The U.S. economy leads in per-capita wealth and technological innovation with a $27.4 trillion GDP, while China's economy is the second-largest globally at $17.9 trillion but serves 1.4 billion people with lower per-capita income of $12,720 versus America's $82,000. The U.S. maintains advantages in financial markets, currency strength, and corporate profitability, while China leads in manufacturing output and foreign exchange reserves.
United States Economy vs China Economy — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
World's largest developed economy with tech dominance and high per-capita income.
World's second-largest economy powered by manufacturing, exports, and rapid infrastructure investment.
Nominal GDP (2024). GDP Per Capita. Foreign Exchange Reserves. Manufacturing Output Share (Global). Stock Market Capitalization. Unemployment Rate (2024). Trade Surplus/Deficit
The U.S. economy wins for individual wealth creation, financial market depth, and technological innovation leadership, making it superior for investors seeking mature market stability and high per-capita growth. China's economy wins for manufacturing scale, currency reserves, and trade surplus, making it crucial for global supply chains and export-driven growth. Choose the U.S. if prioritizing wealth per person and market maturity; choose China if analyzing global production capacity and emerging market dynamism.
United States Economy: $30.0-30.5 trillion | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 17% | China Economy: 70%
United States Economy: ~6% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: ~16% | China Economy: 35%
United States Economy: ~3.8-4.0% | China Economy: N/A
Advanced Semiconductor Market Leadership
United States Economy: Dominant (Intel, TSMC partnership, Samsung); controls cutting-edge nodes | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 20-25% | China Economy: 70%
United States Economy: Global leader in design and manufacturing | China Economy: Limited by US export controls, advancing in AI adoption
United States Economy: Moderate exposure | China Economy: -0.5 to -2%
United States Economy: 2.2% | China Economy: 4.5-5.0%
United States Economy: $925.8 billion | China Economy: $296.5 billion
United States Economy: $4.18 trillion (2024) | China Economy: $620.1 billion
United States Economy: 0.3-0.5% | China Economy: 0.5-2.0%
United States Economy: 30.0+ | China Economy: $17.9
United States Economy: $4,175 billion | China Economy: $620 billion
United States Economy: $4,481 | China Economy: $525
United States Economy: ~20% | China Economy: 70%
United States Economy: 6% | China Economy: 82%
United States Economy: Leading edge (3nm and below) | China Economy: Restricted to 7nm+ (export controls)
United States Economy: Minimal negative impact | China Economy: -0.5 to -2.0%
United States Economy: ~10% | China Economy: ~80%
United States Economy: Leading in design and manufacturing | China Economy: Limited by US export controls
United States Economy: Minimal (exporter advantage) | China Economy: $400-800B reduction
United States Economy: 2.0-2.5% | China Economy: 4.6-4.8%
United States Economy: €925.8 billion | China Economy: €296.5 billion
United States Economy: 2.0-2.5% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 25-30% of global EVs | China Economy: 70%
United States Economy: 8-10% | China Economy: 80%+
United States Economy: ~4.0% | China Economy: ~5.2%
United States Economy: $310 billion | China Economy: $680 billion
United States Economy: $4,175,432 million (2024) | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: €925,796.8 million | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $89,000 | China Economy: $13,500
United States Economy: $10,266.8 | China Economy: $5,708.7
United States Economy: $925.8 | China Economy: $296.5
United States Economy: Global market leader | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: Lower exposure | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: ~6% of global | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: €925.8 billion | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 2.0-2.5% | China Economy: 4.5-5.0%
United States Economy: 6% | China Economy: 94%
United States Economy: Minimal | China Economy: 0.5-2.0%
United States Economy: 0.4-0.6% | China Economy: 0.2-0.3%
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production
United States Economy: ~15% | China Economy: 94%
United States Economy: $89,000+ | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 9% | China Economy: 82%
United States Economy: 0.2-0.4pp | China Economy: 0.5-2.0pp
United States Economy: 0.3-0.5% (from AI investment) | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 2.2% | China Economy: 4.2%
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production Share
United States Economy: 4% | China Economy: 94%
United States Economy: 15% | China Economy: 70%
United States Economy: 12% | China Economy: 80%
United States Economy: $50-150B | China Economy: $400-800B
United States Economy: $31.5 trillion | China Economy: $45.78 trillion
United States Economy: 2.1% | China Economy: 6.0%
United States Economy: 1st | China Economy: 2nd
United States Economy: 123% (combined public+private+household) | China Economy: 77%
United States Economy: 0.34 billion | China Economy: 1,425 million
United States Economy: $809 billion | China Economy: $680 billion
United States Economy: ~4.0% | China Economy: ~5.5%
United States Economy: AI, semiconductors, cloud, fintech | China Economy: EV manufacturing, 5G, solar, semiconductors
United States Economy: $35,000-45,000 | China Economy: $16,800 (119,800 yuan)
United States Economy: $94,430 | China Economy: $14,874
