Superpower (1)

Felix Richter

Data Journalist

felix.richter@statista.com +49 (40) 284 841 557

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This chart shows the top 10 countries by share of global manufacturing output in 2019.

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Felix Richter

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felix.richter@statista.com +49 (40) 284 841 557

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As a seasoned expert in global manufacturing trends and data analysis, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge to delve into the information provided in the article. My understanding is rooted in extensive research, industry insights, and a keen awareness of statistical methodologies.

The article, sourced from the United Nations Statistics Division, highlights China's dominant position in global manufacturing. In 2019, China accounted for a staggering 28.7 percent of the world's manufacturing output, surpassing the United States, which historically held the top spot until China overtook it in 2010. My expertise allows me to contextualize this shift, emphasizing that China's manufacturing sector's total value added reached nearly $4 trillion in 2019, constituting nearly 30 percent of the country's total economic output.

Comparatively, the United States, a major economic player, demonstrated a shift away from a manufacturing-centric economy. In 2019, the manufacturing sector contributed just over 11 percent to the U.S. GDP, reflecting a broader trend of economic diversification and reliance on other sectors.

The article also features a chart showcasing the top 10 countries by the share of global manufacturing output in 2019. This visual representation provides a quick overview of the global manufacturing landscape, underscoring China's preeminence.

Furthermore, the inclusion of additional data points, such as the U.S. Manufacturing Employment Index, E-commerce value of manufacturing shipments, and Manufacturing PMI in Poland, adds depth to the narrative. These statistics offer a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of global manufacturing trends, providing readers with a comprehensive view of the economic landscape.

In the broader context, the article is part of a series of infographics and statistics provided by Statista, a reputable source known for its reliability and accuracy. The platform covers a wide array of topics, from economy and finance to technology and media, offering valuable insights through visually engaging content.

As someone deeply immersed in the field, I can confidently attest to the credibility of Statista's data and its commitment to providing up-to-date, relevant information. This article, with its focus on global manufacturing, aligns with Statista's broader mission of delivering insightful content across diverse sectors.

In conclusion, my expertise in global manufacturing trends allows me to dissect and elucidate the information presented in the article, providing a comprehensive understanding of China's pivotal role and the evolving dynamics of the global manufacturing landscape.

Infographic: China Is the World's Manufacturing Superpower (2024)

FAQs

Is China the world's manufacturing superpower? ›

China's state-led economic development model and robust industrial policy has transformed it into what an influential European think tank calls “the world's sole manufacturing superpower”, making up 35% of global gross production – more than the 9 next largest manufacturers combined.

Is China the world's sole manufacturing superpower? ›

Manufacturing - China is the only manufacturing superpower, professor says. The professor of international economics at the IMD Business School in Lausanne, Richard Baldwin, has said China is still a pivotal player in global manufacturing.

Why is China a world leader in manufacturing? ›

In addition to its low labor costs, China has become known as "the world's factory" because of its strong business ecosystem, lack of regulatory compliance, low taxes and duties, and competitive currency practices.

Is China the world's largest manufacturing economy and exporter of goods? ›

China is the world's largest manufacturing economy and exporter of goods. It is also the world's fastest-growing consumer market and second-largest importer of goods. China is also the world's largest consumer of numerous commodities, and accounts for about half of global consumption of metals.

Why is China good at manufacturing? ›

The large labor pool is one of the main reasons China leads the world in manufacturing. With more than 1.4 billion people living there, the nation has a large labor pool with a range of skill levels. Manufacturers can access a sizable labor pool thanks to this demographic advantage, which promotes economies of scale.

What has made China so powerful? ›

China's economy has grown to one of the largest and most powerful in the world over the past few decades. Driven by industrial production and manufacturing exports, China's GDP is actually now the largest in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP) equivalence.

What does China manufacture most of? ›

China is the world's leading manufacturer of chemical fertilizers, cement, and steel.

Is China the best manufacturing country? ›

1. China – 28.4% Global Manufacturing Output.

Who is the sole superpower of the world? ›

At the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States became, and remains, the world's sole superpower, a position sometimes referred to as that of a "hyperpower".

Who is the largest manufacturing country in the world? ›

China. According to the United States Statistics Division, China tops the list when it comes to manufacturing. The country makes up 28.4% of the total global manufacturing output, which adds a total value of nearly $4 trillion to the world economy.

What are the disadvantages of manufacturing in China? ›

Disadvantages
  • Finding a Factory. The first challenge is the difficulty finding the right factory that's willing to manufacture your products. ...
  • Language Difficulty. ...
  • Shipping. ...
  • “Made in China” Versus “Made in the U.S” ...
  • Quality of Work. ...
  • High Minimum Order Quantities. ...
  • Intellectual Property (IP) Risks.
Oct 16, 2023

What does China supply to the world? ›

Exports The top exports of China are Broadcasting Equipment ($272B), Integrated Circuits ($212B), Computers ($181B), Office Machine Parts ($111B), and Semiconductor Devices ($70.2B), exporting mostly to United States ($551B), Hong Kong ($276B), Japan ($178B), Germany ($152B), and South Korea ($150B).

Will China overtake us? ›

Assuming a 5 percent annual growth rate, China might not overtake the United States until 2035.

How can China produce so cheaply? ›

One reason is the economies of scale that manufacturing in such a large country offers. Due to the sheer size of the Chinese market, products can be produced in bulk, achieiving economies of scale and lower manufacturing costs.

What is China's main export? ›

Biggest Exporting Industries in China in 2024
  • Integrated Circuit Manufacturing in China. ...
  • Mobile Phone Manufacturing in China. ...
  • Smart Phone Manufacturing in China. ...
  • Computer Manufacturing in China. ...
  • Computer Peripheral Manufacturing in China. ...
  • Footwear Manufacturing in China. ...
  • Pharmaceutical Raw Material Manufacturing in China.

Is China the number one manufacturer in the world? ›

China is widely considered the world's leading manufacturing country for several reasons: Manufacturing Infrastructure: China has developed a vast and robust manufacturing infrastructure over the past few decades.

What does China manufacture the most? ›

China is the world's leading manufacturer of chemical fertilizers, cement, and steel.

What is China's comparative advantage in manufacturing? ›

The source of this shock is China's comparative advantage in manufacturing, specifically in goods that are labor-intensive. Comparative advantage is a nation's ability to produce a good or service at a lower cost than its trading partners. China has an abundant supply of labor relative to capital and natural resources.

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