Trump said America's economy was better than Japan's and he was probably right (2024)

ByEmma Beswick

"You've built one of the world's most powerful economies. I don't know if it's as good as ours. I think not," Trump said to the Japanese people

During his trip to Asia this week, Donald Trump made the assumption that he didn’t think the Japanse economy was “as good” as the US economy.

“You’ve built one of the world’s most powerful economies,” came praise from the US president, “I don’t know if it’s as good as ours, I think not,” he added.

Is it possible, as Trump’s statement suggests, to compare two countries’ economies and which indicators would we use to do so?

GDP per capita is considered a baseline when comparing two economies. Using this measure, Trump’s comments are founded, with the US ahead of Japan in rankings from both the International Monetary Fund (US:11th place, Japan:28th place) and the World Bank (US:9th place, Japan:22nd place).

This is, however, a very basic comparison, according to Gianmarco Ottaviano, professor of Economics at the London School of Economics, who told Euronews that a deeper analysis of the two economies would include several indicators including GDP growth, productivity and net export performance, among others.

America came out on top in terms of GDP growth in 2016 at 1.6 percent in the World Bank’s ranking, with Japan further behind at one percent.

The US was the world’s fifth most productive country in 2015 data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), while Japan was much lower ranked at number 20.

When we consider trade balance data, with net exports for Japan accounting for 2.4% of its GDP and net imports for the US as large as 4.3% of their GDP, America bags the top spot yet again.

Ottaviano said that the ‘boom’ period for Japan’s economy was in the 80s, but it has since stalled, despite remaining a dynamic economy that is strong in trade in areas like technology.

“China is the new Japan,” he added, saying that Japan should consider both liberalising its trade in the automotive industry and positioning themselves in global value chains, a measure the country has already put in motion.

As for Trump’s observation that the Japanese economy is not as good as the American one, Ottaviano said: “Generally speaking it is a fair statement when we consider the economy as a whole.”

However, he also qualified that it is important to consider what an economy can for its citizens and that there are issues in the US, such as inequality, that are not present in Japan – a recent survey of global wealth by Credit Suisse cited Japan as the most equal major economy in the world in terms of wealth distribution.

“Comparing countries on indicators is good for benchmarking, but which indicators we should use is really open to debate,” he concluded, “and the more indicators we use, the more difficult it is to rank them.”

Trump said America's economy was better than Japan's and he was probably right (2024)

FAQs

Does the US have better economy than Japan? ›

If we measure by growth in real gross domestic product (GDP), without considering changes in population, Japan's economic growth is far behind that of the United States. From 2000 to 2015, its real GDP grew an average of 0.72 percent per year, while U.S. real GDP grew an average of 1.77 percent.

Does Japan have the best economy in the world? ›

Japan is one of the world's largest economies and is currently at rank 3. If this is calculated per inhabitant, taking purchasing power parity into account, then Japan ranks 38th in the list of the richest countries. Inflation in Japan in 2022 was around 2.50%.

How does the Japanese economy compare to that of the US? ›

The United States and Japan are the two largest national economies in the world. The United States is the world's largest deficit and debtor country. Japan is the world's largest surplus and creditor country.

Why Japan has the best economy? ›

Japan is one of the largest and most developed economies in the world. It has a well-educated, industrious workforce and its large, affluent population makes it one of the world's biggest consumer markets.

Is USA richer than Japan? ›

Here are the 10 richest countries in the world: United States - $18.62 Tn. China - $11.22 Tn. Japan - $4.94 Tn.

Who has a better economy than the US? ›

Switzerland. Switzerland, officially called the Swiss Confederation, is a small country in Central Europe made up of 16,000 square miles of glacier-carved Alps, lakes and valleys. It's one of the world's wealthiest countries, and has been well-known for centuries for its neutrality.

Who has the strongest economy in the world? ›

United States of America

What country has the best economy right now? ›

Biggest economies in 2021 by gross domestic product
RankCountryGDP in $ per capita
1United States70,249
2China12,556
3Japan39,313
4Germany51,204
46 more rows

Who is the richest country in the world? ›

Here is the full ranking of the richest countries in 2023, according to their per capita GDP. Luxembourg, one of the smallest countries in the EU has a population of 634,000 and is the richest country in this ranking with a per capita GDP of nearly $130,000.

