The US economy leads with a $25.5 trillion nominal GDP and $89,000 GDP per capita, while China's $17.7 trillion economy dominates manufacturing (35% global output) and clean energy production (70% EVs, 80%+ solar panels). The US maintains advantages in innovation and wealth per citizen, but China grows faster at 4.6-4.8% annually.
US Economy vs China Economy — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose the US economy if prioritizing established wealth, stability, and innovation leadership in semiconductors and software. Choose China's economy if betting on manufacturing scale, clean energy dominance, and higher growth rates—though it faces tariff risks and slowing domestic demand. The US remains wealthier per capita, but China's faster growth could narrow the gap by 2035 under favorable conditions.
Compare United States Economy vs China Economy
World's largest developed economy with dominance in technology, services, and consumer spending.
World's second-largest economy with manufacturing dominance and $17.9 trillion GDP.
US Economy vs China Economy — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for US Economy vs China Economy with 317 attributes.
Advanced Semiconductor Market Leadership
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production Share
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (2024)
Tech Sector Market Capitalization (Top 7 Companies)
Average Annual GDP Growth Rate (2010-2023)
Annual GDP Growth Rate (2020-2026 Average)
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (Annual)
US Economy vs China Economy — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for US Economy vs China Economy.
Will China's economy surpass the US by 2030?
Unlikely in nominal GDP terms by 2030, though possible by 2035-2040. China's nominal GDP would need to grow at 7%+ annually while the US slows to 1%, conditions economists consider unlikely given tariff pressures (reducing China's growth by 0.5-2 percentage points) and slowing domestic demand. By PPP (purchasing power parity), China may already exceed the US.
US tariffs on Chinese goods pose asymmetric risks: Goldman Sachs estimates China could lose $400-800 billion annually (2-5% of GDP) through reduced exports and supply chain disruptions, while US tariffs might cost 0.5-1% of US GDP ($150-250 billion). China's export-dependent model is more vulnerable than the US's domestic-consumption-driven economy.
Why does China lead in EVs and solar but not semiconductors?
China dominates manufacturing-intensive sectors (EVs, solar, batteries) due to scale, low costs, and heavy government investment. Semiconductors require cutting-edge R&D protected by US export controls on advanced chips and design tools. The US leads in high-value semiconductor design and fabrication, while China excels in mass production of mature technologies.
Is China's 4.7% growth rate sustainable?
Likely 3-4% long-term due to aging population (median age 38.5), weak domestic consumption, and debt accumulation in local governments ($8+ trillion). The 4.7% 2026 rate relies on fiscal stimulus and strong exports; without domestic demand recovery, growth will decelerate to 3-3.5% by 2030.
Which economy is a better investment today?
US offers lower-risk, dividend-yielding stability in tech, finance, and healthcare. China offers higher growth potential but faces tariff uncertainty, regulatory risks, and currency volatility. A diversified approach—60% US, 40% China-linked (via ETFs or supply-chain companies)—balances growth and stability.