Merchant Vessels Built and Documented, Tonnage for United States

A02244USA309NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

193,229.00

Year-over-Year Change

-24.87%

Date Range

1/1/1797 - 1/1/1940

Summary

This trend measures the total tonnage of new merchant vessels built and documented in the United States. It provides insight into the domestic maritime industry and economic activity.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

The Merchant Vessels Built and Documented, Tonnage for United States metric tracks the total gross tonnage of new cargo ships, tankers, and other commercial vessels that are built and registered in the U.S. It serves as an indicator of shipbuilding capacity and maritime trade.

Methodology

The data is collected and reported by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Historical Context

This trend is used by policymakers and industry analysts to monitor the health and competitiveness of the American maritime sector.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. maritime fleet accounts for over 40,000 vessels.
  • Shipbuilding is a $40 billion annual industry in the U.S.
  • American-flagged ships carry over 99% of domestic waterborne cargo.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the total gross tonnage of new merchant vessels, including cargo ships and tankers, that are built and documented in the United States.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: This metric provides insight into the health and competitiveness of the domestic maritime industry, which is crucial for domestic and international trade.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected and reported by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and industry analysts use this trend to monitor the capacity and activity of the American maritime sector, which is important for trade, logistics, and economic growth.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is reported monthly with a typical lag of 1-2 months.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Vessels Built and Documented, Tonnage for United States (A02244USA309NNBR), retrieved from FRED.