Economics and Statistics Administration

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis today released the second estimate of gross domestic product (GDP) for the first quarter of 2011. Real GDP grew 1.8 percent at an annual rate in the first quarter, unchanged from last month’s advance report and slightly below private-sector expectations of an upward revision. Corporate profits grew by $21.9 billion in the first quarter of 2011 to a level of $1,700.2 billion.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA) today released a report showing U.S. trade in private services totaled $526.6 billion in 2010, representing a trade surplus that is growing, rising from $66.7 billion in 2003 to $168 billion in 2010.

esaissuebriefno1.pdf

WASHINGTON – The Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau today released data on new residential construction in March 2011. Permits for new housing units increased 11.2 percent, significantly exceeding private-sector expectations of a 3.0-percent rise. Housing starts increased 7.2 percent, compared with private-sector expectations of a 10.0-percent rise.

“Despite continued volatility, today’s numbers show welcome growth within the housing market,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “With 230,000 private-sector jobs added in March in industries from manufacturing to education to construction, there are positive signs for widespread growth throughout the economy and a stronger housing market in the coming year.”

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statement_from_u.s._commerce_secretary_gary_locke_on_new_residential_construction_in_march_2011.pdf

WASHINGTON – The Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau today released retail sales data for March 2011. Retail sales rose 0.4 percent, slightly below private-sector expectations. Retail and food services sales, excluding autos, were up 0.8 percent, consistent with private-sector expectations. Motor vehicle sales fell 1.7 percent, and sales at gasoline stations jumped 2.6 percent. Sales at gasoline stations comprise about 10 percent of total retail sales.

statement_from_secretary_locke_on_advance_retail_sales_march_2011.pdf

WASHINGTON – U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke issued the following statement today on the release of the February 2011 U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services report by the Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Today’s report showed that U.S. exports of goods and services in February 2011 decreased 1.4 percent from January 2011 to $165.1 billion, with record exports of services ($47.2 billion). U.S. imports of goods and services decreased 1.7 percent over this period to $210.9 billion, causing the U.S. trade deficit to decrease 2.6 percent since January 2011 to reach $45.8 billion in February 2011.

statement_by_secretary_locke_on_international_trade.pdf