This experimental data project explores global trade imbalances by translating abstract numbers into kinetic movement. Each country is represented by a large hollow circle whose area reflects its total trade value in 2023. Small dots orbiting each circle move at speeds proportional to the percentage difference between exports and imports — what we call the “trade gap.” A fast-moving dot signals a large gap, whether surplus or deficit, while a slower-moving one represents more balanced trade. This approach makes the invisible motion of global trade more intuitive, engaging, and comparative across nations.

China maintains a significant trade surplus, with exports surpassing imports by 56%. Its dominance in global manufacturing and export-led growth is clearly visible in both the size of its trade volume and the speed of its orbiting dot. The United States, by contrast, registers a trade deficit of 62%, importing far more than it exports—particularly in consumer goods and electronics—highlighting its long-standing structural imbalance.

Germany shows a modest trade surplus of 14%, benefiting from strong automotive and industrial exports, while France’s imports exceed exports by 22%, reflecting challenges in competitiveness and energy dependency. Italy’s trade is nearly balanced, suggesting stable and diversified exports.

In Asia, Japan’s trade is nearly balanced as well, with only a slight imbalance, partially driven by energy imports. India’s trade deficit is more pronounced, with imports exceeding exports by 51%, shaped by its reliance on oil and raw materials. South Korea maintains a surplus of 34%, supported by advanced technology exports. Saudi Arabia’s exports exceed imports by 49%, largely due to its petroleum-driven economy.

In Africa, Nigeria registers a trade deficit of 12%, meaning its imports moderately outweigh exports despite its oil-based economy. Egypt, meanwhile, imports 73% more than it exports, reflecting its dependence on food, fuel, and machinery. South Africa exports 49% more than it imports, thanks to its role as a regional supplier of raw materials and manufactured goods.

Brazil records a 40% surplus, driven by strong exports in agriculture and mining. Mexico exports 14% more than it imports, reflecting the strength of its manufacturing sector, particularly in automobiles and electronics. Argentina, by contrast, imports 8% more than it exports, indicating a mild trade imbalance despite its agricultural output.

Canada exports 8% more than it imports, bolstered by its natural resources sector—especially energy and timber—while maintaining a balanced trading relationship with both the U.S. and Asia. Australia exports 33% more than it imports, powered by mineral and energy sales to Asia. New Zealand, meanwhile, registers a trade deficit of 13%, importing more than it exports despite its agricultural base.

These kinetic visuals and ratios reveal not only the size of national economies but also the nature of their engagements with the global market—whether as producers, consumers, exporters, or importers. Trade surpluses often reflect export strength in natural resources or industrial goods, while deficits may point to cons.