Manufacturing by Country 2024

Though manufacturing is a global industry, it remains fragmented by country. Each country produces relatively distinct goods that make up the broader global manufacturing industry.

Manufacturing by Country

Here’s a look at manufacturing by country, focusing on the world’s top ten manufacturing countries and what they contribute to the global manufacturing economy.

Note that industrialized countries consistently compete for a place, so this list is likely to change as years go by.

China

According to the United States Statistics Division, China tops the list when it comes to manufacturing. The country makes up 31.63% of the total global manufacturing output, which adds a total value of nearly $5 trillion to the world economy. The main exports from China comprise consumer goods like textiles, electronics, and garments.

United States

The U.S. used to have the world’s largest manufacturing sector until it was overtaken by China in 2010, though it’s still in the contest with China to take back the position. The country accounts for roughly 15.9% of global manufacturing, and its output is valued at almost $2.5 trillion. The U.S.’s production includes automobiles, chemical products, food products, military equipment, and aircraft.

Japan

Japan comes in third and provides approximately 6.5% of the world’s total manufacturing output. Japan produced a little over $800 billion from manufacturing in 2022. The country is famous for manufactured exports, including vehicles, computer parts, electronics, and chemicals.

Germany

Germany is among the leading European manufacturing nations, with about $750 billion coming from this sector. Well known for motor vehicle exports, electrical machinery, and manufactured metals, the country accounts for approximately 4.8% of global manufacturing.

India

Although it may be better known for the I.T. workforce or customer service centers, India also has a major share of manufacturing output, accounting for around 2.9% of global manufacturing output. The country gives an output value of roughly $451 billion. It's mostly known for agricultural products, textiles, engineering goods, leather products, and chemicals.

South Korea

South Korea accounts for about 2.71% of global manufacturing, and its output value is around $427 billion. Manufacturing represents approximately 29% of the entire country's national output. Significant exports from South Korea include technological products, automobiles, petroleum, and machinery.

Russia

Seventh on the list, the Russian Federation contributes about 1.83% to global manufacturing, which amounts to nearly $288 billion. Russia primarily manufactures energy products (oil and gas), military equipment, aerospace technology, automobiles, chemicals, heavy machinery, and agricultural goods.

Italy

Italy ranks 8th on the list of manufacturing countries, and its economic structure relies heavily on manufacturing and industrialization. The output value of Italy’s manufacturing industry amounts to approximately $284 billion, and the country’s primary exports include metal products, clothing and footwear, vehicles, and chemicals.

Mexico

Mexico accounts for around 1.7% of global manufacturing output, enough to generate a value of $266 billion. Mexican exports are mineral fuels, lubricants, food, transport equipment, and machinery.

France

France contributes approximately $259 billion in manufacturing output to the global economy, accounting for 1.65% of the total global manufacturing output. Its leading exports include agricultural products, machinery, aircraft, and hydrocarbon products.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a sovereign state that includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. They account for about 1.65% of global manufacturing, contributing a total manufacturing output value of $259 billion. Major exports from the U.K. include chemicals, manufactured goods, and food products.