GDP is the most important current measure of our Nation's economic performance. Estimated quarterly by the BEA, GDP is a measure of the total market value of all final goods and services produced in our country during any quarter or year. GDP equals total consumer spending, business investment, and government spending and investment, plus the value of exports, minus the value of imports. GDP estimates are based on current statistics from the Census Bureau and other sources. Every 5 years, GDP estimates are benchmarked to the Economic Census. Source: U.S. Census Bureau