Top 10 Countries Leading in Global Goods Exports 

Global trade changed a lot because more countries started using rules that limit trade. These changes made the total value of goods sold between countries drop by 5% to $23.8 trillion. This drop happened because there were almost 3,000 new trade rules around the world, which is a lot more than in 2015.

Even though trading was tough, some countries still managed to sell a lot of their goods to other countries. China, for example, is the biggest exporter in the world. It managed to keep selling a huge amount of goods even though the prices of what it makes went down by 10%. 

China sold $500 billion worth of goods to the United States in 2023. But, these trading numbers might change soon because of new policies that President Trump might introduce.

Overall, these new trade rules have made it harder for many countries to sell their goods abroad.

Here are the 10 countries that topped the list of goods exporters: 

China  

Dominating the global exports, China accounted for 14.2% of the worldwide exports, totaling $3.4 trillion. Despite facing multiple trade barriers, it managed shipments worth $500 billion to the United States alone.

United States  

With an 8.5% share of global exports, the U.S. exported goods worth $2 trillion. The country saw a surplus of $65 billion in energy exports, though it faced a growing trade deficit in other sectors.

Germany 

Germany claimed 7.1% of the global exports, translating to $1.7 trillion. Despite the challenges posed by rising energy costs which affected industrial production, it maintained substantial export volumes.

Netherlands 

As a key European trading hub, the Netherlands exported $935 billion worth of goods, capturing 3.9% of the global market. Its strategic location and robust infrastructure, including major ports like Rotterdam, played a crucial role.

Japan 

Japan, known for its advanced technology and automotive sectors, exported $717 billion in goods, which represented 3% of the global exports. It continues to face increasing competition from other Asian exporters.

Italy 

Italy’s exports amounted to $677 billion, making up 2.8% of global exports, with machinery, textiles, and luxury goods leading its export chart. Economic instability and rising costs, however, presented ongoing challenges.

France 

With exports totaling $648 billion, France held 2.7% of the global export share. Major exports included aircraft, wine, and machinery, with strong trade ties within the EU and beyond supporting its export activities.

South Korea  

South Korea exported goods worth $632 billion, which constituted 2.7% of the global trade. Its electronics and semiconductor industries remained central to its export growth despite global supply chain disruptions.

Mexico

Mexico, with a strong trade relationship with the United States, exported $593 billion worth of goods, capturing 2.5% of the global exports. Its automotive and agricultural sectors were contributors.

Hong Kong 

As a financial and trading hub, Hong Kong exported $574 billion in goods, accounting for 2.4% of global trade. Its role as a re-export center, especially to mainland China, was significant though affected by ongoing political tensions.