The bar chart illustrates the proportion of global production output contributed by Asia, Europe, and the rest of the world in the years 1840, 1880, 1920, 1960, and 2000.
Overall, Asia’s production initially fell but later recovered while Europe peaked in 1920 before declining. Meanwhile, the rest of the world steadily grew.
In 1840, Asia accounted for the largest share of global production, contributing approximately 50%, whereas Europe’s output stood at around 40%. In contrast, the rest of the world made up only 10%. By 1880, Europe’s share had risen to nearly 45%, overtaking Asia, which saw a considerable drop to around 30%. At the same time, the rest of the world’s output more than doubled, reaching roughly 20%.
Europe’s production output peaked in 1920 at approximately 50%, while Asia’s contribution continued to decline, falling below 25%. However, from 1960 onwards, Asia’s proportion rebounded significantly, reaching 45% by 2000, while Europe’s figure plummeted to just over 20%. At the same time, the rest of the world’s share experienced a steady upward trajectory, peaking at around 30% by the end of the period