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China vs Spain GDP
China overtook Spain in 1978. In 1960 Spain stood at roughly 21% of China’s GDP; today the figure is about 10%, and the pair was closest in 1981 (103%).
| Year | China | Spain | Spain as % of China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 59,846,235,024.73 | 12,424,514,013.76 | 21% |
| 1970 | 92,752,930,873.19 | 40,963,715,236.51 | 44% |
| 1980 | 191,487,500,000 | 232,600,556,973.78 | 121% |
| 1990 | 361,560,229,445.51 | 536,175,326,477.31 | 148% |
| 2000 | 1,223,754,919,971.05 | 598,102,854,756.08 | 49% |
| 2010 | 6,192,564,874,453.29 | 1,427,989,078,916.67 | 23% |
| 2020 | 14,996,414,166,715.1 | 1,289,783,836,971.21 | 9% |
| 2025 | 19,498,039,388,042.6 | 1,906,453,309,985.88 | 10% |
Frequently asked questions
When did China pass Spain in GDP?
In 1978. China’s published GDP rose above Spain’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do China and Spain compare today?
China is ahead: 19,498,039,388,042.6 against 1,906,453,309,985.88 — the trailing economy stands at about 10% of the leader.
Are these GDP figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — current US$ — with no inflation restatement, no PPP conversion and no interpolation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: