China's Economy vs United States Economy
The US economy leads in per-capita wealth and technological innovation with a $28.7 trillion GDP, while China's $17.9 trillion economy ranks second globally but surpasses the US in manufacturing output and total trade volume. The US maintains higher living standards and currency strength, while China drives global supply chains and has the world's largest population of consumers.
China's Economy vs United States Economy — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
World's largest developed economy with $27.4 trillion GDP and technology/finance dominance
World's second-largest economy at $17.8 trillion with 28% global manufacturing share and 5% annual growth
Nominal GDP (2024). GDP Per Capita. Manufacturing Output (% of global). Total Merchandise Trade Volume. Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (2024). Unemployment Rate. Currency Reserve Status
The US economy excels in per-capita wealth, innovation, institutional stability, and currency dominance, making it stronger for individual prosperity and global financial influence. China's economy dominates in manufacturing scale, export volume, and population-driven consumer markets, making it critical to global supply chains. Choose the US if evaluating developed-market wealth and technological leadership; choose China if analyzing manufacturing power and emerging-market growth potential.
United States Economy: 3.5% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $30.0-30.5 trillion | China's Economy: ~$31.7 trillion
United States Economy: 17% | China's Economy: 70%
United States Economy: ~6% | China's Economy: 94%
United States Economy: ~16% | China's Economy: 35%
United States Economy: ~3.8-4.0% | China's Economy: ~4.1%
Advanced Semiconductor Market Leadership
United States Economy: Dominant (Intel, TSMC partnership, Samsung); controls cutting-edge nodes | China's Economy: Limited by US export controls; dependent on SMIC/HiSilicon
United States Economy: 20-25% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: Global leader in design and manufacturing | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: Moderate exposure | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 2.2% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $925.8 billion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $4.18 trillion (2024) | China's Economy: $620 billion (2023)
United States Economy: 0.3-0.5% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 30.0+ | China's Economy: ~27-28 trillion
United States Economy: $4,175 billion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $4,481 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: ~20% | China's Economy: 70%
United States Economy: 6% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: Leading edge (3nm and below) | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: Minimal negative impact | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: ~10% | China's Economy: 80%+ of global output
United States Economy: Leading in design and manufacturing | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: Minimal (exporter advantage) | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 2.0-2.5% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: €925.8 billion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 2.0-2.5% | China's Economy: 4.5-5.0%
United States Economy: 25-30% of global EVs | China's Economy: 70% of global EVs
United States Economy: 8-10% | China's Economy: 80%+
United States Economy: ~4.0% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $310 billion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $4,175,432 million (2024) | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: €925,796.8 million | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $89,000 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $10,266.8 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $925.8 | China's Economy: €296.5 billion
United States Economy: Global market leader | China's Economy: Limited by US export controls
United States Economy: Lower exposure | China's Economy: $400-800B potential loss
United States Economy: ~6% of global | China's Economy: 94% of global
United States Economy: Minimal | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 0.4-0.6% | China's Economy: N/A
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production
United States Economy: ~15% | China's Economy: 94%
United States Economy: $89,000+ | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 9% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 0.2-0.4pp | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 0.3-0.5% (from AI investment) | China's Economy: N/A
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production Share
United States Economy: 4% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 15% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 12% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $50-150B | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $31.5 trillion | China's Economy: $45.78 trillion
United States Economy: 2.1% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 1st | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 123% | China's Economy: 77%
United States Economy: 339 million | China's Economy: 1,426 million
United States Economy: $809 billion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: AI, semiconductors, cloud, fintech | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $35,000-45,000 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $94,430 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $11.1 trillion ahead | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: Data not available | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: ~25-26% of global GDP | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 1st (maintained) | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: ~1.8% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 26.2% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: Not specified | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $28.0 trillion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $85,000 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $27.4 trillion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: €10,217,935.3 million | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $3,981 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 44.5 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: ~2.8% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 1 EUR = 1.1797 USD | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 2.0-2.4% | China's Economy: 4.6-4.8%
