Economic Activities in United States: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

As of 2024, the United States, with a population of approximately 340,100,000, is the third most populous country in the world, behind India and China. Located in North America, it has a total area of 9,831,510 sq. km, ranking third in the world after Canada.

The United States holds a dominant position in the global economy. As of 2024, its GDP was $29,184,890,000,000 (World Bank), securing its rank as the top economy in the world, ahead of China in second place. In terms of GDP per capita, the United States had a figure of approximately $85,810 in 2024 (World Bank, current US$).

The United States’ economic prowess is evident through its high GDP and solid GDP per capita figures, showcasing its strong position in the global economic landscape.

What are the economic activities of United States?

• Primary activities: 0.9% of GDP.
• Secondary activities: 19.1% of GDP.
• Tertiary activities: 80% of GDP.

Primary Sector of United States

The primary sector in the United States, particularly its agricultural activities, thrives due to a diverse climate and abundant natural resources. Approximately 44.36% of the country’s land is dedicated to agriculture. The main agricultural products include maize, soybeans, milk, wheat, sugarcane, sugar beets, chicken, potatoes, beef, and pork.

Despite contributing only 0.9% to the GDP, agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy. The variety of crops and animal products not only sustains the agricultural sector but also supports food security and trade.

The country’s geological diversity provides abundant natural resources. Key resources include coal, copper, gold, and petroleum. These resources drive the economy, with coal alone accounting for 27% of the world’s total reserves. However, the country relies on imports for strategic resources like rare earth elements and manganese, highlighting the importance of global trade in sustaining its primary sector.As of 2024, the United States leads the world in oil production, with a record daily output of approximately 13.2 million barrels of crude oil (EIA). Its vast reserves of 35.2 billion barrels account for 2.83% of global oil reserves, solidifying its position as a key player in the oil economic activity.The United States leads the world in natural gas production, with 934.2 billion cubic meters in 2020. This robust gas economic activity contributes significantly to the country’s overall energy sector and economic growth.

Secondary Sector of United States

What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?The secondary sector involves industries that transform raw materials from primary activities into finished products for consumption. In the United States, industrial products are highly diversified, with the country being a world leader in high-technology innovation. The country’s industrial output is the second-largest globally and includes products such as petroleum, steel, motor vehicles, aerospace, chemicals, electronics, food processing, consumer goods, and lumber.Manufactures play a crucial role in the total exports of the United States, accounting for 56.46% in 2023. This highlights the significance of the manufacturing sector in driving the country’s economy and global trade competitiveness.

Tertiary sector of United States

What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?The tertiary sector in the United States encompasses a wide range of services where individuals provide knowledge and time to enhance productivity and meet needs. This sector offers intangible goods like advice, expertise, and attention, catering to both consumer and business demands. Key tertiary activities in the U.S. include healthcare and medical care, education and training, banking and finance, communication and information exchange, media production and distribution, tourism and hospitality, and transportation and logistics.Notably, The tourism industry plays a pivotal role in the United States’ economy, contributing significantly to its GDP. With an impressive 165,478,000 annual arrivals, accounting for nearly 0.5 of the total population, popular destinations like New York City and Las Vegas attract millions of visitors yearly, fueling economic growth and employment opportunities across various sectors.Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular economic sector, with approximately 373 million subscriptions, supporting technological growth by enhancing connectivity and fostering innovation across industries.

Military Activities and Economic Sectors of United States

The military is a great example of many economic activities working together. In the primary sector, resources are extracted for military use, like metals for weapons. The secondary sector includes the manufacturing of military equipment, such as tanks and aircraft. The tertiary sector involves services provided by the military, like training and logistics. The quaternary sector focuses on military research and development, while the quinary sector deals with high-level decision-making and strategy.

As of 2024, the United States spent approximately $997 billion on its military (SIPRI), which is about 3.4% of its GDP. The active military force has 1,328,000 personnel, which means there are about 6.3 active military members for every 1,000 people in the country. This shows how the military is linked to various economic activities and its importance to the nation.

Biggest company in United States

Which is the biggest company in the United States by revenue? As of 2025, it is Walmart, which topped the Fortune 500 with revenue of approximately $681 billion for fiscal year 2025. Founded in 1962, Walmart operates in the retail industry, part of the tertiary economic sector.

International Trade of United States

Import Activities of United States

As of 2024, the United States’ import activities are of high importance, with imports of goods and services totaling approximately $4.11 trillion (BEA), equivalent to about 14% of its GDP.The United States relies heavily on imports, with key partners including China, Canada, Mexico, Germany, and Japan. Major import commodities are crude petroleum, cars, broadcasting equipment, garments, and computers.

Exports Activities of United States

As of 2024, the United States had total exports of goods and services worth approximately $3.19 trillion (BEA), accounting for about 11% of its GDP. With a low percentage, export activities play a moderately important role in the country’s economy.The United States engages in diverse export activities, with top partners being Canada, Mexico, China, Japan, and the UK. Key export commodities include refined petroleum, crude petroleum, natural gas, cars, and integrated circuits.

United States economy challenges in 2025

As of 2025, the United States faces challenges of high public debt, growing inequalities, and trade and tariff tensions. Despite being a NATO leader and a major economic player, the country struggles with economic disparities and debt burdens.

Sources

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• World Bank: United States Data
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• CIA World Factbook: United States
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• IMF Data Mapper
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• U.S. EIA: Crude Oil Production
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• U.S. BEA: International Trade in Goods and Services, 2024
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• Fortune 500 (2025)
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• UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow
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• SIPRI Military Expenditure Database

Last updated: June 19, 2026