WORLD: China retained its position as the world’s largest goods exporter in 2024, accounting for 14.6% of global merchandise exports, according to the latest data released by the World Trade Organization (WTO). China’s total exports reached $3.577 trillion last year, marking a 6% increase compared with 2023, the WTO said. In second place, the United States reported exports of $2,065 billion with a growth of 2%, and the over $1.5 trillion gap between China and the U.S. highlights Beijing’s dominance in global goods trade. Key Insights for 2026
- Market trends indicate that China is on track to set new export records in 2025-2026, particularly focusing on markets in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
- China’s share of global maritime cargo transportation stands at approximately 36%, maintaining a leading role in global container trade.
- Economies like South Korea, France, and Hong Kong have shown significant growth in exports, with Vietnam leading with a 14% increase in exports.
- Conversely, some European economies, such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan, have experienced a slight decrease in exports.
Top 10 Exporting Countries in 2024
- China– $3,577 billion (6% growth)
- United States– $2,065 billion (2% growth)
- Germany– $1,682 billion (1% decrease)
- Netherlands– $921 billion (2% decrease)
- Japan– $707 billion (1% decrease)
- South Korea– $684 billion (8% growth)
- Italy– $674 billion (no change)
- Hong Kong– $646 billion (12% growth)
- France– $639 billion (11% growth)
- Mexico– $617 billion (4% growth)
The statistics indicate that China not only leads in 2024 but also suggests that its export trends will continue through 2026, shifting the balance of global trade power towards East Asia.
