Friday, 10 Oct 2025
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
logo logo
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
  • 🔥
  • Trump
  • VIDEO
  • House
  • White
  • ScienceAlert
  • Trumps
  • Watch
  • man
  • Health
  • Season
Font ResizerAa
American FocusAmerican Focus
Search
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
Follow US
© 2024 americanfocus.online – All Rights Reserved.
American Focus > Blog > Economy > Why Shouldn’t We Subtract the Added Value from Imports from the Trade Deficit?
Economy

Why Shouldn’t We Subtract the Added Value from Imports from the Trade Deficit?

Last updated: April 15, 2025 5:25 pm
Share
Why Shouldn’t We Subtract the Added Value from Imports from the Trade Deficit?
SHARE

Regular reader Alan Goldhammer wrote:

I fully understand how tariffs work and know that the calculation for the reciprocal tariffs was something pulled out of a hat (or some malfunctioning AI tool). However, I don’t know if imports are fully modeled for how much they add to the US economy. Any small business that brings in Chinese products to sell adds value by creating jobs, and the money generated from sales goes to the Federal, State, and Local governments in the form of taxes. Why shouldn’t this added value be subtracted from the trade deficit? Isn’t this also added to the US GDP? Maybe these are just naïve questions, but as you know, I am not an economist.

I responded to Alan via email, assuring him that his questions are not naĂŻve, and I do have some insights to share.

I won’t delve into the dubious role of AI in determining “reciprocal tariffs” since that’s not the crux of Alan’s inquiry.

Let’s focus on his pivotal observation:

Any small business that brings in Chinese products to sell adds value by creating jobs, and the money generated from sales goes to the Federal, State, and Local governments in the form of taxes.

This statement is largely accurate. Some of the revenue from those sales does indeed flow to government entities. However, a significant portion benefits the sellers themselves, and they certainly deserve recognition. We gauge their profit by the difference between their sales revenue and costs, ensuring that we consider all expenses, not just those tied to imported Chinese goods.

See also  Abu Dhabi’s Adnoc bids $19bn to take over Australia’s Santos

Moreover, it’s true that these sales create jobs. Yet, economists measure the benefit to workers not merely by their job status or even their wages. We must consider the opportunity cost—what those workers could earn in their next-best job. Therefore, their actual gain is their wages, salaries, and benefits minus what they could have earned elsewhere.

Let’s not forget another crucial stakeholder: the ultimate consumers of these goods. Economists refer to their advantage as “consumer surplus,” which represents the difference between what consumers are willing to pay and what they actually pay.

Now, let’s address Alan’s two pressing questions:

Why shouldn’t this added value be subtracted from the trade deficit? Isn’t this also added to the US GDP?

The reason this added value isn’t deducted from the trade deficit is that the trade deficit was never designed to quantify value; rather, it tracks monetary transactions. The U.S. trade deficit with China reflects the difference between what Americans spend on Chinese goods and what the Chinese spend on American products. It doesn’t convey the value derived from those goods and services, other than to imply that their value exceeds the price we pay; otherwise, we wouldn’t be purchasing them. Simply put, trade enriches us.

Alan’s “naĂŻve” question actually highlights a significant flaw in the discourse surrounding trade deficits. If the value of our imports exceeds what we spend, how detrimental can a trade deficit truly be?

Alan wisely senses the benefits and wonders, “What’s the fuss about?” He’s right to question this.

Now, regarding his second question: “Isn’t this [value] also added to the U.S. GDP?” The increase in wages, benefits, and salaries resulting from imports does contribute to GDP. In fact, GDP would be lower if individuals were employed in less productive roles. However, taxes collected by American governments at all levels do not count towards GDP since they are essentially reallocated from American producers and consumers. Lastly, consumer surplus is not included in GDP calculations, as GDP measures economic output at market prices, excluding consumer surplus itself.

See also  My Weekly Reading for August 10, 2025

TAGGED:AddeddeficitimportsShouldntSubtractTrade
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Nvidia to take .5bn hit as US clamps down on exports of AI chips to China Nvidia to take $5.5bn hit as US clamps down on exports of AI chips to China
Next Article Cause of death still a mystery after autopsy on corpse sexually violated on NYC subway train: officials Cause of death still a mystery after autopsy on corpse sexually violated on NYC subway train: officials
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

STAT+: Perimenopause is the new buzzword in the business of women’s health

By Sarah Todd Sept. 29, 2025 Reporter, Commercial Determinants of Health Unusual symptoms can begin…

September 29, 2025

The Power of Nuance: Lessons for Public Health (with Emily Oster)

Public health messaging is crucial in ensuring that the public is well-informed about important health…

December 30, 2024

Typos and slang spur AI to discourage seeking medical care

Be cautious about asking AI for advice on when to see a doctorChong Kee Siong/Getty…

June 30, 2025

Dale Earnhardt Jr. discusses the Lindley-Earnhardt family bond as he steps in as crew chief for Connor Zilisch

As a motorsport journalist, Dipti covers a wide range of topics related to racing, including…

June 19, 2025

Nexstar Outlets Go Dark on Altice’s Optimum in Carriage Dispute

Nexstar's WPIX in New York and NewsNation are no longer available on cable systems owned…

January 10, 2025

You Might Also Like

This Analyst Just Hiked Their UnitedHealth Stock Price Target by 50%. Should You Buy UNH Now?
Economy

This Analyst Just Hiked Their UnitedHealth Stock Price Target by 50%. Should You Buy UNH Now?

October 10, 2025
Why Is Wolfspeed Stock Soaring Today?
Economy

Why Is Wolfspeed Stock Soaring Today?

October 10, 2025
When Godzilla Breaks Windows
Economy

When Godzilla Breaks Windows

October 10, 2025
Peter Schiff Describes Bitcoin’s Jump Over 6,000 As ‘Bear Market Rally’: ‘Too Early For Bitcoiners To Get Excited…’
Economy

Peter Schiff Describes Bitcoin’s Jump Over $126,000 As ‘Bear Market Rally’: ‘Too Early For Bitcoiners To Get Excited…’

October 10, 2025
logo logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


Explore global affairs, political insights, and linguistic origins. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of world news, politics, and Lifestyle.

Top Categories
  • Crime
  • Environment
  • Sports
  • Tech and Science
Usefull Links
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA

© 2024 americanfocus.online –  All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?