United States Economy: $94,430 | China Economy: $12,700
United States Economy: $11.1 trillion ahead | China Economy: $11.1 trillion behind
United States Economy: Data not available | China Economy: 5.0%
United States Economy: Data not available | China Economy: 6.1%
United States Economy: ~25-26% of global GDP | China Economy: ~16-17% of global GDP
United States Economy: Data not available | China Economy: 0.9% CPI
United States Economy: 1st | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 1st (maintained) | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: ~1.8% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 26.2% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: Not specified | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $28.0 trillion | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $85,000 | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $27.4 trillion | China Economy: $18.7 trillion
United States Economy: €10,217,935.3 million | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $3,981 | China Economy: €467
United States Economy: 44.5 | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: ~2.8% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 1 EUR = 1.1797 USD | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 2.0-2.4% | China Economy: 3-4%
United States Economy: 2.0% | China Economy: Data not available
United States Economy: $96,500+ | China Economy: $14,800+
United States Economy: $11.53 trillion lead | China Economy: 36% smaller than US
United States Economy: $27.23 trillion | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 122.27% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 37.74% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $925.8 billion | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 3.5% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 336 million | China Economy: 1,420 million
United States Economy: 2.8% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 11.8% | China Economy: 27%
United States Economy: 25.5% | China Economy: 14.3%
United States Economy: 38.5 years | China Economy: 38.8 years
United States Economy: $27.4 trillion | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $27.4 trillion | China Economy: $17.9 trillion
United States Economy: 4.2% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 2.9% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $156 billion | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 167 companies | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 11.2% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $27.4T | China Economy: $17.9T
United States Economy: 2.1% | China Economy: 5.2%
United States Economy: $82,000 | China Economy: $12,500
United States Economy: $0.13T | China Economy: $3.4T
United States Economy: 4.1% | China Economy: 5.3%
United States Economy: 12% | China Economy: 31%
United States Economy: $15.2T (Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Nvidia, Tesla, Broadcom) | China Economy: $4.8T (Alibaba, Tencent, Meituan weighted total)
United States Economy: 38.9 years | China Economy: 37.4 years (projected 53 by 2050)
United States Economy: $2.1 trillion | China Economy: $3.6 trillion
United States Economy: $82,000 | China Economy: $12,700
United States Economy: $76,398 | China Economy: $12,720
United States Economy: 2.8% | China Economy: 5.0%
United States Economy: $2.4 trillion | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $285 billion (2023) | China Economy: $189B
United States Economy: $82,500 | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 4.1% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 123% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $62,400 | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 339 million | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 65% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 2.5% | China Economy: 5.0%
United States Economy: $0.75T | China Economy: $3.2T
United States Economy: 129% | China Economy: 282%
United States Economy: 3.5% | China Economy: $652 billion
United States Economy: 2.1% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $80,412 | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 16.3% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 123% | China Economy: 77%
United States Economy: $12.8 trillion | China Economy: $4.2 trillion
United States Economy: 340 million | China Economy: 1,420 million
United States Economy: 21% of electricity | China Economy: 18%
United States Economy: $28.7T | China Economy: $17.9T
United States Economy: 135 companies | China Economy: 142 companies
United States Economy: $2.1 trillion | China Economy: $3.8 trillion
United States Economy: $33.2 trillion | China Economy: $10.8 trillion
United States Economy: 2.5% | China Economy: 4.8%
United States Economy: 11% | China Economy: 28.4%
United States Economy: 80.1% | China Economy: 54.8%
United States Economy: $285 billion | China Economy: $163 billion
United States Economy: $31.2 trillion | China Economy: $22.8 trillion
United States Economy: 16% | China Economy: 28%
United States Economy: -$73 billion deficit | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 12% | China Economy: 28%
United States Economy: 4.1% | China Economy: 5.1%
United States Economy: $-$73 billion | China Economy: +$632 billion (surplus)
United States Economy: 123% | China Economy: 282%
United States Economy: $2.3T | China Economy: $1,230 billion
United States Economy: 2.5% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 11.5% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $820 billion | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 714,000 | China Economy: 1,200 thousand
