U.S. Export Share Today: Exports now make up only about 10% of U.S. GDP-far less than export-driven economies like Germany (45%) or China (20%). This is because the U.S. has a large, robust domestic market and a different model of global engagement.

Historical Export Dominance: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the U.S. was a global export leader, especially in agriculture and manufactured goods. American brands and commodities were everywhere, and the U.S. was known as the "world’s breadbasket."

Shift to Multinationals: After WWII, the U.S. shifted focus from exports to multinational corporations. Instead of shipping goods abroad, U.S. companies built factories and subsidiaries overseas. By 2021, foreign affiliates of U.S. multinationals generated $6.5 trillion in sales, dwarfing direct exports of $2.5 trillion.

Global Profits, Not Just Exports: Profits from overseas operations often flow back to the U.S. (e.g., Apple’s iPhone profits from global sales), offsetting trade deficits and providing hundreds of billions in investment income annually.

Benefits and Costs: This strategy has allowed the U.S. to benefit from lower prices, high corporate profits, and global influence. However, it has also led to manufacturing job losses and economic dislocation in some regions.

Trade Policy and Future: The article argues for fairer trade policies, dismantling non-tariff barriers, supporting small businesses, and investing in workforce training. It also highlights the need for supply chain resilience and securing critical minerals.

Key Takeaway: The U.S. remains a global economic leader not through exports alone, but through the worldwide reach and profitability of its multinational corporations. This model has sustained American economic primacy, even as the relative importance of exports has declined.

In short: The U.S. economy is less dependent on exports than many peers, but American companies still dominate globally through their overseas operations and profits-making "exporting" a much broader concept than just sending goods abroad.