The 20 Largest Economies in the Americas and Their Main Exports
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In this 2025 overview, we highlight 20 of the largest economies in the Americas based on their GDP measured at PPP (Purchasing Power Parity)—a method that adjusts for price differences across countries to compare real living costs more accurately. Each country’s snapshot includes its key industries, current growth trends, and top three export products by value (with a one-sentence description of each). From the U.S.’s high-tech and energy dominance to Mexico’s manufacturing synergy and Brazil’s commodity strength, these nations shape trade across the Western Hemisphere.
1. United States (USA)
- PPP GDP (2025): $29.17 trillion
The U.S. holds the region’s largest economy, driven by a diverse service sector (finance, tech, healthcare) and high-tech manufacturing, with the IMF projecting about 2% growth in 2024 that supports a soft landing scenario into 2025. Moderate expansion reflects eased inflation under tight monetary policy; despite higher interest rates and geopolitical pressures tempering momentum, solid domestic demand and innovation keep it resilient.
- Refined & Crude Petroleum (15.5%) – Oil and mineral fuels that underscore America’s energy and shale production.
- Industrial Machinery (12.2%) – Machines, engines, and computers reflecting the USA’s advanced engineering base.
- Electrical Equipment (10.4%) – Electronics and semiconductors that reveal its cutting-edge tech capacity.
2. Brazil
- PPP GDP (2025): $4.70 trillion
Brazil remains Latin America’s largest economy, fueled by key commodities (soybeans, iron ore, oil) and a decent manufacturing sector (aerospace, auto). Growth has hovered around 1–2% amid high interest rates, yet strong demand for agricultural exports and iron helps sustain foreign earnings. Fiscal and inflation challenges continue, but robust agribusiness and resource industries stabilize Brazil’s outlook.
- Oil & Mineral Fuels (17%) – Crude oil and fuels underpin Brazil’s global commodity presence.
- Soybeans & Oilseeds (13%) – A crucial agro-export, showcasing Brazil’s massive soybean production.
- Iron Ore & Mining Products (10.4%) – Core mineral outputs feeding global steel and manufacturing industries.
3. Mexico
- PPP GDP (2025): $3.30 trillion
Mexico’s export-driven model, anchored by manufacturing (autos, electronics) integrated with the U.S. under USMCA, has settled to around 2.5% growth as American demand normalizes. Automotive and aerospace benefit from near-shoring trends, with steady investment offsetting inflationary pressure. Despite challenges, Mexico’s well-established supply chains and proximity to the U.S. keep prospects positive.
- Vehicles & Auto Parts (26.4%) – Cars, trucks, and components fueling Mexico’s “industrial backbone.”
- Electronic Equipment (17.4%) – Telecom devices and computers highlight high-volume assembly lines.
- Machinery (15.8%) – Industrial machinery, marking further diversification in advanced manufacturing.
4. Canada
- PPP GDP (2025): $2.58 trillion
Canada’s resource-rich economy spans energy, minerals, and forestry, alongside modern manufacturing and services. With weaker oil prices and elevated interest rates, GDP growth stays near 1–2%, but low unemployment and sound fiscal standing underpin stability. Housing-related debt concerns linger; still, energy exports and U.S. market ties support moderate expansion.
- Energy (Oil & Gas) (25.5%) – Crude and natural gas underscore Canada’s major commodity revenue.
- Vehicles (10.2%) – Automotive production tied to cross-border supply chains with the U.S.
- Machinery/Equipment (7.2%) – Broad industrial and power systems supporting global markets.
5. Argentina
- PPP GDP (2025): $1.35 trillion
Argentina’s economy relies on agriculture (soy, wheat, beef) and select manufacturing, but chronic high inflation and debt hamper stability. A 2023 drought cut exports; crop rebounds promise ~2.7% growth by 2025. Market unpredictability persists, yet better harvests and commodity prices could offset inflation above 100% and uncertain policy reforms.
- Cereals (Corn, Wheat) (12.7%) – Core grains crucial to Argentina’s global rank in cereal trade.
- Soy Meal & Animal Feed (10.5%) – Soybean by-products feeding livestock worldwide.
- Vehicles (9.8%) – Automotive output remains a vital manufacturing segment despite economic volatility.
6. Colombia
- PPP GDP (2025): $1.13 trillion
Colombia depends heavily on oil & mining (oil, coal ~50% of exports) plus growing service sectors. Growth dipped to ~1% but is projected to pick up slightly, helped by oil and coffee price improvements. Fiscal and security challenges persist, yet commodity strength, especially in hydrocarbons, supports moderate economic traction.
- Oil & Coal (50.5%) – Crude petroleum, coal briquettes power Colombia’s resource-based trade.
- Gold & Precious Metals (7.3%) – Reflecting steady demand for bullion in global markets.