United States Economy: $27.4 trillion | China Economy: $28.3 trillion
United States Economy: 8.2% | China Economy: 14.8%
United States Economy: $28.0 trillion | China Economy: $35.5 trillion
United States Economy: -$773 billion (deficit) | China Economy: +$632 billion (surplus)
United States Economy: $285 billion | China Economy: $189 billion
United States Economy: 2.5% | China Economy: 5.1%
United States Economy: -$73.1 billion | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: +0.4% (growing) | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $27.9 trillion | China Economy: $28.7 trillion
United States Economy: 11% | China Economy: $4.2 trillion
United States Economy: $68,420 | China Economy: $11,500
United States Economy: 0.38 million | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $809 billion | China Economy: $696 billion
United States Economy: 17% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 9.8% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $42.8 trillion | China Economy: $15.2 trillion
United States Economy: 16% | China Economy: 28.3%
United States Economy: $7.1 trillion | China Economy: $6.8 trillion
United States Economy: 11.8% | China Economy: N/A
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (2024)
United States Economy: $285B | China Economy: $163B
United States Economy: 63.0% | China Economy: N/A
Tech Sector Market Capitalization (Top 7 Companies)
United States Economy: $14.2 trillion | China Economy: $2.8 trillion
Average Annual GDP Growth Rate (2010-2023)
United States Economy: 2.4% | China Economy: 6.8%
United States Economy: $28.2 trillion | China Economy: $31.6 trillion
United States Economy: 26% of world GDP | China Economy: 16% of world GDP
United States Economy: 0.41 | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 17.3% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: -$773 billion deficit | China Economy: +$821 billion surplus
United States Economy: 2.4% | China Economy: 0.2%
United States Economy: 398,144 | China Economy: 687,231
United States Economy: $329 billion | China Economy: $163 billion
United States Economy: 170 million workers | China Economy: 920 million
United States Economy: $28.7 trillion | China Economy: $17.9 trillion
United States Economy: $12.4 trillion | China Economy: $3.8 trillion
United States Economy: 615,000 | China Economy: 1,820,000
United States Economy: 2.6% | China Economy: 0.2%
United States Economy: $130 billion | China Economy: $3.2 trillion
United States Economy: 11.2% | China Economy: 29.4%
United States Economy: 415,000 | China Economy: 1,200,000
United States Economy: $48.2 trillion | China Economy: $11.8 trillion
United States Economy: $120,000 | China Economy: $38,000
United States Economy: $76,500 | China Economy: $12,800
United States Economy: 680 GW | China Economy: 1,480 GW
United States Economy: 8.2% | China Economy: 12.4%
United States Economy: 2.7% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 12% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 32.4% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 16.9% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 21.6% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 18% | China Economy: 28%
United States Economy: $12.5 trillion | China Economy: $4.2 trillion
United States Economy: $32 trillion | China Economy: $24 trillion
United States Economy: 80% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 26% | China Economy: 17%
United States Economy: $28.2 trillion | China Economy: $36.1 trillion
United States Economy: 31% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $189 billion | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 4.2% | China Economy: 5.3%
United States Economy: 3.4% | China Economy: 2.1%
United States Economy: 82% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 41.1 | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $7.25 | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $68.40 | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $119 billion | China Economy: N/A
Annual GDP Growth Rate (2020-2026 Average)
United States Economy: 2.4% | China Economy: 5.1%
United States Economy: 195 companies | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: 38.7 | China Economy: 38 years
United States Economy: 285,000 | China Economy: 142,000
United States Economy: 18% | China Economy: 60%
United States Economy: 3.5% | China Economy: 2.4%
United States Economy: 3.4% | China Economy: 28%
United States Economy: 0.84 million | China Economy: 1.59 million
United States Economy: 13.3% | China Economy: 15.8%
United States Economy: $840 billion | China Economy: $369 billion
United States Economy: 12.3% | China Economy: 14.2%
United States Economy: 8.2% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $81,045 | China Economy: $12,720
United States Economy: 26.4% | China Economy: N/A
United States Economy: $83,250 | China Economy: $12,720
United States Economy: 2.5% | China Economy: 4.1%
United States Economy: $7.2 trillion | China Economy: $8.1 trillion
United States Economy: $28.2T | China Economy: $35.4T
United States Economy: 11.4% | China Economy: 29.2%
United States Economy: 3.45% | China Economy: 2.89%
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 4.2%
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: $220 billion
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: $189 billion
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 4.6-4.8%
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 80%+
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: $400-800B
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 4.7%
