Skip to main content
economy

US Economy vs Japan 2026: GDP, Growth & Stability

The US economy is significantly larger at $27.4 trillion GDP compared to Japan's $4.2 trillion, giving the US roughly 6.5x greater economic output. However, Japan has higher GDP per capita ($39,285 vs $82,235) and lower unemployment (2.5% vs 4.2%), indicating different economic structures and development patterns.

United States Economy

United States Economy

World's largest economy with $28.7 trillion GDP and advanced service and technology sectors

Global investors seeking large-scale diversified exposure, multinational corporations, and those analyzing world economic leadership

Score63%
VS
JE

Japan Economy

World's third-largest economy by GDP, specializing in advanced technology, automotive, and robotics.

Investors seeking stable, efficient economies with quality manufacturing, analysts studying aging demographics, and those valuing price stability

Score63%

Quick Answer

AI Summary

The US economy is significantly larger at $27.4 trillion GDP compared to Japan's $4.2 trillion, giving the US roughly 6.5x greater economic output. However, Japan has higher GDP per capita ($39,285 vs $82,235) and lower unemployment (2.5% vs 4.2%), indicating different economic structures and development patterns.

Our Verdict

AI-assisted

The US economy dominates in absolute scale and global influence with 6.5x larger GDP and stronger export capacity, making it the world's largest economy. Japan's economy, while smaller in size, demonstrates superior efficiency metrics with higher per-capita wealth, lower unemployment, and better price stability, reflecting a mature, high-income economy focused on quality over quantity. Choose the US economy for analyzing global economic leadership, investment scale, and diversified sectors; choose Japan's for studying efficiency, labor market stability, and advanced manufacturing excellence.

Community feedback

Was this verdict helpful?

United States Economy
8.5/10
Japan Economy
6.5/10
J
United States Economy

Choose United States Economy if

Best pick

Global investors seeking large-scale diversified exposure, multinational corporations, and those analyzing world economic leadership

J

Choose Japan Economy if

Investors seeking stable, efficient economies with quality manufacturing, analysts studying aging demographics, and those valuing price stability

Track this comparison

Get notified when prices change, new specs ship, or our verdict updates.

Triggers: price change new spec verdict update

No spam. Stop anytime.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • Nominal GDP:United States Economy wins($27.4 trillion vs $4.2 trillion)
  • GDP Per Capita:Japan Economy wins($39,285 vs $82,235)
  • Unemployment Rate:Japan Economy wins(2.5% vs 4.2%)
See all 7 differences