- Coffee (5.9%) – Colombia’s signature arabica beans, prized internationally.
7. Chile
- PPP GDP (2025): $674 billion
Chile’s export-led economy is anchored by copper (world’s top producer) plus lithium, fisheries, and agriculture. After a short recession, it’s now growing (~2.6%), powered by strong metals demand for green energy. Copper and lithium remain the backbone, though reliance on China and mining cycles poses a vulnerability.
- Copper Ore & Concentrates (33.3%) – Chile’s flagship mineral fueling global infrastructure and electronics.
- Refined Copper (19.4%) – Value-added copper products underscore its advanced smelting capacity.
- Fruit (8.0%) – Grapes and cherries highlight Chile’s prominent horticulture exports.
8. Peru
- PPP GDP (2025): $606 billion
Peru’s economy is mineral-rich (copper, gold) with agricultural exports like fruits and coffee. Political unrest hindered growth below 3%, but mining recovery and easing tensions point to a mild uptick. Copper expansions, stable commodity prices, and cautious governance reforms underpin Peru’s gradual improvement.
- Copper Ore (41.9%) – Key driver of Peru’s fiscal revenue and global supply of copper.
- Gold & Precious Metals (13.5%) – Bullion and jewelry components that maintain robust external demand.
- Fruits (8.5%) – Grapes, blueberries, and other horticulture prime for international markets.
9. Dominican Republic (Dom. Rep.)
- PPP GDP (2025): $312 billion
The Dominican Republic maintains one of the region’s fastest growth rates, supported by tourism and export manufacturing (gold, medical devices). GDP is rising 4–5%, driven by high tourist arrivals and expanded free-zone production. Although reliant on U.S. markets, it has diversified with electronics and medical exports.
- Gold (15.9%) – Unwrought gold bars reflecting robust mining and refining activities.
- Medical Instruments (13.1%) – Electro-medical devices anchored in free-zone factories.
- Integrated Circuits & Electronics (10.4%) – Specialized electronics assembly complementing the industrial base.
10. Ecuador
- PPP GDP (2025): $297 billion
Ecuador’s dollarized economy banks on oil, bananas, and shrimp. High oil revenues in 2022 gave way to slower 2023 growth (~2%) amid output disruptions and politics. Going into 2025, incremental rises in petroleum and strong farm exports sustain moderate prospects, though fiscal strains and security around oil infrastructure remain hurdles.
- Crude Oil & Fuels (28.9%) – Petroleum remains Ecuador’s primary foreign currency earner.
- Seafood (24.2%) – Shrimp and fish products underscore its coastal aquaculture strength.
- Bananas & Fruit (13.2%) – A hallmark of Ecuadorian agriculture and global fruit trade.
11. Guatemala
- PPP GDP (2025): $264 billion
Guatemala’s diverse economy spans agriculture (coffee, sugar, bananas), textiles, and a substantial informal sector, with annual growth of ~3–4% helped by heavy remittances from the U.S. Domestic demand benefits from these inflows, but infrastructure gaps and high poverty restrain faster expansion.
- Bananas, Cardamom & Other Fruits/Nuts (11.0%) – Tropical produce that thrives in Guatemala’s climate.
- Apparel (Knit Clothing) (9.7%) – Garments bridging local cotton with U.S. brand manufacturing.
- Coffee (9.3%) – Traditional arabica beans forming an export staple.
12. Venezuela
- PPP GDP (2025): $222 billion
Venezuela’s oil-reliant economy underwent a major contraction from industry collapse and hyperinflation; limited stabilization is seen in 2025, but production remains far below peak. Minimal refining rebounds and partial sanction relief offer mild growth, though structural issues and currency instability constrain any true comeback.
- Crude Petroleum & Fuels (62.6%) – Oil still dominates near all foreign earnings despite collapsed volumes.
- Iron & Steel (8.6%) – Basic metals once significant, now diminished by industrial decline.
- Chemicals/Petrochemicals (5.5%) – Derivatives from hydrocarbons, though hampered by infrastructure decay.
13. Panama
- PPP GDP (2025): $186 billion
Panama relies on service activities—particularly the Canal, ports, finance, and logistics—and has been growing ~6% as canal revenues and foreign investment in finance/real estate hold strong. Although global trade shifts can affect canal traffic, broad-based services, plus developments in copper mining, keep it on an upward path.
- Copper Ore (14.8%) – Large-scale mining developments feed Asia’s and Europe’s metal demands.
- Organic Chemicals (14.7%) – Reflecting re-exports from the Colon Free Zone.
- Pharmaceuticals (12.8%) – Medicines and related goods also channeled via Panama’s trading hubs.
