Countries with the largest exports in 1990 vs. 2021 visualized

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Exports rankings have been greatly influenced by political and economic changes between 1991 and 2021. For instance, the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to significant changes in the export profiles of its successor states. Additionally, the accession of new countries to the European Union has affected the rankings of some European nations.

As a result, over the past three decades, the ranking of major exporting countries has changed multiple times due to shifts in global trade dynamics, economic growth, and industry changes.

One of the most significant changes has been the rise of China as the world’s largest exporter. Over the past few decades, China’s manufacturing capabilities, low labor costs, and large domestic market have led to tremendous growth in its export sector.

The economies of South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore, known as the “Asian Tigers,” have also undergone quick industrialization and growth driven by exports. These countries have developed strong export sectors in electronics, automobiles, and high-tech goods.

Countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia have experienced export growth and have become important players in global trade. They have attracted foreign direct investment, developed strong manufacturing bases, and benefited from global value chains.

Germany has maintained its position as one of the top exporting countries over the years. The country’s reputation for high-quality manufacturing, particularly in the automotive and machinery sectors, has contributed to its export success.

The ranking of North American countries has witnessed some changes. The United States has remained a prominent exporter, but its share of global exports has declined due to the growth of other countries. Meanwhile, Mexico has emerged as a significant exporting nation, particularly in the automotive, electronics, and manufacturing sectors.

The rankings of European countries also have seen some shifts. France and the United Kingdom have experienced fluctuations in their export rankings, while the Netherlands has consistently maintained a strong position due to its strategic location and well-developed logistics infrastructure.

Reddit user giteam visualized the change in the ranking of the largest exporting countries from 1990 to 2021.

Countries with the largest exports in 1990

The largest exporters in 1990 were primarily major industrialized nations. Here is the rating of the countries with the largest exports during that time:

1. United States: The United States was the world’s largest exporter in 1990. Its exports mainly consisted of manufactured goods, machinery, automobiles, aircraft, and agricultural products.
2. Germany: Germany was a leading exporter of automobiles, machinery, chemicals, and engineering products. German-made goods were highly regarded for their quality and precision.
3. Japan: Japan was renowned for its exports of automobiles, electronics, machinery, and consumer goods. It had a strong presence in the global market and was considered one of the major exporting nations.
4. France: France was a significant exporter of aircraft, machinery, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and luxury goods. Its strong industrial base contributed to its export success.
5. United Kingdom: The United Kingdom had a diverse range of exports, including manufactured goods, machinery, chemicals, and services. London’s position as a global financial hub also contributed to its export sector.
6. Italy: Italy had a reputation for its exports of automobiles, machinery, fashion and luxury goods, and food products. Brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Armani contributed to its export profile.
7. Netherlands: The Netherlands had a strong export sector, particularly in the areas of machinery, chemicals, petroleum products, and agricultural goods. The Port of Rotterdam played a crucial role in facilitating international trade.
8. Canada: Canada’s exports primarily consisted of natural resources such as minerals, forestry products, and energy. It also exported machinery, automobiles, and agricultural products.
9. Belgium: In 1990, the Belgian economy was characterized by a mix of traditional industries and a growing services sector. Belgium had a well-developed manufacturing base, particularly in sectors such as steel, chemicals, and automobiles. The country also had a strong presence in international trade, with significant exports of machinery, processed diamonds, and pharmaceutical products.
10. Switzerland: The country had a highly developed and prosperous economy. Known for its banking and financial services sector, Switzerland was considered a global hub for wealth management. The country also had a strong manufacturing industry, particularly in precision instruments, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.

Countries with the largest exports in 2021

According to the Atlas of Economic Complexity, China exported a total of $3.6T, making it the number 1 exporter in the world. Here are the top 10 leading exporters in the world.

1. China: China has consistently been the world’s largest exporter in recent years. Its export sector is diverse and includes products such as electronics, machinery, textiles, automotive parts, and consumer goods.
2. United States: The United States is one of the leading exporting nations, known for its exports of aircraft, machinery, pharmaceuticals, electrical equipment, and agricultural products. It has a highly developed and diverse export sector.
3. Germany: Germany is known for its high-quality exports, particularly in the automotive industry. It is a major exporter of vehicles, machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and electrical equipment.
4. Japan: Japan is a significant exporter of automobiles, electronics, machinery, and high-tech products. Its technological advancements and manufacturing expertise contribute to its export success.
5. United Kingdom: The United Kingdom exports a wide range of products, including machinery, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and financial services. It has a diverse export sector with both goods and services.
6. France: France is known for its luxury goods, aerospace industry, and agricultural products. It exports items such as aircraft, machinery, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and wines.
7. Netherlands: The Netherlands is a major exporter due to its strategic location and strong logistics infrastructure. It exports goods such as machinery, chemicals, petroleum products, foodstuffs, and electronics.
8. South Korea: South Korea has a strong export sector, known for its electronics, automobiles, shipbuilding, steel products, and petrochemicals. Companies like Samsung and Hyundai contribute to its export performance.
9. Hong Kong: Hong Kong, as a global financial hub, has a prominent export sector. Its exports primarily consist of electrical machinery and equipment, precious metals, textiles, and plastics.
10. Singapore: The country’s economy is highly developed and diverse, with key sectors such as manufacturing, finance, logistics, and technology. Singapore has been a global hub for trade and finance, attracting significant foreign investment.