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The world’s most lucrative exports

Last year, goods worth $24.5 trillion (£19.5tn) were exported around the globe. But what do some of the world’s biggest countries make the most money from?

From oil to eggs, read on to discover the most lucrative exports in 45 key nations, as revealed in the latest data from World’s Top Exports.

Saudi Arabia – mineral fuels, including oil

No prizes for guessing this one. According to World’s Top Exports’ latest data, mineral fuels including oil made up a colossal 83.8% of total Saudi exports in 2022, generating $268.5 billion (£214bn) in the process.

United Arab Emirates – mineral fuels, including oil

Much like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, mineral fuels, including oil, are the most lucrative export in the United Arab Emirates.

In 2022, the UAE shipped out $213.4 billion (£169bn) worth of oil, accounting for a phenomenal 68.6% of the nation’s total exports.

Iran – plastics, plastic articles

Mineral fuels have long been Iran’s top export. However, in 2023 the nation made almost twice as much money from exporting plastics and plastic articles as it did from shipments of “black gold”.

Iran, one of the world’s most polluted countries, made $3.5 billion (£2.8bn) from plastic in 2023 and $1.8 billion (£1.4bn) from mineral fuels, including oil.

Egypt – mineral fuels, including oil

Egypt makes a significant chunk of its export income by selling oil on the international market.

In fact, mineral fuels (including oil) represented 37.3% of its total exports in 2022, according to World’s Top Exports’ latest data. That amounts to around $18 billion (£14.3bn).

China – electronics

The world’s largest exporter of goods – as well as the leading exporter of mobile phones – China made almost $3.4 trillion (£2.7tn) in export sales last year.

Electrical machinery and equipment had the largest market share, accounting for 27% or $899 billion (£716bn) of its total exports. Top among these were smartphones and computers.

Poland – machinery, including computers

Like many highly industrialized countries, Poland derives a large portion of its export earnings from trading in machinery, including computers.

Last year, the European nation made $50 billion (£40bn) from the sector, which constituted 13.1% of its total shipments.

India – mineral fuels, including oil

India exported goods worth $360 billion (£287bn) in 2022, the most recent year for which World’s Top Exports has available data.

Topping the list of its biggest exports two years ago were mineral fuels (including oil), which brought $42.6 billion (£34bn) into the country.

India was also a world leader in the export of diamonds, with gems and precious metals accounting for 11% of the nation’s total exports.

Ireland – pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals accounted for 34.2% of Ireland’s total exports in 2023. That equates to around $71.7 billion (£57bn).

According to World’s Top Exports, the total value of Ireland’s exports – which was $209.5 billion (£167bn) last year – works out at around $39,900 (£31.8k) per capita.

France – machinery, including computers

Think of France and you might find yourself daydreaming about cheese and fine wine. However, the country actually makes the most money from decidedly less glamorous commodities: machinery, vehicles (including aircraft and spacecraft), and pharmaceuticals, to be precise.

Machinery, including computers, represented 11.6% of the country’s total exports in 2023, bringing in $73.6 billion (£58.7bn).

Brazil – mineral fuels, including oil

Mineral fuels (including oil) made up 16.2% of Brazilian exports last year, bringing $55.1 billion (£43.9bn) into the South American country. That’s a slight dip from 2022 when mineral fuels comprised around 17% of exports and brought in $56.9 billion (£45.3bn).

Brazil’s top trading partners are China, the US, and Argentina. China imported a whopping 30.7% of Brazil’s total exports in 2023.

Spain – vehicles

Producing almost two million cars in 2023, Spain attributed 15.8% of its export revenue last year to its auto industry.

This percentage has been falling since 2016, when vehicles accounted for 17.6% of the country’s exports. Despite this, Spain’s vehicle revenue has actually increased from $50.8 billion (£40.5bn) to $67.1 billion (£53.5bn) over the last seven years.

Greece – mineral fuels, including oil

The Greek economy is still struggling to recover from the 2008 financial crisis. When it comes to exports, its biggest earners are mineral fuels (including oil), which represented 32.3% of the country’s total exports or $17.8 billion (£14.2bn) in 2023.

