The bar chart illustrates the proportion of global manufacturing output contributed by Asia, Europe, and the rest of the world over five selected years from 1840 to 2000.
Overall, Europe initially held the largest share of manufacturing production, while Asia experienced a decline followed by a resurgence. The rest of the world saw a significant rise and subsequent fall in its contribution over the period.
In 1840, Asia dominated global manufacturing with a 50% share, surpassing Europe at 40% and the rest of the world at just 10%. However, by 1880, Asia’s share had dropped to 40%, while Europe’s increased to 45%, making it the leading producer, and the rest of the world rose to 15%. This trend continued into 1920, as Asia further declined to 30%, Europe peaked at 50%, and the rest of the world reached 20%.
A dramatic shift occurred by 1960, when Asia’s share remained at 30%, but Europe’s contribution halved to 30%, and the rest of the world surged to a high of 40%, becoming the largest producer. By 2000, Asia’s manufacturing output rebounded to 45%, while Europe dropped further to 30%, and the rest of the world fell to 25%, restoring Asia’s position as the leading manufacturing region