Key Facts & Figures

214 numeric metrics compared

MetricUnited States EconomyJapan EconomyRatio
Total Nominal GDP 2026(USD Trillion)$30.0-30.5 trillion
Global EV Production Share(%)17%
Global Battery (LFP) Production(%)~6%
Global Manufacturing Output(%)~16%
Unemployment Rate 2026 (Projected)(%)~3.8-4.0%
Global EV Market Share(%)20-25%
Projected GDP Growth Rate 2026(percent)2.2%
Government Defense Expenditure(USD Billions)$925.8 billion
Government Health Expenditure(USD Million)$4.18 trillion (2024)
Tariff Impact Risk on GDP(Percentage Points)0.3-0.5%
Total GDP 2026(trillion USD)30.0+
Government Defense Expenditure 2024(billion USD)$925.8 billion
Government Health Expenditure 2024(billion USD)$4,175 billion
Education Expenditure Per Capita 2023(USD)$4,481
EV Production Share(% of global)~20%
Solar Panel Manufacturing(% of global)6%
Global Solar Panel Production(%)~10%
GDP Growth Rate (2026)(%)2.0-2.5%
Defence Expenditure (2024)(billion USD)€925.8 billion
Expected GDP Growth Rate 2026(%)2.0-2.5%
Global EV Production Market Share(percent)25-30% of global EVs
Solar Panel Production(% of global)8-10%
Unemployment Rate Projection(%)~4.0%
2026 GDP Growth Target(percent)2.0-2.5%
Health Expenditure (Government)(million USD)$4,175,432 million (2024)
Defense Expenditure(Million Euros)€925,796.8 million
Per Capita GDP 2026(USD)$89,000
Total Government Expenditure 2024(USD Billion)$10,266.8
Defense Expenditure 2024(USD Billion)$925.8
Battery Production (LFP)(Percent (%))~6% of global
Government Defense Expenditure (2024)(billion €)€925.8 billion
GDP Growth Rate (2026 Target)(%)2.0-2.5%
LFP Battery Production Share(%)6%
Tariff Impact Risk to GDP(percentage points)Minimal
AI Adoption Growth Contribution(percentage points)0.4-0.6%
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production(%)~15%
Per Capita GDP (Nominal)(USD)$89,000+
Global Solar Panel Production Share(%)9%
Potential Tariff Impact on GDP Growth(percentage points)0.2-0.4pp
AI Adoption Boost to Growth(Percentage Points)0.3-0.5% (from AI investment)
Real GDP Growth Rate 2026(%)2.2%
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production Share(%)4%
EV Production (Global Share)(%)15%
Solar Panel Production (Global Share)(%)12%
Potential Tariff Impact (2026-2027)(billion USD annual reduction)$50-150B
PPP-Adjusted GDP 2026(trillion USD)$31.5 trillion
Projected Annual GDP Growth Rate(percent)2.1%
Global Economic Ranking 2026(rank)1st
Government Debt-to-GDP Ratio(percent)123%
Population(millions)335 million125 million
Annual R&D Investment(USD billion)$809 billion
Unemployment Rate Forecast 2026(percent)~4.0%
Average EV Cost (Entry Model)(USD (converted))$35,000-45,000
GDP Per Capita (Nominal)(USD)$94,430
GDP Per Capita 2026(USD)$94,430
GDP Gap vs Competitor(USD Trillions)$11.1 trillion ahead
Global Economic Ranking(Rank)1st
GDP as Percentage of Global Economy(Percent)~25-26% of global GDP
Global Economic Rank 2026(rank)1st
Projected Global Rank 2031(rank)1st (maintained)
Expected Consumption Growth 2026(%)~1.8%
Share of Global GDP 2026(percent)26.2%
Total Nominal GDP (2026)(USD Trillion)$28.0 trillion
GDP Per Capita (Nominal, 2026)(USD)$85,000
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)(USD trillion)$31 trillion$4.2 trillion
Government Expenditure(USD Million)€10,217,935.3 million
Education Expenditure Per Capita(USD)$3,981
Fragile States Index(score)44.5
