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
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(Real Exports - Real Imports) / Real GDP Details
The chart shows NET exports as a percentage of GDP.
Mike "Mish" Shedlock