That’s a huge increase from 2016, when oil brought in just $8.4 billion (£6.7bn), though a slight dip from 2022 when Greece made $21 billion (£16.7bn) from the so-called “black gold”.

Argentina – cereals

Argentina’s most lucrative exports are cereals, including corn. This product group contributed $8.1 billion (£6.5bn) to the country’s economy in 2023, representing 12.1% of Argentina’s total exports.

Brazil, China, and the US were the biggest buyers.

Colombia – mineral fuels, including oil

Around 28% of Colombia’s exports were destined for the United States last year, and the most lucrative product group was mineral fuels, including oil.

These exports represented a significant 50.5% of the Latin American country’s outgoings and brought in $25 billion (£19.9bn).

South Africa – gems and precious metals

The mining industry is a key part of South Africa’s economy, and its gold and diamonds are famed around the globe.

It’s little surprise, then, that gemstones and precious metals were collectively its biggest export in 2023, constituting 17.7% of the total, or $19.5 billion (£15.5bn).

Qatar – mineral fuels, including oil

Unsurprisingly, oil-rich Qatar counts mineral fuels (including oil) as its most lucrative export.

This sector brought in $95.3 billion (£75.9bn) in 2022, the most recent year for which World’s Top Exports has data, and represents a massive 87.7% of the nation’s total shipments.

Japan – machinery including computers

The home of no less than Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Toyota, Japan exported $156.7 billion (£125bn) worth of vehicles in 2023.

Japan had been the world’s biggest car exporter for years. However, in recent years it’s been overtaken by Germany and China, with the People’s Republic revving up both its vehicle production and overseas sales

Canada – mineral fuels, including oil

Last year, Canada exported goods worth a grand total of $568.3 billion (£453bn), a dip of 5.1% from 2022.

Mineral fuels, including crude oil, were its most lucrative export and accounted for 25.2% of total sales; this figure is down from 30.2% the year before. Vehicles, machinery, gems, and wood make up the rest of Canada’s top five.

Mexico – vehicles

The world’s seventh largest automobile manufacturer in 2023 (according to Statista), Mexico makes an impressive sum from its exports of vehicles.

In 2022, the country sold $136.1 billion (£108bn) worth of cars and trucks, representing 23.5% of its total shipments.

United Kingdom – gemstones, precious metals

According to World’s Top Exports, the UK’s top export in 2023 – somewhat surprisingly – was precious metals and gemstones.

(It’s worth noting this doesn’t correlate with official data from the UK government, which claims cars took the top spot between February 2023 and February 2024.)

The data from World’s Top Exports suggest that precious metals and gemstones accounted for 16.7% of the UK’s total exports last year, bringing in $86.6 billion (£69bn).

Italy – machinery, including computers

Machinery, including computers, is Italy’s biggest export.

The European nation exported $116.8 billion (£93.1bn) worth of the technology last year, which accounted for 17.3% of its shipments. Nearby Germany and France were two of its biggest customers.

Australia – mineral fuels, including oil

Australia exported $370.9 billion (£296bn) worth of goods in 2023.

Of the grand total, 34% was generated by mineral fuels, including oil. These commodities brought in $125.9 billion (£100bn), making them the most lucrative export Down Under.

Malaysia – electrical machinery

While you might expect Malaysia’s most lucrative exports to be clothing or palm oil, 38.1% of the country’s 2023 revenue actually came via electrical machinery, which generated $119.1 billion (£95bn).

Almost three-quarters of its total shipments were destined for its fellow Asian nations, with China and Singapore its two biggest markets.

Germany – vehicles

The largest economy in Europe, Germany exported a whopping $293.6 billion (£234bn) worth of vehicles last year.

Back in 2022, Germany was the world’s leading exporter of cars by a significant margin, providing around 20% of the world’s supply.

Chile – ores, slag, and ash

Chile made $28.6 billion (£22.8bn) from exports of ores, slag, and ash last year, which accounted for 28.5% of its total outgoing products.