Is food cheaper in the US or Japan? ›

Although there are some perishables that are cheaper, for example a bottle of coca cola, water or wine, Japanese people fork out an average of 15% more for their grocery shopping than people in the US.

Was the US successful in helping rebuild Japan's economy? ›

By the end of the American occupation of Japan in 1952, the United States had successfully reintegrated Japan into the global economy and rebuilt the economic infrastructure that would later form the launching pad for the Japanese economic miracle.

How much does Japan rely on the US? ›

The U.S. services trade surplus with Japan was $7.4 billion in 2020. Japan was the United States' 4th largest goods export market in 2020. U.S. goods exports to Japan in 2020 were $64.1 billion, down 13.8 percent ($10.3 billion) from 2019 but up 6 percent from 2010.

What is Japan's main source of income? ›

Tax revenues account for the single largest source of the government's total income. Since World War II the tax system has been characterized by heavy dependence on direct taxes, and steeply progressive income taxes on individuals and high corporate taxes have constituted most of the tax revenues.

What is Japan economic weakness? ›

Japan's economy is being buffeted by slowing overseas demand due to deteriorating global growth, resulting in a record trade deficit and the largest factory output contraction in eight months in January.

Is Japan a socialist or capitalist country? ›

Japan is the only example of collective capitalism in practical form. It stems from Japan's economic and social restructuring following World War One. This program of industrial development was successful until the 1990s.

Does Japan have more debt than the US? ›

With $1.1 trillion in Treasury holdings, Japan is the largest foreign holder of U.S. debt. Japan surpassed China as the top holder in 2019 as China shed over $250 billion, or 30% of its holdings in four years.

Which country is richest than USA? ›

According to the IMF, the wealthiest nation in the world 2022 for GDP per capita was Luxembourg, with a sum of $127,673. For the sake of comparison, while the US has an overall GDP of $26.19 trillion, its GDP per capita is much lower at $75,180 than tax havens like Luxembourg, with a GDP per capita of $127,673.

Why is America's economy so strong? ›

There are two things that matter to an economy in the long term: the size of its workforce and the productivity thereof. A higher fertility rate and a more open immigration system have long given America a demographic advantage over most other wealthy countries, and that continues.

What country has the most debt? ›

According to data published by London-based investment fintech Invezz, Japan, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and the US are the top five nations with the highest level of government debt.

Is the US still the strongest economy? ›

The United States remains the largest economy in the world, though China threatens that status in the future, given its larger population and faster economic growth relative to other countries in recent decades.

What is the safest economy in the world? ›

According to the GPI 2021 report, Iceland was ranked the safest country in the world for the 13th consecutive year, followed by New Zealand, Ireland, Austria, and Denmark.

Which country will rule the world in 2025? ›

According to a recent report by Harvard University, “From economic complexity growth estimates, India is growing at the annual list at the rate of 7.9 percent as the fastest growing country for the coming decade.

Will China overtake us? ›

There is still much work to be done to propel China to the top of the world's economy, but it is certainly possible that the Chinese economy can surpass the power of the US by 2050. It may also be too early to make definitive projections of China's future.

Who will be the next superpower? ›

India is expected to overtake Germany in terms of GDP in 2025 and Japan in 2027 to become the third largest economy after the U.S. and China. Modi has pledged to make India a developed country by 2047, when it celebrates the 100th anniversary of its independence.

Who controls the world economy? ›

The IMF monitors the international monetary system and global economic developments to identify risks and recommend policies for growth and financial stability. The Fund also undertakes a regular health check of the economic and financial policies of its 190 member countries.

What country has the best quality of life? ›

  • Sweden. #1 in Quality of Life. #5 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Denmark. #2 in Quality of Life. #10 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Canada. #3 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Switzerland. #4 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Norway. #5 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Finland. #6 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Germany. #7 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Netherlands. #8 in Quality of Life.

