The United States has a nominal GDP of approximately $27.4 trillion (2024), while China's nominal GDP is approximately $17.9 trillion, making the US economy 53% larger by nominal measures. However, China's economy is larger by purchasing power parity (PPP), valued at approximately $35.7 trillion compared to the US's $27.9 trillion PPP.
China GDP vs US GDP — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
World's largest nominal economy with $27.4 trillion in total output (2024)
World's second-largest nominal economy and largest by PPP at $35.7 trillion (2024)
Nominal GDP (2024). GDP by Purchasing Power Parity (2024). GDP Per Capita (2024). GDP Growth Rate (2024). Manufacturing Output Share of Global GDP. Primary Economic Sector Focus. Fortune 500 Companies
Choose the US GDP metric if comparing absolute economic power by international currency standards and per-capita wealth distribution—the US dominates in nominal GDP and living standards. Choose China's GDP if measuring purchasing power and real economic output relative to domestic consumption—China's PPP economy is substantially larger and growing faster at 5.2% annually versus the US's 2.5%.
United States GDP: $30+ trillion | China GDP: $17.9 trillion (nominal)
United States GDP: $30 trillion | China GDP: $35+ trillion
United States GDP: 2.0-2.5% | China GDP: 4.5-5.0%
United States GDP: $925.8 billion | China GDP: $296.5 billion
United States GDP: $4,175.4 billion | China GDP: $620.1 billion
United States GDP: €3,981 | China GDP: €467
United States GDP: 15-20% | China GDP: 70%
United States GDP: 2.0-2.5% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 5-8% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: Market-driven; highly transparent | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: $31.821 trillion | China GDP: $20.651 trillion
United States GDP: 2.1-2.5% | China GDP: 4.6-4.8%
United States GDP: $89,000+ | China GDP: $14,100
United States GDP: 23.64% | China GDP: 15.28%
United States GDP: ~20% | China GDP: ~70%
United States GDP: ~6% | China GDP: ~94%
United States GDP: 0-0.5% | China GDP: 0.5-2.0%
United States GDP: $30+ | China GDP: $17-18
United States GDP: 2.5-2.7% | China GDP: 4.6-4.8%
United States GDP: €925.8 billion | China GDP: €296.5 billion
United States GDP: 10-15% | China GDP: 80%+
United States GDP: $31.82 trillion | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 2.1% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 2.0% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 28-30% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: $433.731 billion annualized | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 1 (United States) | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: #1 globally | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: $31.8 trillion (real) | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: $27.4 trillion | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 2.5% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: $34 trillion | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 11.8% | China GDP: 27.3%
United States GDP: 11.2% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 2.7% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 12.1% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 60 companies | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: $81,285 | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: $82,450 | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 12.5% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: $0.14 trillion | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: $27.4 trillion | China GDP: $17.9 trillion
United States GDP: 2.7% | China GDP: 5.2%
United States GDP: $27.9 trillion | China GDP: $33.7 trillion
United States GDP: 82% | China GDP: 2.3%
United States GDP: 8.1% | China GDP: 12.8%
United States GDP: 130% | China GDP: 77%
United States GDP: $28.9 trillion | China GDP: $23.5 trillion
United States GDP: 2.1% | China GDP: 4.2%
United States GDP: $2.1 trillion | China GDP: $4.3 trillion
United States GDP: 12.1% | China GDP: 8.4%
United States GDP: 123% | China GDP: 77%
United States GDP: $285 billion | China GDP: $189 billion
United States GDP: 336 million | China GDP: 1,418 million
United States GDP: $28.7 trillion | China GDP: $19.9 trillion
United States GDP: $85,400 | China GDP: $14,100
United States GDP: 2.1% | China GDP: 4.8%
United States GDP: $1.8 trillion | China GDP: $1.2 trillion
United States GDP: 32.8% | China GDP: 22.7%
United States GDP: $27.9 trillion | China GDP: $35.7 trillion
United States GDP: $81,695 | China GDP: $12,720
United States GDP: 2.5% | China GDP: 5.2%
United States GDP: 0.339 billion | China GDP: 1.418 billion
United States GDP: 135 companies | China GDP: 142 companies
How to choose between United States GDP and China GDP
China GDP vs US GDP — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for China GDP vs US GDP. Contains 78 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
China GDP vs US GDP — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for China GDP vs US GDP.
Why does the US have a higher nominal GDP than China if China's PPP is larger?
Nominal GDP measures total economic output in USD at current exchange rates, where the US dollar is the global reserve currency and exchanges at favorable rates. PPP adjusts for purchasing power differences—the same dollar buys more goods in China due to lower local costs. China's larger PPP ($35.7T vs $27.9T) means its actual consumption power and real economic output exceed the US when adjusted for price differences, but nominal GDP favors the US due to currency valuation and the international pricing of tradable goods.
Is China's economy growing faster than the US?
Yes, significantly. China's GDP growth rate in 2024 was 5.2% compared to the US at 2.5%, more than double the rate. However, China's growth is from a lower per-capita base ($12,720 vs $81,695) and is driven primarily by manufacturing expansion and infrastructure investment. The US economy, while growing slower, generates higher absolute wealth per person and benefits from a more diversified service-based economy.
Which country has more economic influence globally?
The US has greater financial and currency influence due to its $27.4 trillion nominal GDP, dollar dominance, and 135 Fortune 500 companies controlling global capital flows. However, China has greater manufacturing influence and supply chain control with 28% of global manufacturing output. The US excels in finance, technology, and services; China excels in production and raw material processing. Their influence differs by sector and region.
Why is China's manufacturing output share so much higher than the US?
China's economy has prioritized manufacturing as the engine of growth, controlling labor costs and scaling production across textiles, electronics, machinery, and chemicals. The US shifted to a service-based economy (79% of GDP) focused on finance, technology, and professional services, which creates higher value-add per worker but lower total manufacturing output. China produces 28% of global manufactured goods versus the US at 15%, reflecting deliberate economic specialization rather than pure economic size.
Which economy is more stable for long-term investment?
The US economy is generally considered more stable due to institutional strength, rule of law, and diversified service sectors, though it faces demographic aging and debt concerns. China's economy offers higher growth rates but faces demographic headwinds (fertility rate 1.09), potential trade restrictions, and policy uncertainty. US is better for low-risk, long-term wealth preservation; China offers higher growth potential but with greater geopolitical and policy risks.
How to Choose Between United States GDP and China GDP
Nominal GDP (2024): United States GDP has $27.4 trillion, while China GDP has $17.9 trillion.
Consider: GDP by Purchasing Power Parity (2024)
GDP by Purchasing Power Parity (2024): United States GDP has $27.9 trillion, while China GDP has $35.7 trillion.
GDP Per Capita (2024): United States GDP has $81,695, while China GDP has $12,720.
GDP Growth Rate (2024): United States GDP has 2.5%, while China GDP has 5.2%.
Consider: Manufacturing Output Share of Global GDP
Manufacturing Output Share of Global GDP: United States GDP has 15%, while China GDP has 28%.
Primary Economic Sector Focus: United States GDP has Services & Technology (79% of GDP), while China GDP has Manufacturing & Exports (36% of GDP).
Fortune 500 Companies: United States GDP has 135 companies, while China GDP has 142 companies.