The South American nation also made megabucks – $20.4 billion (£16.3bn), to be precise – trading in copper ores, which is no surprise given it’s the world’s number-one copper producer by a considerable margin.

Switzerland – gemstones, precious metals

Affluent Switzerland makes a mint selling everything from chocolate to clocks.

However, the country generates the most money by trading gemstones and precious metals. These sparkling outgoings made up 30.3% of its total exports last year, with a value of $127.2 billion (£101bn).

Austria – machinery, including computers

Austria is another wealthy European country that counts machinery, including computers, among its biggest exports.

The sector generated $38.2 billion (£30.4bn) last year, representing 17.1% of its total shipments.

Russia – mineral fuels, including oil

All eyes have been on the Russian economy since the country invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Global sanctions and trade embargoes have meant many nations are shunning Russian exports – but that didn’t stop the country from making $348.3 billion (£273bn) from mineral fuels, including oil, by the end of that year.

World’s Top Exports doesn’t have data for Russia for 2023, but the nation is thought to have made record profits from exporting oil last year, with China its biggest trading partner.

Just as the Russian Federation is reliant on the money it makes from oil, many countries are equally reliant on the nation’s oil and gas reserves for energy, resulting in an ongoing stand-off between Putin and the West.

Pakistan – knit or crochet clothing, accessories

Pakistan’s biggest exports in 2022, the latest year for which World’s Top Exports has data, were knit or crochet clothing and accessories.

The South Asian country shipped out $5.9 billion (£4.7bn) worth of the items, predominantly to the US and mainland China. This category was closely followed by textiles and worn clothing, which brought in $5.8 billion (£4.6bn).

New Zealand – dairy, eggs, and honey

New Zealand is highly reliant on its agricultural sector, which accounts for almost all of its 10 most lucrative exports. At the top of the list are dairy, eggs, and honey, which collectively represented $12.2 billion (£9.7bn), or 30.7%, of its total trade last year.

The world’s biggest exporter of dairy products is the New Zealand-based firm Fonterra.

Bangladesh – knit or crochet clothing, accessories

One of the world’s largest exporters of clothing, Bangladesh derives an enormous 92.5% of its total export income from the apparel and textile industries.

Within this, knit or crochet clothing is its most lucrative export, generating $31 billion (£24.7bn) in 2022, the latest year for which World’s Top Exports has data.

Philippines – electrical machinery

A total of $78.9 billion (£62.9bn) worth of goods came from the Philippines in 2022, the latest year for which World’s Top Exports holds data.

Of that, $43.6 billion (£34.7bn) was generated from the export of electrical machinery and equipment, which accounted for 55.2% of all the country’s shipments.

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CEO of International Modern Hospital Dubai Dr. Kishan Pakkal: Nation-First Leadership Is Key to Advancing Healthcare Excellence

Dr. Kishan Pakkal, CEO of International Modern Hospital Dubai, believes that the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reflect a fundamental principle of responsible leadership, particularly within the healthcare sector, where the true measure of success extends beyond individual accomplishments to the wellbeing of the entire community.

According to Dr. Pakkal, the concept of responsibility as a trust carries special significance in healthcare, where every decision has a direct impact on patients, families, and society as a whole. He emphasizes that leadership in healthcare is not merely about managing institutions, but about ensuring that healthcare systems continue to deliver safe, high-quality, and sustainable care for all.

“Responsibility as a trust means placing people at the center of every decision,” said Dr. Pakkal. “In healthcare, our duty goes beyond providing treatment. It involves continuously improving the quality of care, investing in our medical professionals, and creating an environment that empowers them to perform at their very best.”

He added that one of the defining characteristics of successful leadership is the ability to create opportunities for others to succeed. In his view, a strong healthcare organization is built on collaboration, transparency, mutual respect, and shared accountability, where every member of the team contributes to a common purpose.

“A truly successful leader is one who enables others to achieve success as well,” he noted. “When healthcare professionals are supported, valued, and empowered, patients ultimately benefit from higher standards of care and better health outcomes.”

Dr. Pakkal further stressed that putting the nation’s interests above personal gain is particularly important in the healthcare sector, where decisions must always prioritize patient wellbeing, public health, and the long-term sustainability of healthcare services.