What country is best to live in? ›

Download Table Data
CountryHDI 2021/222023 Population
Switzerland0.9628,796,669
Norway0.9615,474,360
Iceland0.959375,318
Hong Kong0.9527,491,609
94 more rows

What is the poorest county in the world? ›

The Poorest Countries in the World
  • Somalia: GDP per capita of USD 303 in 2026. ...
  • South Sudan: GDP per capita of USD 441 in 2026. ...
  • Sierra Leone: GDP per capita of USD 532 in 2026. ...
  • Malawi: GDP per capita of USD 606 in 2026. ...
  • Central African Republic: GDP per capita of USD 624 in 2026.
May 25, 2023

What country has the richest citizens? ›

The GDP per capita is calculated by dividing a country's GDP by its population. Thus, the richest countries in the world are those with the highest GDP per capita. Currently, the richest country in the world in terms of GDP per capita is Luxembourg, with a GDP per capita of $135,700.

Which is the 0 richest country in the world? ›

Luxembourg. In terms of purchasing power parity (PPP) Luxembourg scores at the top of the richest countries.

How much is a gallon of milk in Japan? ›

The cost of groceries is about the same throughout Japan: A gallon of milk costs about USD$4.50-$5.50. A dozen eggs cost USD$1.62-$1.98. One pound of rice costs USD$1.35-$1.65.

What is the minimum wage in Japan? ›

The current minimum wage is 931 yen (national weighted average). The average will rise to 961 yen (7.30 US dollars) for the 2023 fiscal year starting on 1 April 2023. This increase comes among heightened inflation and the commitment of prime minister Kishida to higher wages.

Are houses expensive in Japan? ›

Just like renting a space, buying a home in Japan requires a good deal of money and savings. Japan's house prices start around 25,000,000 JPY (230,000 USD) and go up from there. The overall national average for buying a house is 35,760,000 JPY (337,000 USD).

Who paid to rebuild Japan after ww2? ›

After World War II, the United States also understood the strategic importance of using foreign assistance and other tools to aid and rebuild post-war Japan. Between 1946 and 1952, Washington invested $2.2 billion — or $18 billion in real 21st-century dollars adjusted for inflation — in Japan's reconstruction effort.

What country helped rebuild Japan? ›

After the defeat of Japan in World War II, the United States led the Allies in the occupation and rehabilitation of the Japanese state. Between 1945 and 1952, the U.S. occupying forces, led by General Douglas A. MacArthur, enacted widespread military, political, economic, and social reforms.

What was the US strategy to defeat Japan? ›

General Douglas MacArthur and Admiral Chester Nimitz were in charge of U.S. forces in the Pacific. They devised a strategy of "island hopping" to defeat Japan.

Is it cheaper to live in Japan than the US? ›

The average cost of living in Japan ($1200) is 46% less expensive than in the United States ($2213). Japan ranked 44th vs 5th for the United States in the list of the most expensive countries in the world.

Which country is best friend of Japan? ›

Japan and Nigeria engage in strong economic and political cooperation. Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1960.

Why is the US in so much debt to Japan? ›

Japan is the second-largest foreign holder of U. S. debt after China, with holdings totaling nearly $1. 3 trillion in September 2020. Japan's large holdings of U. S. debt can be attributed to Japan's large trade surplus, low-interest rates, and limited investment opportunities in their own domestic markets.

What is the average household income in Japan? ›

Japan Annual Household Income per Capita reached 17,390.713 USD in Dec 2022, compared with the previous value of 20,128.854 USD in Dec 2021. Japan Annual Household Income per Capita data is updated yearly, available from Dec 2000 to Dec 2022, with an averaged value of 17,390.713 USD.

Why is income so low in Japan? ›

In summary, there are labor shortages in industries where it is difficult to raise wages, and a rising number of employees work without wage increases. In other words, Japan has an economic and demographic structure that makes it difficult to effectively pressure that wages be raised.

What is the average household income in Tokyo? ›

In 2021, working households in Tokyo Prefecture earned approximately 730.4 thousand Japanese yen on average per month.

