The world’s export landscape has been transformed over the past 80 years, from Trans-Atlantic dominance to Japan’s and China’s rise and mega-trading blocs.
China’s accession to the WTO accelerated its shift from the “workshop of the world” to a central node of manufacturing, production and demand.
China accounts for 70% of the world’s operational high-speed rail, with a network that connects every major city and carries a billion passengers.
While manufacturing has declined steadily in the U.S., EU, Japan and Germany, China has sustained a uniquely high manufacturing share.
As the world’s leading importer, U.S. imports over nearly four decades have reflected the evolving patterns of global trade.
India’s trade deficit widened to a record USD 41.7 billion in October 2025, driven by a sharp jump in gold imports to USD 14.7 billion.
