Net Exports as a Percentage of GDP Over Time

The Tweet makes the claim by adding up real exports and real imports and divides the total by real GDP. I created a chart in Fred.

(Real Exports + Real Imports) / Real GDP

I confirm the numbers but the idea seems silly. Why?

Exports add to GDP while imports subtract from GDP.

(Real Exports - Real Imports) / Real GDP

(Real Exports - Real Imports) / Real GDP Details

The chart shows NET exports as a percentage of GDP.

Mike "Mish" Shedlock

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