He explained that this principle aligns closely with the UAE’s vision of becoming a global leader in healthcare excellence, innovation, and quality of life. By focusing on the needs of patients and communities, healthcare institutions can play a vital role in supporting national development and strengthening the country’s position as a destination for world-class healthcare.

“The UAE has demonstrated that sustainable progress is achieved when leadership is guided by service, responsibility, and a commitment to the greater good,” said Dr. Pakkal. “As healthcare leaders, we have a responsibility to uphold these values by continuously striving for excellence, supporting our healthcare workforce, and ensuring that every decision contributes positively to the lives of those we serve.”

He concluded that nation-first leadership remains one of the most important drivers of progress in healthcare, helping organizations build trust, improve patient outcomes, and contribute meaningfully to the continued advancement of the UAE’s healthcare sector.

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Sickle Cell Disease in Newborns: Why Early Detection Can Save Lives

Dr Mamata Bothra, specialist pediatrics and neonatologist, International Modern Hospital Dubai Pedia IMH

Sickle cell disease is one of the most common inherited blood disorders worldwide and remains a significant public health concern in many regions, including the Middle East. Although affected babies often appear healthy at birth, the disease can begin causing serious complications during infancy if it is not detected and managed early.

Healthcare professionals emphasize that early screening, parental awareness, and timely medical intervention can dramatically improve outcomes and help children with sickle cell disease live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Understanding Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects hemoglobin, the protein inside red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. In healthy individuals, red blood cells are round and flexible, allowing them to move easily through blood vessels. In children born with sickle cell disease, however, red blood cells become rigid and crescent- or sickle-shaped.

These abnormal cells can block small blood vessels, reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery to organs and tissues. As a result, affected children may experience painful episodes, chronic anemia, increased susceptibility to infections, delayed growth, and, in some cases, serious organ complications.

Because the disease is inherited, it is present from birth even if symptoms are not immediately visible.

The Critical Importance of Newborn Screening

One of the greatest challenges in managing sickle cell disease is that newborns often show no obvious signs of illness during the first months of life. This can create a false sense of reassurance for families while the disease remains undetected.

Newborn screening programs play a crucial role in identifying affected infants before symptoms develop. Early diagnosis allows healthcare providers to begin preventive care measures, closely monitor the child’s health, and educate parents about potential warning signs and complications.

Early detection also enables doctors to ensure that children receive appropriate vaccinations, preventive medications when necessary, and regular medical follow-up. Studies have consistently shown that children diagnosed through newborn screening have better survival rates and experience fewer severe complications than those diagnosed later in childhood.

Can Children with Sickle Cell Disease Live Normal Lives?

Advances in medical care have significantly improved the outlook for children born with sickle cell disease. Today, many patients grow up to lead active, productive, and successful lives.

The key lies in ongoing medical supervision and preventive care. Regular health check-ups, infection prevention strategies, adequate hydration, balanced nutrition, and prompt treatment of illnesses all contribute to better health outcomes.

Families who work closely with healthcare providers and follow recommended care plans can help reduce complications and improve their child’s quality of life.

Why Family Screening Matters

Prevention begins even before a baby is born. Since sickle cell disease is inherited, parental screening is an essential step in identifying potential risks.

A simple blood test can determine whether an individual carries the sickle cell trait. If both parents are carriers, there is a significant chance that their child may inherit sickle cell disease.

Knowing this information before or during pregnancy allows families to seek genetic counseling, better understand the risks involved, and make informed healthcare decisions. It also provides an opportunity for early planning and preparation should the baby be diagnosed with the condition.

Warning Signs Parents Should Never Ignore

Although symptoms can vary from one child to another, parents should seek immediate medical attention if their infant develops any of the following signs:

Fever
Swelling of the hands or feet
Unusual paleness
Poor feeding or refusal to feed
Excessive sleepiness
Breathing difficulties
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Persistent crying or signs of unexplained pain

Prompt medical evaluation can prevent complications and ensure that appropriate treatment is provided as early as possible.

