China was the largest exporter with 33% of the world total, and the United States was the largest buyer.
What this market covers
Production of electricity from fuels, nuclear, water, wind, sun and other sources for sale to the grid. Buyers are utilities, grid operators, traders and large industrial users.
Typical segments
- Thermal generation
- Nuclear generation
- Hydro generation
- Wind and solar generation
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 26% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- The United States is gaining ground: its exports rose 38% from 2019 to 2024, the fastest among the ten largest exporters.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of generating sets with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine (HS 850220), the trade category that includes power generation, were worth $4.98 billion in 2024. | 4.98 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 26% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($3.95 billion), calculated from the annual totals. | +26 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| China was the largest exporter in 2024, with 33% of world exports ($1.66 billion). | 33 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, China, Austria and Germany, shipped 55% of world exports in 2024. | 55 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The United States was the largest importer in 2024, buying $1.10 billion, or 22% of world imports. | 22 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 51 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 51 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $9.94 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 9.94 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 500.8 thousand tonnes of this product in 2024. | 500.8 thousand tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, the United States grew fastest, with exports up 38% from 2019 to 2024. | +38 % since 2019 | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Utilities
- Grid operators
- Large industrial users
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
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- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the global power generation market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 850220 reached $4.98 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most power generation?
China led world exports in 2024 with 33% of the total, followed by Austria, Germany and Vietnam.
Which countries import the most power generation?
The United States was the largest importer in 2024, followed by Ukraine, Russia and Canada.
Is world trade in power generation growing?
World exports were 26% higher in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of power generation?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $9.94 per kilogram in 2024.
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