The World’s Top 7 Music Export Countries
Music export refers to the process of exporting anything music-related to other countries including recorded music, instruments, technology, and even artists themselves. The export of music is not only a powerful way to diversify the industry and keep evolving musical influences on a global level, but it is also a necessary step for any artist that wants to increase their sales and exposure outside of their home countries.
Although it’s almost impossible to form a definitive list due to rankings and markets constantly shifting, this list will feature the countries that are consistently successful and historically recognized for exporting their music to the rest of the world.
1. The United States
It’s no surprise that the US is on this list, distinguished as the biggest player in the global music industry with the largest music market, it is the top music exporter. As home to the world’s largest record labels (Universal, Sony, and Warner), the US is consistently producing and showcasing top-selling American artists that grow to have enormous international fanbases.
Another example of the US being a leader in music exporting, are the Grammys Award Show, run and presented by the US. Recording Academy. When millions of people around the world tune in every year to watch and celebrate a majority of American artists being nominated and awarded.
2. The United Kingdom
From The Beatles, Queen, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd to Adele, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Dua Lipa, and Harry Styles. The UK is, and always has been, an unparalleled provider of genuine, timeless talent to the world. Even now, about one in ten of all tracks streamed globally are by a British artist.
The U.K. should also be commended for its influential grounds that conceive and popularize music genres which are now adopted on a global scale, including: punk, EDM, and new wave, among many others. Similar to the U.S., the U.K. is home to a bustling and historic scene of live music venues that mark the beginning to many iconic musicians’ careers.
3. Sweden
Undeterred by its relatively small population, Sweden is a notable leader when it comes to music exporting. As one of the very few countries in the world that exports more music than it imports, the Swedish music industry has an essential role in the global market.
The capital Stockholm is recognized as one of the biggest hubs for pop music, where live music is embedded in the culture, and Swedish singers and songwriters are constantly producing hits. The game-changing streaming platform Spotify, created and developed in Sweden, has its headquarters in Stockholm. World-famous Swedish artists include Avicii, Roxette, and the legendary group ABBA.
4. Germany
As the birthplace of electronic and techno music, as well as being an acclaimed producer and educator of quality classical music, Germany proves itself in having a diverse musical landscape to share with the world.
DJs of all backgrounds and subgenres are drawn to Germany to perform and experience its renowned club scene, and live music scene that accounts for hundreds of music festivals every year. Additionally, German classical music is one of the most performed throughout the world, and institutions such as the Berlin Philharmonic or the Munich Philharmonic are part of keeping this genre prominent and thriving outside of Germany.
5. South Korea
The genre of K-pop is single-handedly responsible for South Korea’s rise to being known as a significant music exporting country. According to the Korea Customs Service, K-pop album exports hit US $233.113 million in 2022. The top three countries that K-pop albums were exported to included Japan, China, and the US.
Highly choreographed, polished music videos, and groups made up of 5+ artists are the defining elements of the K-pop experience. These elements have clearly worked to grow the genre into the global phenomenon it is today. Some of the most known K-pop groups today include BTS, BLACKPINK, and Twice, along with many others.
6. Canada
Canada is a prime example of a country understanding how to access bigger markets and benefiting from music export. Apart from being home to many big record labels and music publishers, Canada has produced some of the biggest stars in the history of the music industry as a whole. To name a few: Celine Dion, Justin Bieber, Drake, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, The Weeknd, and Michael Bublé.
The international recognition and success that certain Canadian musicians have achieved is hard to compete with, but Canada also knows to celebrate and support its local talent. Through a number of funding organizations, music festivals, independent record labels, and more, Canada is a strong advocate for its independent artists.
7. Australia
The profoundly diverse music scene that can be found in Australia, makes it an essential music exporting country. Like many of the other countries on this list, Australia is known for its vibrant and eclectic music festivals such as, Splendour in the Grass or Big Day Out.
Australia has also gained a much respected reputation in the EDM world by producing internationally popular artists including Tame Impala, Flume, and RÜFÜS DU SOL. Being categorized as another music hub on the planet, Australia has a prosperous live music scene that can appeal to all international and local showgoers.
Each of these countries have exhibited how rewarding it can be to export music to be appreciated by fans around the world, as well as how they have significantly grown in recognition and revenue. This truly is a unique way for a country to benefit economically, creatively, and socially at the same time. It will be interesting to see how this list of top music exporting countries will change, and the impacts this will have on the global music landscape in the future.
Whether or not you hail from one of these top 7 countries or from somewhere else, we at the Port Authority Music Export Academy look forward to learning more about you and your export ready project. Read more about our program HERE.
Sources:
Trading Up: How the Music Industry Can Boost UK Exports
How did Sweden become one of the world’s biggest music exporters?
Why Stockholm’s pop music scene has swept the world
How come Swedish music is such a chart-topper?
Festivals in Germany: The 15 Best German Music Festivals
S. Korea’s exports of K-pop albums hit record high of US $233 mln in 2022
10 most popular K-pop groups right now
How digital technology and exporting have changed Canadian music