What are 3 major problems in Japan? ›

10 Biggest Human Rights Challenges in Japan
  • #1. LGBTQ Rights. ...
  • #2. Discrimination against Zainichi Koreans. ...
  • #3. North Korean abduction of Japanese Citizens. ...
  • #4. Buraku Discrimination/Dowa Issue. ...
  • #5. Death Penalty. ...
  • #6. Migrant Worker Rights. ...
  • #7. Children's Education Rights. ...
  • #8. Criminal Justice.

Why is Japan not growing? ›

It had to rearrange its production system and other economic institutions to cope with globalization to reduce its reliance on external demand. Japan's population structure was shifting and becoming increasingly elderly. Aging meant slower growth of the labor force.

Why is there no inflation in Japan? ›

Changes in the money supply and changes in inflation are clearly joined. Japan's ultra-low inflation rates have been the result of ultra-tight, not “ultra-loose,” monetary policy. The Bank of Japan's attraction to this fallacy has resulted in Japan's lost decades.

Does Japan have free healthcare? ›

Universal Health Care

Health care in Japan is, generally speaking, provided free for Japanese citizens, expatriates, and foreigners. Medical treatment in Japan is provided through universal health care. This system is available to all citizens, as well as non-Japanese citizens staying in Japan for more than a year.

What country is actually socialist? ›

Marxist–Leninist states
CountrySinceDuration
People's Republic of China1 October 194973 years, 250 days
Republic of Cuba24 February 197647 years, 104 days
Lao People's Democratic Republic2 December 197547 years, 188 days
Socialist Republic of Vietnam2 September 194577 years, 279 days

What country is completely capitalist? ›

Download Table Data
RankCountryIndex of Economic Freedom - Heritage 2021
1Singapore89.7
2New Zealand83.9
3Australia82.4
4Switzerland81.9
76 more rows

Which country is best Japan or USA? ›

Quality of life
JapanUnited States
Civil rights:8883
Health:9269
Climate:5466
Cost of Living:2934
2 more rows

Is Japan more productive than America? ›

Japan's labor productivity level is about two-thirds that of the U.S. and the lowest among the G7 countries. The productivity gap with the U.S. has remained nearly flat since the beginning of the 1990s and continues to exceed 30%.

Does the US have the strongest economy in the world? ›

The economic strength of a country is determined by its gross domestic product (GDP). In other words, the amount of all income generated in the country from the sale of goods and services. With a GDP of 23.32 trillion dollars, the USA is by far the world's largest economy in this ranking for 2021.

Is the US the strongest economy? ›

The United States has been the world's largest national economy in terms of GDP since at least the 1920s.

Is it cheaper to live in America or Japan? ›

In the US, the average price per square foot to buy a residence in the city center is around $335, whereas in Japan a comparable figure is $760. This is an approximate 57% increase. However, on the whole, house prices are generally lower in Japan than the US, especially since the Covid pandemic.

Is Japan friendly to Americans? ›

One of the first things you'll notice during your Japan travel trip is how incredibly welcoming Japanese are towards foreigners (thank you Japan!). They are well known for their politeness and deep rooted traditions, so they definitely don't expect travellers to know all the social faux pas right off the bat.

Why is Japan healthier than America? ›

As their diet is traditionally high in soy and fish this may also play a significant role in reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The Japanese also have the lowest rates of obesity among men and women as well as long life expectancy.

Who is the most productive country in the world? ›

Luxembourg

What country is #1 in economy? ›

According to the latest available data from the World Bank, the United States of America is currently the world's largest economy, with a GDP of over $23 trillion in 2021.

What is the greatest weakness in the US economy? ›

WEAKNESSES
  • Low labour market participation.
  • High household debt.
  • Polarised political landscape.
  • Decrease in fertility rate.
  • Outdated infrastructure.
  • Growing income and wealth inequalities overlapping with territorial and racial inequalities.
  • Trade conflict and technological competition with China.

What is America number 1 in? ›

The U.S. economy is the world's largest in terms of gross domestic product, and also the most technologically powerful. The country's most significant exports are computers and electrical machinery, vehicles, chemical products, food, live animals and military equipment.

What state has the strongest economy in the US? ›

California

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