U.S. Latino GDP Equals the World's Fifth-Largest Economy

The economic contribution of Latinos in the United States is equivalent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the world's fifth-largest economy, according to a report from the Latino GDP Project, a joint initiative of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and California Lutheran University.

The study affirmed that, excluding the United States, China, Germany, and Japan, the U.S. Latino GDP surpasses that of all other countries worldwide. It further emphasized that the vitality of the overall U.S. economy is increasingly dependent on the intensity of Latino economic activity.

The Latino GDP Project highlighted that for the fourth consecutive year, the total economic output of this demographic has exceeded that of major nations like India, the United Kingdom, and France. It also shows a growth rate faster than China's, leading the report to assert that the Latino GDP is a "tremendous source of economic vitality that benefits all" Americans.

The annual research, in its 2025 report published last Tuesday, openly contradicts the anti-immigrant policies of President Donald Trump and his ongoing campaign to deport foreigners from the country, with a particular emphasis on Latinos.

The most recent official data cited in the report is from 2023, when the Latino community generated $4.1 trillion for the nation's GDP.

Latinos Represent One-Fifth of the U.S. Population

For the first time in U.S. history, one in five residents is of Latino origin, accounting for 20 percent of the population, or 68 million people. The source revealed a growth of two million more people in the past year, representing an annual rate of 2.9 percent—5.8 times faster than other ethnic groups.

The research found that this unprecedented growth symbolizes not only diversity but also a structural shift in the country's social and economic composition. This increase is largely attributed to the "natural population change," where births outnumbered deaths within this community.

The Latino labor force reached 35.1 million workers in 2024, a growth of 46.5% since 2010. With a labor force participation rate of 69%, Latinos are driving key sectors such as construction, manufacturing, services, and technology. If current trends continue, this demographic could generate one in every four new jobs by 2030.

According to the latest census, the current U.S. population exceeds 347 million inhabitants.

A separate report from the Pew Research Center in August indicated that the U.S. deported 1.4 million migrants in the first six months of the Donald Trump administration, marking the first decline in the immigrant population since the 1960s.

An internal debate is ongoing among experts, business leaders, and the government regarding the economic damage caused by the indiscriminate expulsion of migrants. Many of these individuals represent a valuable economic asset due to their social contributions through their work. However, far-right positions led by Trump consider them a danger to American society.