Protecting Children Through Awareness

Beyond medical treatment, awareness remains one of the most powerful tools in combating the impact of sickle cell disease. Educating parents about the condition, encouraging participation in screening programs, and promoting genetic counseling can help reduce the burden of the disease on families and communities.

Healthcare professionals stress that while sickle cell disease can be a serious condition, it is no longer the life-limiting diagnosis it once was. Advances in screening, treatment, and supportive care have transformed outcomes for many children.

A Shared Responsibility

The fight against sickle cell disease begins with awareness and early action. Newborn screening programs, parental education, and access to specialized medical care are essential components of protecting affected children.

Every family should understand the importance of carrier screening before pregnancy, recognize the value of newborn testing, and remain alert to early symptoms during infancy. Through timely diagnosis and continuous care, children with sickle cell disease can thrive, achieve their potential, and enjoy a better quality of life.

Early screening saves lives. Family screening prevents surprises. And ongoing medical care gives children the best possible start for a healthier future.

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Naomi Watts urges women to own menopause

Oscar-nominated actress Naomi Watts has continued to have fame on the screen into her 50s, but she is building more of her life story around navigating deeply personal and often unspoken health and aging issues.She has become increasingly open about topics many public figures, and Hollywood actresses in particular, avoid, using her platform to normalize conversations regarding fertility, aging, and physical changes, with the goal of helping women feel confident in their body no matter their age.

“I am trying to put forward the messaging that we can be okay with how we look,” Watts told CNBC’s Julia Boorstin at the CNBC Changemakers Summit in New York City on Thursday. “It’s okay to be 57 and look 57.”

Watts launched Stripes Beauty in 2022, a company focused on helping women navigate the challenges associated with perimenopause and menopause, while aiming to address everything from skin to hair changes to overall wellness.

Menopause was considered very taboo to talk about in many cultures mainly because of the age-fertility link and generational gatekeeping. In many societies a woman’s “value” was tied to her youth and ability to bear children. Talking about menopause meant admitting those stages were over. Many women in different generations were taught to silence it and view it as a private burden and not share it.

At the Changemakers Summit, Watts said searched for reasons to help explain why no one talked about it, and even used an anonymous Instagram to search for clues. “Why isn’t there any information? Why is it so hard? Why is it so taboo when we are half the population?” she said. “It is just biology.”

Founder and chief creative officer at Stripes Beauty, Watts was featured on the 2025 CNBC Changemakers list.

Menopause typically occurs around ages 45 to 55 and gets diagnosed after a woman does not get her period for 12 months. According to information from Midi Health, whose CEO Joanna Strober was also named to the 2025 CNBC Changemakers list, 6,000 women hit menopause every day in the U.S., which equates to 1.3 million women annually, while four in five midlife women experience symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes.

Watts experienced early menopause in her mid-30s. She faced the common symptoms like night flashes and hot flashes. Watts has said in the past that she felt as if “I didn’t have control over my own body.”

Stripes Beauty has expanded into major retailers like Ulta Beauty and Sephora, with the once niche, uncomfortable category now becoming a mainstream part of women’s consumer health and beauty. The company was acquired in a deal between Watts and private investment firm L Catterton, which is backed by Louis Vuitton parent company LVMH, in 2024. It launched “National Hot Flash Day,” celebrated Sept. 9, to reinforce the message that the menopause journey is a completely natural and shared experience.

Watts says women should make “a bet on themselves” no matter what society is telling, or not telling, them.

“After 50, I have felt so much better about knowing who I am, so much more comfortable in my skin,” she said. “Stay connected to women. Women are everything. I am nothing without the community of women I have around me.”

Watts said in the past, when people came up to her in public, she often worried that requests to take selfies would follow, and she couldn’t help but think about being pictured without makeup on. But she says her menopause advocacy in recent years has changed many of these public interactions. “They’re coming up to me with tears in their eyes sometimes, or just wanting to say thank you for giving me the permission, or the dialogue, so I could speak with my husband or partner or family members and not have shame about it. … that gives me great joy. It’s so heartening to know the risk I took had a meaningful effect on others.”

CNBC