The chart highlights the top 10 countries by manufacturing share of GDP, revealing some intriguing insights. Puerto Rico leads with a significant 46% share, largely driven by its pharmaceutical industry. This is a notable outlier, as Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory rather than an independent country. Ireland follows with 34%, also benefiting from a strong pharmaceutical sector. Eswatini, a small African nation, surprisingly ranks third with 28%, indicating a robust manufacturing sector relative to its size. China, often perceived as a manufacturing giant, ranks fourth with 26%, reflecting its diversified economy. Thailand, Haiti, South Korea, and Vietnam all share similar manufacturing contributions, around 24-25%, showcasing their roles as key players in global manufacturing. Malaysia and Belarus close the list with 23% each, highlighting their industrial capabilities. The data underscores the significant role of pharmaceuticals in boosting manufacturing GDP in smaller economies like Puerto Rico and Ireland. It also challenges common perceptions by showing that some smaller or less-discussed nations have substantial manufacturing sectors. The world average of 15% further emphasizes the exceptional nature of these top-ranking countries. This chart provides a nuanced view of global manufacturing, revealing both expected leaders and surprising contenders.