GDP Growth Rate (YoY)(Percentage)~2.8%
Exchange Rate vs Euro(EUR conversion)1 EUR = 1.1797 USD
Nominal GDP 2026(trillion USD)$32.38 trillion
GDP Growth Rate 2026(%)2.0-2.4%
Quarterly GDP Growth (Q1 2026)(% (q/q, SAAR))2.0%
GDP per Capita (estimated 2026)(USD)$96,500+
GDP Advantage Over Rival(USD Trillion)$11.53 trillion lead
Total Annual GDP(USD trillions)$27.23 trillion
Government Debt as % of GDP(percent)122.27%
Government Expenditure as % of GDP(percent)37.74%
Defence Expenditure(USD billions)$925.8 billion
Projected Economic Growth 2026(percent)3.5%
GDP Per Capita (2024)(USD)$76,398$31,546
Population (2024)(Millions)337 million124 million
Annual Real GDP Growth Rate (2024)(Percent)2.8%2.6%
Manufacturing Sector Contribution(Percent of GDP)11.8%19.3%
Share of Global GDP(Percent (%))26.3%4.0%
Median Population Age(Years)38.5 years48.7 years
Gross Domestic Product (2024)(USD Trillions)$27.4 trillion
Nominal GDP (2025)(USD trillion)$27.4 trillion
Unemployment Rate (2025)(percent)4.2%
Inflation Rate (2025)(%)2.9%
Annual Automotive Exports(USD billion)$156 billion
Global Fortune 500 Companies(count)167 companies
Exports as % of GDP(percent)11.2%
Total GDP 2024(USD Trillion)$27.4 trillion
GDP per Capita 2024(USD)$82,000
Nominal GDP (2024)(USD trillions)$28.3 trillion
GDP Per Capita(USD)$85,900$39,285
Real GDP Growth Rate (2024)(Percent)2.5%1.2%
Total Merchandise Trade Volume(USD trillion)$2.4 trillion
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows(billion USD)$285 billion (2023)
Nominal Gross Domestic Product(USD trillion)$27.4 trillion$4.2 trillion
GDP per Capita(USD)$82,500$32,100
Unemployment Rate(%)4.1%2.5%
Government Debt-to-GDP Ratio(%)123%264%
Average Annual Wage(USD)$62,400$39,200
Inflation Rate(%)2.8%2.5%
Population(millions)339 million123 million
Global Venture Capital Share(%)65%8%
GDP Growth Rate(%)2.5%
Per Capita GDP(USD)$81,000
Foreign Exchange Reserves(USD trillion)$0.13 trillion$1.2T
Manufacturing Output Share(Percent of Global)16%7.2%
Total Debt-to-GDP Ratio(%)123%
Annual Exports(USD Trillion)$2.1 trillion$925 billion
R&D Spending(% of GDP)3.5%
GDP Growth Rate (2025)(% annual)2.1%
Per Capita GDP (PPP)(USD)$76,398
E-commerce as % of Retail(percentage)16.3%
Government Debt-to-GDP(%)123%264%
Technology Sector Market Cap(USD trillions)$12.8 trillion
Total GDP (2024)(USD trillions)$27.4 trillion$4.2 trillion
Total Population(millions)340 million125 million
Unemployment Rate(%)4.2%2.5%
Global GDP Share(%)31%
Renewable Energy Share(%)21% of electricity
Nominal GDP(USD Trillions)$27.4 trillion$4.2 trillion
Fortune 500 Companies(count)136 companies
Total Annual Exports(USD trillion)$2.1 trillion
National Debt(USD trillion)$33.2 trillion
Annual GDP Growth Rate(%)2.1%1.0%
Manufacturing Sector Share(Percent of GDP (%))11.2%
Service Sector Share(% of GDP)80.1%
Foreign Direct Investment (Annual)(USD billion)$285 billion
Projected GDP in 2030(USD trillion)$31.2 trillion
Global Manufacturing Share(percent)17%8%
Trade Surplus/Deficit(USD Billions)-$73 billion deficit
Manufacturing Output (Global Share)(Percent)12%
Unemployment Rate (2024)(percent)4.0%2.5%
Trade Balance (Annual)(USD Billions)-$773 billion (deficit)
Debt-to-GDP Ratio(Percent)129%
Total Merchandise Exports(USD Trillions)$2.3T
GDP Growth Rate 2023(Percent Annual)2.5%
Manufacturing Share of GDP(Percent)11.5%
Public Debt to GDP Ratio(percent)123%264%
