How does the Value-Added approach relate to U.S. GDP calculation?
In this particular case, the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) created in this story is $150. GDP is the final value of goods and services produced within a nation in a given period. This concept also aligns with the 'Value-Added' approach in calculating GDP. Thus, we do not count the same product more than once.
The initial sale from the farmer to the textile factory ($30), factory to apparel factory ($60), and from the apparel factory to Macy's ($100), are all part of the process of creating the final product, which is the dress sold to the customer at $150. Therefore, the added value to the U.S. GDP in this scenario would be the final sale of $150, not the sum of all transactions.
By understanding the Value-Added approach, we see how each stage of production contributes to the overall GDP, capturing the value added at each step of the supply chain. This method avoids double-counting and gives a more accurate representation of the economic output within the country.