The bar chart illustrates the proportion of global manufacturing output across Asia, Europe and the rest of the world over a 160-year period from 1840 to 2000.
Overall, Asia and Europe both experienced growth followed by decline, reaching their peaks in 1920 and 1960 respectively, whereas the rest of the world showed marginal fluctuations and witnessed the opposite pattern with a recovery in the final years. In the mid-twentieth century, Asia’s production attended the highest output rates.
Looking at the regions experienced substantial growth before declining. In Asia, the proportion of manufacturing output rose markedly from 40% in 1840 to 45% in 1880, before peaking at 50% in 1920. Similarly, Europe saw its share increase from 10% to 30% between 1840 and 1920 and peaking at 48% in 1960. By contrast, Asia registered significant variations, dipping marginally to 48% in 1960 and 38% in 2000. In 2000, Europe witnessed a slight decline to 28%.
As for the rest of the world, it demonstrated an inverse pattern compared to the other regions. Beginning at the highest level of 50% in 1840 before experiencing a significant decrease from 30% to 18% between 1880 and 1920. On the other hand, demonstrated moderate gains increasing to 23% in 1960, followed by a pronounced surge to 55% in the final year.