China’s Economy Surpasses the Combined GDP of 30 Countries in Asia

China’s economy, with an output of $18 trillion in 2024, surpasses the combined GDP of 30 other Asian countries, which totals $16.5 trillion. This group of nations includes economic powerhouses like Japan, India, and South Korea, which rank as the 4th, 5th, and 12th largest economies globally, with GDPs of $4.1 trillion, $3.9 trillion, and $1.87 trillion, respectively.

Data compiled from the UN and IMF as of 2024 reveals this comparison excludes Western Asian nations such as those in the Middle East, as well as Russia, which spans both Europe and Asia. North Korea was also omitted due to a lack of available economic data.

The population disparity between China and this bloc is striking. While over 2.9 billion people inhabit the 30 nations in question, China alone accounts for 1.4 billion residents. However, productivity per person shows a stark imbalance, with China’s per capita GDP at $12,870—more than double the $5,583 average for the rest of Asia.

China’s economic scale helps explain the global concern over its post-pandemic slowdown. Economists view the situation as less of a singular national slump and more akin to the equivalent of 30 countries experiencing economic difficulties.

Since 2010, China has added roughly $1 trillion annually to its economy—the equivalent of Saudi Arabia’s GDP each year. Between 2012 and 2021, China alone contributed nearly 39% of global growth, outpacing the combined contribution of all G7 nations.

Its dominance is particularly apparent in manufacturing and industrial sectors, where China holds a commanding market position. A decline in Chinese demand directly impacts countries heavily reliant on exports to China, including many across Asia and Africa.

In response to weaker domestic demand, Chinese businesses have increasingly turned to international markets. However, this shift has heightened tensions with the U.S. and EU, which have accused China of unfair trade practices. Additional tariffs could escalate costs for goods and services globally, creating ripple effects that impact consumers worldwide.

China’s unparalleled economic influence underscores its critical role in shaping the global economy, particularly in sectors where its dominance continues to drive supply chains and trade patterns.

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