14. Costa Rica
- PPP GDP (2025): $159 billion
Costa Rica thrives on high-tech manufacturing (especially medical devices) and tourism. Growth near 4% has been upheld by robust med-tech exports and a post-pandemic travel surge. With around 3.8% forecast into 2025, it remains a prime example of how free zones and ecotourism can diversify a small nation’s economy.
- Medical & Precision Instruments (42%) – Surgical and diagnostic devices that anchor its free-zone industries.
- Pineapples, Bananas & Fruits (14%) – Tropical fruit shipments capitalizing on stable U.S. and EU demand.
- Food Preparations (5.6%) – Sauces, syrups, and processed edibles broadening agro-industrial scope.
15. Bolivia
- PPP GDP (2025): $139 billion
Bolivia banks on natural gas, minerals (gold, zinc), and soy farming. After growth slipped (~3%) on falling gas output, new projects in lithium and petrochemicals could improve prospects, but commodity swings define earnings. Gold exports rose, partially offsetting reduced gas revenues.
- Gold (~22%) – Driven by artisanal and small-scale mining plus rising global bullion prices.
- Natural Gas (~19%) – A shrinking resource base historically vital for Brazil-Argentina pipeline supply.
- Zinc Ore (~12%) – Key metal offering moderate export diversification beyond hydrocarbons.
16. Paraguay
- PPP GDP (2025): $127 billion
Paraguay focuses on agribusiness (top global soy exporter) and hydropower (Itaipú, Yacyretá dams). After a drought-driven downturn, a record soy harvest boosted growth above 4%. Soy, beef, and hydroelectricity continue to dominate exports, though climatic variability always poses risks.
- Soybeans & Products (~41%) – Principal staple, from raw beans to processed meal and oil.
- Beef (~16%) – Livestock exports gaining global market share in premium cuts.
- Electricity (~15%) – Surplus hydroelectric power sold to neighbors, vital to revenue.
17. Uruguay
- PPP GDP (2025): $123 billion
Uruguay is stable and export-oriented, known for beef, soy, and wood pulp. A 2023 drought stalled growth, but 2025 sees ~3% from a new pulp mill and revived ranching. Agriculture and forestry remain critical, yet climate vulnerability remains.
- Beef (~20%) – Grass-fed livestock forming Uruguay’s hallmark farm export.
- Soybeans (~15%) – Commodity shipments complement the beef sector for large-scale agribusiness.
- Cellulose (Wood Pulp) (~14%) – Pulp mill expansions elevating Uruguay’s status in forestry products.
18. El Salvador
- PPP GDP (2025): $84 billion
El Salvador’s economy centers on manufacturing (textiles/apparel) and relies heavily on remittances (~24% of GDP). Growth near 2.6% is steady but limited by modest investment. While the Bitcoin initiative grabs headlines, apparel and agro-exports still form its main goods trade, supported by infrastructure spending despite debt issues.
- Textiles & Apparel (~35%) – T-shirts and knitted garments fueling industrial output.
- Agro Products (~14%) – Coffee, sugar, and other produce from volcanic soils.
- Plastics (~9%) – Manufacturing of plastic goods for regional markets.
19. Honduras
- PPP GDP (2025): $81 billion
Honduras relies on maquila (apparel assembly) and agricultural exports (coffee, bananas, palm oil), alongside large remittances. Growth ~3.5% is powered by U.S. demand. Apparel remains central to industrial activity, while poverty and governance issues continue to limit broader development.
- Textiles/Apparel (~40.5%) – Knitwear and assembly for global clothing lines.
- Coffee (~11.7%) – Bean exports from highland regions prized for specialty markets.
- Electrical Machinery (~9.7%) – Items like insulated wires serving automotive and appliance industries.
20. Nicaragua
- PPP GDP (2025): $60 billion
Nicaragua’s agrarian economy exports gold, coffee, beef, and textiles, but has faced sanctions and a drop in FDI. Growth is near 3% amid limited diversification and political constraints. Consistent gold and apparel shipments provide some stability, yet climate shocks and remittances heavily shape the overall landscape.
- Gold (~13%) – Precious metal shipments from small-scale and industrial mines.
- Knit Apparel (~13%) – Basic garments (t-shirts, etc.) produced in free-zone factories.
- Coffee (~5–6%) – A longstanding agricultural export, though overshadowed by apparel/gold in recent years.
Final Thoughts
Across the Americas in 2025, these 20 economies underscore remarkable diversity—from the U.S. service-driven juggernaut and Brazilian commodity heft to Mexico’s manufacturing synergy with North America. Each country’s PPP GDP rank and export composition reveal how its key industries align with global supply chains—be it Chile’s copper, Argentina’s grains, or Costa Rica’s medical devices. Understanding these export profiles clarifies how the Western Hemisphere continues to impact world trade and regional prosperity.
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