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 80%
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: Limited by US export controls
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: $17.9 trillion
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (Annual)
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: $163.5 billion
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 28% (diversified)
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: $12,700
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 5.0%
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 5.1%
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 28%
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 14%
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 282%
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: +$631 billion (surplus)
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 8.7%
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 1,750,000
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 2nd largest exporter (after USA)
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: $3.6T
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 8-10%
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 30 million
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 38.4 years
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: $1,370 billion
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: $12.3 trillion
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 20.6%
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 5.2%
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: $28.7T
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: $163B
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: $90 billion
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 2.1%
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 32%
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: 47%
United States Economy: N/A | China Economy: $3.6 trillion
How to choose between United States Economy and China Economy
Compare United States Economy vs China Economy
United States Economy vs China Economy — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for United States Economy vs China Economy. Contains 320 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
United States Economy vs China Economy — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for United States Economy vs China Economy.
Why is China's economy smaller than the U.S. if it has 4x more people?
China's per-capita productivity is significantly lower due to its development stage. The U.S. per-capita GDP of $82,000 versus China's $12,720 reflects differences in industrialization, technology adoption, and service sector development. China's economy is still transitioning from rural agriculture (400 million still in rural areas) to urban manufacturing and services, while the U.S. has completed this transition with 82% of its workforce in services.
Is China's $3.2 trillion in foreign reserves a sign of economic strength?
Yes, it demonstrates resilience and capital deployment capacity, but it also reflects an export-dependent model requiring reserve accumulation. The U.S. holds lower reserves ($130 billion) because its reserve currency status and capital market depth provide alternative liquidity. However, China's massive reserves indicate capital controls limiting domestic investment, whereas U.S. reserves are lower by design—capital flows freely to productive assets domestically.
China's nominal GDP growth averaged 5.2% annually (2020-2024) versus the U.S. at 2.8%, but from a much smaller per-capita base. The U.S. maintains higher productivity growth and innovation-driven expansion, while China faces property sector headwinds and demographic aging. Long-term, the U.S. is expected to maintain 2.1-2.5% sustainable growth, while China may face 3-4% growth as it matures.
Why does the U.S. have a trade deficit while China has a surplus?
The U.S. consumes more than it produces, importing $3.4 trillion in goods annually while exporting $2.1 trillion. China manufactures for export ($3.8 trillion exports) and imports less ($2.4 trillion), reflecting its role as the global factory. The U.S. deficit reflects consumer demand and capital inflows seeking dollar-denominated assets; China's surplus reflects its manufacturing specialization and lower domestic consumption rates.
Which economy is more vulnerable to crisis?
Both face distinct risks: China's property sector (35% of GDP) is stressed with $500+ billion in defaults, and its debt-to-GDP ratio of 280% limits fiscal stimulus. The U.S. faces higher geopolitical risk, political polarization, and a 127% debt-to-GDP ratio, but has deeper financial markets and currency diversification. China faces near-term property and regional instability risks; the U.S. faces longer-term entitlement spending pressures.
How to Choose Between United States Economy and China Economy
Nominal GDP (2024): United States Economy has $27.4 trillion, while China Economy has $17.9 trillion.
GDP Per Capita: United States Economy has $82,000, while China Economy has $12,720.
Foreign Exchange Reserves: United States Economy has $130 billion, while China Economy has $3.2 trillion.
Consider: Manufacturing Output Share (Global)
Manufacturing Output Share (Global): United States Economy has 12%, while China Economy has 28%.
Stock Market Capitalization: United States Economy has $48 trillion, while China Economy has $12.5 trillion.
Unemployment Rate (2024): United States Economy has 4.1%, while China Economy has 5.3%.
Trade Surplus/Deficit: United States Economy has -$773 billion, while China Economy has +$632 billion.