United States Economy: 2.0% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $96,500+ | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $11.53 trillion lead | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $27.23 trillion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 122.27% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 37.74% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 336 million | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 2.8% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 11.8% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 25.5% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 38.5 years | China's Economy: 38.6 years
United States Economy: $27.4 trillion | China's Economy: $17.8 trillion
United States Economy: 4.2% | China's Economy: 4.1%
United States Economy: 2.9% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $156 billion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 167 companies | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 11.2% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $27.4T | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $82,000 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $0.13T | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 4.1% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $15.2T (Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Nvidia, Tesla, Broadcom) | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 38.9 years | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $2.1 trillion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $82,900 | China's Economy: $12,720
United States Economy: 2.5% | China's Economy: 5.2%
United States Economy: $2.4 trillion | China's Economy: $4.3 trillion
United States Economy: $285 billion (2023) | China's Economy: $163 billion (2023)
United States Economy: $82,500 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 123% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $62,400 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 339 million | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 65% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 2.5% | China's Economy: 5.0%
United States Economy: $76,398 | China's Economy: $12,556
United States Economy: $0.1306 trillion | China's Economy: $3.3 trillion
United States Economy: 129% | China's Economy: 282%
United States Economy: 3.5% | China's Economy: 2.1%
United States Economy: 2.1% | China's Economy: 5.2%
United States Economy: $80,412 | China's Economy: $23,482
United States Economy: 16.3% | China's Economy: 42.8%
United States Economy: 123% | China's Economy: 77.8%
United States Economy: $12.8 trillion | China's Economy: $4.2 trillion
United States Economy: 340 million | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 21% of electricity | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 135 companies | China's Economy: 142 companies
United States Economy: $33.2 trillion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 11% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 80.1% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $285 billion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $31.2 trillion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 18% | China's Economy: 28%
United States Economy: -$73 billion deficit | China's Economy: $631.8 billion surplus
United States Economy: 12% | China's Economy: 28%
United States Economy: 4.1% | China's Economy: 5.1%
United States Economy: $-$73 billion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $2.3T | China's Economy: $2.1T
United States Economy: 2.5% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 11.5% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $820 billion | China's Economy: $230 billion
United States Economy: 714,000 | China's Economy: 1,224,000
United States Economy: 8.2% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: -$773 billion (deficit) | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 2.5% | China's Economy: 5.4% (2024 estimate)
United States Economy: -$73.1 billion | China's Economy: +$632 billion surplus
United States Economy: +0.4% (growing) | China's Economy: -1.6% (declining)
United States Economy: $27.9 trillion | China's Economy: $17.9 trillion
United States Economy: 11% | China's Economy: 28%
United States Economy: $68,420 | China's Economy: $11,000
United States Economy: 0.38 million | China's Economy: 1.67 million
United States Economy: 17% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 9.8% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $42.8 trillion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 16% | China's Economy: 28%
United States Economy: $7.1 trillion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 11.8% | China's Economy: 28.2%
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (2024)
United States Economy: $269 billion | China's Economy: $163 billion
United States Economy: 63.0% | China's Economy: N/A
Tech Sector Market Capitalization (Top 7 Companies)
United States Economy: $14.2 trillion | China's Economy: N/A
Average Annual GDP Growth Rate (2010-2023)
United States Economy: 2.4% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $28.2 trillion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 26% of world GDP | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $285 billion | China's Economy: $189 billion
United States Economy: 0.41 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 17.3% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: -$773 billion deficit | China's Economy: +$352 billion surplus
United States Economy: 398,144 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $329 billion | China's Economy: $163.5 billion
United States Economy: 170 million workers | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $28.7 trillion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $12.4 trillion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 16% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 615,000 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 2.6% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $130 billion | China's Economy: $3.2 trillion
United States Economy: $76,398 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 11.2% | China's Economy: 27%
United States Economy: 415,000 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $48.2 trillion | China's Economy: $14.2 trillion
United States Economy: $120,000 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $76,500 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 680 GW | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $27.4 trillion | China's Economy: $17.9 trillion
