The U.S. exports $19 billion worth of plasma in 2016.
Date: 2016
The U.S. is referred to as the "OPEC [Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries] of blood," as it provides half the supply of plasma in Europe. This amounts to $19 billion in profit, which is about the same amount as the U.S. brings in from exporting medium-sized cars and clothing. The majority of those who are selling blood in the U.S. are people who are living in poverty.