This study examines the impact of National Trade Center Status (NTCS) and National Trade Robustness (NTR) on economic performance, using network and regression analysis with global trade data from 2018 to 2022. The findings reveal that countries with higher NTCS, regardless of income, tend to experience higher GDP due to their central role in global trade. While political stability is crucial for wealthier nations, factors like population size and economic freedom also contribute to GDP. In contrast, low-income countries with higher NTR face lower GDP, particularly before recent disruptions in global trade. The study suggests that focusing imports on key trading partners can enhance economic efficiency in lower income countries. Grounded on interdependence, resource dependence, and network theory, the research offers insights into how trade networks shape economic performance, though further research is needed due to the study’s limited scope and timeframe.