United States Economy: 2.7% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 32.4% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 16.9% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 21.6% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $2.9 trillion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $27.36 trillion | China's Economy: $17.9 trillion
United States Economy: $28.7 trillion | China's Economy: $17-18 trillion
United States Economy: 18% | China's Economy: 27.3%
United States Economy: $12.5 trillion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $32 trillion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 80% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 26% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $28.7 trillion | China's Economy: $17.9 trillion
United States Economy: 31% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $189 billion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 4.0% | China's Economy: 5.0%
United States Economy: 3.4% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 82% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 41.1 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $7.25 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $68.40 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $119 billion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $289B | China's Economy: N/A
Annual GDP Growth Rate (2020-2026 Average)
United States Economy: 195 companies | China's Economy: 88 companies
United States Economy: 38.7 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 285,000 | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 18% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 0.84 million | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 13.3% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 123% | China's Economy: 280%
United States Economy: $840 billion | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 12.3% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 2.1% | China's Economy: 5.0%
United States Economy: $81,045 | China's Economy: $12,720
United States Economy: 26.4% | China's Economy: N/A
United States Economy: N/A | China's Economy: $296.5 billion
United States Economy: N/A | China's Economy: 80%+
United States Economy: N/A | China's Economy: $6,177 billion
United States Economy: N/A | China's Economy: 4.6-4.8%
Government Education Spending Per Capita
United States Economy: N/A | China's Economy: €467
United States Economy: N/A | China's Economy: Constrained by US export controls
United States Economy: N/A | China's Economy: $12,720
United States Economy: N/A | China's Economy: $3.58 trillion
United States Economy: N/A | China's Economy: 38.4 years
How to choose between United States Economy and China's Economy
Compare United States Economy vs China's Economy
China's Economy vs United States Economy — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for China's Economy vs United States Economy. Contains 285 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
China's Economy vs United States Economy — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for China's Economy vs United States Economy.
Is China's economy actually larger than the US economy?
No. By nominal GDP (official exchange rates), the US economy at $28.7 trillion is 60% larger than China's $17.9 trillion. However, by PPP (Purchasing Power Parity) adjusted GDP, China ranks ahead at $32.7 trillion vs $27.8 trillion for the US, reflecting lower prices domestically. Nominal GDP is the standard international measure, so the US remains the largest economy globally.
Why is China's per-capita GDP so much lower than the US?
China has 1.4 billion people vs 340 million in the US. Total output divided by population yields far lower per-capita figures ($13,100 vs $87,200). This reflects China's rapid industrialization from a rural, agricultural base—many citizens only recently joined the formal economy. As urbanization continues (65% now vs 30% in 2000), per-capita income is rising 8-10% annually, but absolute gaps will persist for decades.
Does China manufacture more goods than the US?
Yes, substantially. China produces 28% of global manufactured goods vs 16% for the US. China dominates electronics, textiles, steel, automobiles, and appliances. The US leads in high-value sectors like semiconductors, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals. China's trade volume of $4.3 trillion exceeds the US's $2.4 trillion, making it the world's manufacturing hub and supply chain lynchpin.
Why is the US dollar stronger than the Chinese yuan?
The US dollar is the global reserve currency (58% of central bank reserves) due to US economic size, institutional strength, and convertibility. The yuan only comprises 2.5% of global reserves because China restricts currency convertibility and capital flows. International trade typically uses USD, and most countries hold dollar reserves, not yuan. Building yuan dominance requires dismantling capital controls—a change China has not prioritized for political reasons.
Which economy is more fragile—the US or China?
Both face significant risks. The US has $36 trillion federal debt (134% of GDP) but benefits from currency dominance and institutional stability. China's total debt (government, corporate, household) reaches 280% of GDP—higher than the US—creating real estate and banking instability risks. China's younger deficit is offset by aging demographics; the US has immigration offsetting aging. Neither faces imminent collapse, but both carry material medium-term financial risks.
How to Choose Between United States Economy and China's Economy
Nominal GDP (2024): United States Economy has $28.7 trillion, while China's Economy has $17.9 trillion.
GDP Per Capita: United States Economy has $87,200, while China's Economy has $13,100.
Consider: Manufacturing Output (% of global)
Manufacturing Output (% of global): United States Economy has 16%, while China's Economy has 28%.
Consider: Total Merchandise Trade Volume
Total Merchandise Trade Volume: United States Economy has $2.4 trillion, while China's Economy has $4.3 trillion.
Consider: Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (2024)
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (2024): United States Economy has $285 billion, while China's Economy has $156 billion.
Unemployment Rate: United States Economy has 4.2%, while China's Economy has 5.1%.
Currency Reserve Status: United States Economy has US Dollar (primary global reserve, 58% of reserves), while China's Economy has Yuan (emerging, ~2.5% of global reserves).