China Has Replaced the U.S. as the Most Popular Trading Partner

An important contributor to political influence is economic interdependence. The U.S. was once the largest trading partner of the great majority of nations, but since 2000, China has superseded America in this regard. Today, three times as many nations call China their largest trade partner than can say that about the U.S. This trend will only be amplified by China’s Belt and Road Initiative, an ambitious plan to expand Chinese economic connections throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe. The initiative covers 71 countries that account for more than half of the world’s population and a third of global GDP. If that sounds like China elbowing out U.S. economic influence, trust your instincts.

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Share of Countries With Largest Trade Partner: China vs. U.S.

Sources: Economist, IMF.