Unemployment Rate 2024(Percent)4.1%
Defense Spending(USD billion)$820 billion
Annual Patent Filings(Millions)625,000
GDP at Purchasing Power Parity(USD trillion)$27.4 trillion
Real GDP Growth Rate(%)2.7%1.2%
Global Export Share(% of global exports)8.2%
GDP by Purchasing Power Parity(USD Trillions)$27.4 trillion
Annual Trade Balance(USD Billions)-$773 billion
Foreign Direct Investment Annual Inflow(USD Billions)$285 billion
Annual Real GDP Growth Rate(%)2.5%
Trade Balance (2024)(USD Billions)-$773 billion deficit
Working-Age Population Growth Rate(% Annual Change)+0.4% (growing)
Total GDP (Nominal)(USD Trillion)$27.4 trillion
Manufacturing Output(% of global)$2.3 trillion
National Debt to GDP Ratio(%)130%
Average Annual Wage(USD)$60,500
Patent Filings (Annual)(millions)0.38 million
Annual R&D Spending(USD Billion)$809 billion
Manufacturing Share of Global Output(percent)17%
EV Market Penetration (Domestic)(%)9.8%
Stock Market Capitalization (2024)(USD trillions)$42.8 trillion
Global Manufacturing Output Share(%)16%
Total Trade Volume (2024)(USD Trillions)$7.1 trillion
Nominal Gross Domestic Product(trillion USD)$27.4 trillion
Manufacturing as Percentage of GDP(percent)11.8%
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (2024)(USD billion)$269 billion
PPP-Adjusted GDP(trillion USD)$27.9 trillion
Labor Force Participation Rate(percentage)63.0%
Federal/National Debt as % of GDP(percentage)123%
Tech Sector Market Capitalization (Top 7 Companies)(USD Trillion)$14.2 trillion
Average Annual GDP Growth Rate (2010-2023)(%)2.4%
Purchasing Power Parity GDP(USD trillion)$28.2 trillion
Global Economic Share(%)26% of world GDP
Foreign Direct Investment Inflow (2023)(USD Billion)$285 billion
GDP Growth Rate (2024)(%)2.5%
Gini Coefficient (Income Inequality)(index 0-1)0.48
Healthcare Spending (% of GDP)(%)17.3%
Trade Balance(USD Billions)-$773B+$229B
Inflation Rate(%)3.4%2.5%
Median Age(Years)38.449.2
Public Debt as Percentage of GDP(%)123%
Patent Filings in Technology(Annual count)398,144
Foreign Direct Investment(USD billions annually)$285 billion
Working Age Population(millions)209 million
Nominal GDP (2026)(USD trillions)$28.7 trillion
Foreign Direct Investment (2025)(USD billions)$285 billion
Tech Sector Market Cap(USD trillions)$12.4 trillion
Global Manufacturing Share (2024)(percent)16%
Patent Filings Annually (2023)(thousand filings)615,000
Inflation Rate (2024)(percent)2.9%
Foreign Currency Reserves(USD trillions)$0.13 trillion
GDP Per Capita (PPP)(USD)$76,398
Manufacturing as % of GDP(Percent)11.8%
Patent Filings (2024)(Thousands)415,000
Stock Market Capitalization(USD Trillion)$42 trillion$5.2 trillion
Average Annual Wage (Tech Sector)(USD)$120,000
Per Capita Income(USD)$76,500
Renewable Energy Capacity(GW)680 GW
Global Trade Volume Share(%)8.2%
Federal Debt-to-GDP Ratio(%)123%
Total GDP(trillion USD)$28.7 trillion
Annual Growth Rate(percent)2.7%
Manufacturing Sector(percent of GDP)12%
Technology Sector(percent of GDP)12%
World GDP Share(percent)32.4%
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (Annual)(USD Billion)$13.2 billion$13.2 billion
Manufacturing Sector Share of Economy(%)20% (high-tech focused)20% (high-tech focused)
Population Over 65 Years(Percent)28%28%
Foreign Direct Investment (2024)(USD Billions)$26 billion$26 billion
Patent Applications Filed (2023)(Count (thousands))310,000310,000

