The bar chart highlights the proportions of global production output contributed by Asia, Europe, and the rest of the world between 1840 and 2000.
Overall, Asia and Europe followed contrasting trends over the period, while the rest of the world experienced a steady increase. Furthermore, despite some fluctuations, Asia recorded the highest figure in the final year.
Asia began as the dominant producer in 1840, accounting for 50% of global output. This figure then declined sharply to just 20% by 1920, before it recovered to reach about 45% by 2000. In contrast, Europe started at a lower level of around 40% in 1840. It then rose steadily and surpassed Asia in 1880, after which it reached a peak of 50% by 1920. After that, Europe’s output fell significantly, dropping to just under 30% by the end of the period.
On the other hand, the rest of the world showed a more consistent upward trend. Its contribution to the global output rose steadily from just 10% in 1840 to reach around 30% by 1920. It continued to go up to nearly 38% in 1960 before experiencing a slight decline to about 32% in 2000.