Unless they think that because it came out of an Excel formula, there's a logic behind it - and honestly, I wouldn't be shocked if these folks have that insight.

> Besides, what do you do with a country where US is a net exporter? Provide subsidies for imports?

In this instance, I believe the thought pattern is: "we're being smart here".

It’s not “irrational.” It’s crude, but it’s based on a logic that, on average, trade deficits should generally reduce to zero. And I strongly suspect this is about our large, diversified trade partners (EU, China) and is simply being imposed across the board for appearances.