Sourced from publicly available data ·

Key Differences

7 attributes compared head-to-head

United States Economy
4United States Economy
United States Economy leads
JE
3Japan Economy
  • Nominal GDP

    United States Economy

    $27.4 trillion(winner)

    Japan Economy

    $4.2 trillion

  • GDP Per Capita

    United States Economy

    $82,235

    Japan Economy

    $39,285(winner)

  • Unemployment Rate

    United States Economy

    4.2%

    Japan Economy

    2.5%(winner)

  • Population

    United States Economy

    333 million(winner)

    Japan Economy

    125 million

  • Inflation Rate (2024)

    United States Economy

    3.4%

    Japan Economy

    2.5%(winner)

  • Government Debt-to-GDP Ratio

    United States Economy

    123%(winner)

    Japan Economy

    264%

  • Export Value (Annual)

    United States Economy

    $2.1 trillion(winner)

    Japan Economy

    $925 billion

Full Comparison

United States Economy
JJapan Economy
Total Nominal GDP 2026(USD Trillion)
$30.0-30.5 trillion
Total GDP 2026(trillion USD)
30.0+
Total Nominal GDP (2026)(USD Trillion)
$28.0 trillion
Nominal GDP 2026(trillion USD)
$32.38 trillion
Total GDP 2024(USD Trillion)
$27.4 trillion
Show 8 more attributes
Nominal GDP (2024)(USD trillions)
$28.3 trillion
Nominal Gross Domestic Product(USD trillion)
$27.4 trillion
$4.2 trillion
Total GDP (2024)(USD trillions)
$27.4 trillion
$4.2 trillion
GDP by Purchasing Power Parity(USD Trillions)
$27.4 trillion
Total GDP (Nominal)(USD Trillion)
$27.4 trillion
Nominal Gross Domestic Product(trillion USD)
$27.4 trillion
PPP-Adjusted GDP(trillion USD)
$27.9 trillion
Nominal GDP (2026)(USD trillions)
$28.7 trillion
Global EV Production Share(%)
17%
Global Battery (LFP) Production(%)
~6%
Global Manufacturing Output(%)
~16%
Unemployment Rate 2026 (Projected)(%)
~3.8-4.0%
Unemployment Rate Projection(%)
~4.0%
Unemployment Rate Forecast 2026(percent)
~4.0%
Unemployment Rate (2025)(percent)
4.2%
Unemployment Rate(%)
4.2%
2.5%
Show 2 more attributes
Unemployment Rate 2024(Percent)
4.1%
Labor Force Participation Rate(percentage)
63.0%
Advanced Semiconductor Market Leadership(Qualitative)
Dominant (Intel, TSMC partnership, Samsung); controls cutting-edge nodes
AI Chip Technology Leadership(competitive ranking)
Global leader in design and manufacturing
Semiconductor & Chip Design Leadership(Qualitative)
Global market leader
AI Adoption Growth Contribution(percentage points)
0.4-0.6%
Tech Sector Market Cap(USD trillions)
$12.4 trillion
Global EV Market Share(%)
20-25%
Tariff Impact on GDP (2026 risk)(percentage points reduction)
Moderate exposure
Projected GDP Growth Rate 2026(percent)
2.2%
GDP Growth Rate (YoY)(Percentage)
~2.8%
Annual Real GDP Growth Rate (2024)(Percent)
2.8%
2.6%
Real GDP Growth Rate (2024)(Percent)
2.5%
1.2%
GDP Growth Rate(%)
2.5%
Show 3 more attributes
Annual GDP Growth Rate(%)
2.1%
1.0%
Real GDP Growth Rate(%)
2.7%
1.2%
GDP Growth Rate (2024)(%)
2.5%
Government Defense Expenditure(USD Billions)
$925.8 billion
Government Defense Expenditure 2024(billion USD)
$925.8 billion
Defence Expenditure (2024)(billion USD)
€925.8 billion
Total Government Expenditure 2024(USD Billion)
$10,266.8
Government Defense Expenditure (2024)(billion €)
€925.8 billion
Show 1 more attribute
Government Expenditure(USD Million)
€10,217,935.3 million
Government Health Expenditure(USD Million)
$4.18 trillion (2024)
Tariff Impact Risk on GDP(Percentage Points)
0.3-0.5%
Potential Tariff Impact on GDP(USD billion)
Minimal (exporter advantage)
Government Health Expenditure 2024(billion USD)
$4,175 billion
Education Expenditure Per Capita 2023(USD)
$4,481
Education Expenditure Per Capita(USD)
$3,981
EV Production Share(% of global)
~20%
Semiconductor Technology Tier(nanometers)
Leading edge (3nm and below)
Solar Panel Manufacturing(% of global)
6%
Tariff Impact Risk 2026(% GDP reduction)
Minimal negative impact
Global Solar Panel Production(%)
~10%
Solar Panel Production(% of global)
8-10%
Semiconductor Technology Leadership(index (0-100))
Leading in design and manufacturing
Global EV Production Market Share(percent)
25-30% of global EVs
GDP Growth Rate (2026)(%)
2.0-2.5%
