Global trade dominance: US, EU, or China

This dual world map compares global trade dominance by identifying the largest trading partner (combined exports and imports) for each country in the years 2000 and 2024 – among the United States, European Union, and China.

In 2000, the US was the top trading partner for most of the Americas, several major Asia-Pacific economies, and parts of Africa. The EU dominated trade with much of Europe, large parts of Africa and Asia, and significant portions of South America. China was the largest partner for only a few smaller economies, including Myanmar, Mongolia, North Korea, Oman, Sudan, and Yemen.

By 2024, China’s trade footprint expanded dramatically, becoming the largest trading partner for nearly all of Asia, much of Africa, and the majority of South America. The US maintained dominance in North America and select countries in South America. The EU remained the leading partner for much of Europe, North Africa, and nearby regions, but its global reach diminished relative to China’s.

China’s total trade surged from US$474 billion in 2000 to US$6.2 trillion in 2024, overtaking both the US and EU to become the world’s leading trading power.

Data source: 
https://comtradeplus.un.org/ 
https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/statis_e/statis_e.htm 

This infographic by Ehsan Soltani was first published on Voronoi by Visual Capitalist on 7 July 2025.  

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