Expected GDP Growth Rate 2026(%)
2.0-2.5%
GDP Growth Rate (2026 Target)(%)
2.0-2.5%
Annual Real GDP Growth Rate(%)
2.5%
2026 GDP Growth Target(percent)
2.0-2.5%
GDP Growth Rate 2026(%)
2.0-2.4%
Quarterly GDP Growth (Q1 2026)(% (q/q, SAAR))
2.0%
Health Expenditure (Government)(million USD)
$4,175,432 million (2024)
Defense Expenditure(Million Euros)
€925,796.8 million
Defense Expenditure 2024(USD Billion)
$925.8
Defence Expenditure(USD billions)
$925.8 billion
Per Capita GDP 2026(USD)
$89,000
Per Capita GDP (Nominal)(USD)
$89,000+
GDP Per Capita (Nominal)(USD)
$94,430
GDP Per Capita(USD)
$85,900
$39,285
Per Capita GDP(USD)
$81,000
Tariff Vulnerability Impact(USD Billions)
Lower exposure
Potential Tariff Impact (2026-2027)(billion USD annual reduction)
$50-150B
Battery Production (LFP)(Percent (%))
~6% of global
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production(%)
~15%
LFP Battery Production Share(%)
6%
Tariff Impact Risk to GDP(percentage points)
Minimal
Global Solar Panel Production Share(%)
9%
Potential Tariff Impact on GDP Growth(percentage points)
0.2-0.4pp
AI Adoption Boost to Growth(Percentage Points)
0.3-0.5% (from AI investment)
Real GDP Growth Rate 2026(%)
2.2%
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production Share(%)
4%
EV Production (Global Share)(%)
15%
Solar Panel Production (Global Share)(%)
12%
PPP-Adjusted GDP 2026(trillion USD)
$31.5 trillion
Projected Annual GDP Growth Rate(percent)
2.1%
Global Economic Ranking 2026(rank)
1st
Global Economic Ranking(Rank)
1st
Government Debt-to-GDP Ratio(percent)
123%
Government Debt as % of GDP(percent)
122.27%
Government Debt-to-GDP Ratio(%)
123%
264%
Government Debt-to-GDP(%)
123%
264%
National Debt(USD trillion)
$33.2 trillion
Show 6 more attributes
Debt-to-GDP Ratio(Percent)
129%
Public Debt to GDP Ratio(percent)
123%
264%
National Debt to GDP Ratio(%)
130%
Federal/National Debt as % of GDP(percentage)
123%
Public Debt as Percentage of GDP(%)
123%
Federal Debt-to-GDP Ratio(%)
123%
Population(millions)
335 million
125 million
Population (2024)(Millions)
337 million
124 million
Median Population Age(Years)
38.5 years
48.7 years
Population(millions)
339 million
123 million
Total Population(millions)
340 million
125 million
Show 2 more attributes
Median Age(Years)
38.4
49.2
Population Over 65 Years(Percent)
28%
Annual R&D Investment(USD billion)
$809 billion
Annual Patent Filings(Millions)
625,000
Patent Filings (Annual)(millions)
0.38 million
Patent Filings in Technology(Annual count)
398,144
Patent Filings Annually (2023)(thousand filings)
615,000
Show 2 more attributes
Patent Filings (2024)(Thousands)
415,000
Patent Applications Filed (2023)(Count (thousands))
310,000
Primary Tech Focus Area
AI, semiconductors, cloud, fintech
Average EV Cost (Entry Model)(USD (converted))
$35,000-45,000
GDP Per Capita 2026(USD)
$94,430
GDP per Capita (estimated 2026)(USD)
$96,500+
GDP Per Capita (2024)(USD)
$76,398
$31,546
GDP per Capita 2024(USD)
$82,000
GDP per Capita(USD)
$82,500
$32,100
Show 2 more attributes
GDP Per Capita (PPP)(USD)
$76,398
Per Capita Income(USD)
$76,500
GDP Gap vs Competitor(USD Trillions)
$11.1 trillion ahead
Q1 2026 GDP Growth Rate(Percent Year-over-Year)
Data not available
Q1 2026 Industrial Output Growth(Percent Year-over-Year)
Data not available
GDP as Percentage of Global Economy(Percent)
~25-26% of global GDP
Q1 2026 Inflation Rate(Percent)
Data not available
Inflation Rate(%)
2.8%
2.5%
Inflation Rate(%)
3.4%
2.5%
Inflation Rate (2024)(percent)
2.9%
Global Economic Rank 2026(rank)
1st
World GDP Share(percent)
32.4%
Projected Global Rank 2031(rank)
1st (maintained)
Expected Consumption Growth 2026(%)
~1.8%
Share of Global GDP 2026(percent)
26.2%
Goldman Sachs Growth Forecast 2026(%)
Not specified
GDP Per Capita (Nominal, 2026)(USD)
$85,000
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)(USD trillion)
$31 trillion
$4.2 trillion
Inflation Rate (2025)(%)
2.9%
Fragile States Index(score)
44.5
Exchange Rate vs Euro(EUR conversion)
1 EUR = 1.1797 USD
GDP Advantage Over Rival(USD Trillion)
$11.53 trillion lead
Total Annual GDP(USD trillions)
$27.23 trillion
Nominal GDP (2025)(USD trillion)
$27.4 trillion
Nominal GDP(USD Trillions)
$27.4 trillion
$4.2 trillion
Total GDP(trillion USD)
$28.7 trillion
Government Expenditure as % of GDP(percent)
37.74%
Projected Economic Growth 2026(percent)
3.5%
Manufacturing Sector Contribution(Percent of GDP)
11.8%
19.3%
Share of Global GDP(Percent (%))
26.3%
4.0%
Global GDP Share(%)
31%
Global Economic Share(%)
26% of world GDP
Gross Domestic Product (2024)(USD Trillions)
$27.4 trillion
Annual Automotive Exports(USD billion)
$156 billion
Global Fortune 500 Companies(count)
167 companies
Exports as % of GDP(percent)
11.2%
Total Merchandise Trade Volume(USD trillion)
$2.4 trillion
Total Annual Exports(USD trillion)
$2.1 trillion
Total Merchandise Exports(USD Trillions)
$2.3T
Global Export Share(% of global exports)
8.2%
Annual Trade Balance(USD Billions)
-$773 billion
Show 1 more attribute
Total Trade Volume (2024)(USD Trillions)
$7.1 trillion
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows(billion USD)
$285 billion (2023)
Foreign Direct Investment Annual Inflow(USD Billions)
$285 billion
Unemployment Rate(%)
4.1%
2.5%
Average Annual Wage(USD)
$62,400
$39,200
Global Venture Capital Share(%)
65%
8%
R&D Spending(% of GDP)
3.5%
Annual R&D Spending(USD Billion)
$809 billion
Foreign Exchange Reserves(USD trillion)
$0.13 trillion
$1.2T
Manufacturing Output Share(Percent of Global)
16%
7.2%
Manufacturing Output (Global Share)(Percent)
12%
Global Manufacturing Share (2024)(percent)
16%
Total Debt-to-GDP Ratio(%)
123%
Annual Exports(USD Trillion)
$2.1 trillion
$925 billion
Trade Balance (Annual)(USD Billions)
-$773 billion (deficit)
Trade Balance(USD Billions)
-$773B
+$229B
Global Trade Volume Share(%)
8.2%
Global Trade Ranking(Position)
4th largest exporter
GDP Growth Rate (2025)(% annual)
2.1%
Per Capita GDP (PPP)(USD)
$76,398
E-commerce as % of Retail(percentage)
16.3%
Technology Sector Market Cap(USD trillions)
$12.8 trillion
Renewable Energy Share(%)
21% of electricity
Fortune 500 Companies(count)
136 companies
Manufacturing Sector Share(Percent of GDP (%))
11.2%
Service Sector Share(% of GDP)
80.1%
Manufacturing Share of GDP(Percent)
11.5%
Manufacturing as Percentage of GDP(percent)
11.8%
Manufacturing as % of GDP(Percent)
11.8%
Show 3 more attributes
Manufacturing Sector(percent of GDP)
12%
Technology Sector(percent of GDP)
12%
Manufacturing Sector Share of Economy(%)
20% (high-tech focused)
Foreign Direct Investment (Annual)(USD billion)
$285 billion
Projected GDP in 2030(USD trillion)
$31.2 trillion
Global Manufacturing Share(percent)
17%
8%
Global Manufacturing Output Share(%)
16%
Trade Surplus/Deficit(USD Billions)
-$73 billion deficit
Unemployment Rate (2024)(percent)
4.0%
2.5%
GDP Growth Rate 2023(Percent Annual)
2.5%
Annual Growth Rate(percent)
2.7%
Defense Spending(USD billion)
$820 billion
GDP at Purchasing Power Parity(USD trillion)
$27.4 trillion
Trade Balance (2024)(USD Billions)
-$773 billion deficit
Working-Age Population Growth Rate(% Annual Change)
+0.4% (growing)
Manufacturing Output(% of global)
$2.3 trillion
Average Annual Wage(USD)
$60,500
Manufacturing Share of Global Output(percent)
17%
EV Market Penetration (Domestic)(%)
9.8%
Stock Market Capitalization (2024)(USD trillions)
$42.8 trillion
Stock Market Capitalization(USD Trillion)
$42 trillion
$5.2 trillion
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (2024)(USD billion)
$269 billion
Tech Sector Market Capitalization (Top 7 Companies)(USD Trillion)
$14.2 trillion
Average Annual GDP Growth Rate (2010-2023)(%)
2.4%
Purchasing Power Parity GDP(USD trillion)
$28.2 trillion
Foreign Direct Investment Inflow (2023)(USD Billion)
$285 billion
Gini Coefficient (Income Inequality)(index 0-1)
0.48
Healthcare Spending (% of GDP)(%)
17.3%
Foreign Direct Investment(USD billions annually)
$285 billion
Working Age Population(millions)
209 million
Foreign Direct Investment (2025)(USD billions)
$285 billion
Foreign Currency Reserves(USD trillions)
$0.13 trillion
Average Annual Wage (Tech Sector)(USD)
$120,000
Renewable Energy Capacity(GW)
680 GW
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (Annual)(USD Billion)
$13.2 billion
Foreign Direct Investment (2024)(USD Billions)
$26 billion

Pros & Cons

10 pros·6 cons across both

United States Economy
JE
United States Economy

United States Economy

+5-3

Pros

  • Largest nominal GDP at $27.4 trillion providing massive economic scale
  • Dominant in high-growth sectors (technology, biotech, renewable energy) with Silicon Valley and major research hubs
  • Lower government debt-to-GDP ratio (123%) providing fiscal flexibility compared to developed peers
  • Largest stock market (NYSE) with $42 trillion in market capitalization
  • Reserve currency status (US Dollar) enabling favorable international trade terms

Cons

  • Higher unemployment rate at 4.2% indicating labor market softness relative to Japan
  • Elevated inflation at 3.4% (2024) reducing purchasing power for consumers and businesses
  • Widening income inequality with Gini coefficient of 0.41, among highest in developed nations
JE

Japan Economy

+5-3

Pros

  • Highest GDP per capita at $39,285 among large developed economies indicating strong per-worker productivity
  • Ultra-low unemployment rate of 2.5% reflecting tight labor market and workforce stability
  • Excellent price stability with 2.5% inflation, lowest among G7 nations
  • World leader in robotics, precision manufacturing, and automotive technology exports
  • Very low crime rates and social cohesion supporting economic stability

Cons

  • Massive government debt-to-GDP ratio of 264% (highest among developed nations) limiting fiscal stimulus capacity
  • Declining population (-0.5% annually) reducing future labor force and consumer base
  • Deflationary pressures and slow wage growth limiting economic expansion potential

Frequently Asked Questions

5 questions

  1. The US has 2.7x larger population (333M vs 125M) and higher economic growth rates. While Japan's per-capita GDP ($39,285) significantly exceeds the US ($82,235), this reflects Japan's mature, high-income status. The US economy grows faster due to higher labor force growth, stronger immigration, and greater investment in emerging sectors like AI and biotech. Japan's economy stabilized decades ago, prioritizing quality-of-life improvements over expansion.

12 more to explore

Explore More

Related comparisons and categories

AI generated