Quarterly, Seasonally Adjusted

BPBLTD01RUQ637S • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

48,621,200,000.00

Year-over-Year Change

108.91%

Date Range

1/1/1994 - 4/1/2012

Summary

This economic indicator measures the U.S. trade balance in capital goods, providing insights into international trade dynamics and the manufacturing sector.

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 'Quarterly, Seasonally Adjusted' capital goods trade balance measures the difference between U.S. exports and imports of capital goods, such as machinery, equipment, and industrial supplies. This metric is a key indicator of the nation's competitiveness in global manufacturing and trade.

Methodology

The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau based on surveys of international trade transactions.

Historical Context

Policymakers and analysts use this trend to assess the health of the U.S. manufacturing and exporting industries.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. has run a trade deficit in capital goods since the 1980s.
  • China is the largest source of U.S. capital goods imports.
  • The capital goods trade balance is a leading indicator of the broader U.S. trade deficit.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This indicator tracks the difference between U.S. exports and imports of capital goods, which are products used for further production, such as machinery, equipment, and industrial supplies.

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

A: The capital goods trade balance is an important metric for understanding the competitiveness of the U.S. manufacturing sector and the nation's role in global trade.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The U.S. Census Bureau collects and calculates this data based on surveys of international trade transactions.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and analysts use this indicator to assess the health of the U.S. manufacturing and exporting industries, which can inform trade, economic, and industrial policies.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is released quarterly, with a typical delay of 2-3 months. The indicator may not fully capture all capital goods trade due to limitations in survey coverage.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Quarterly, Seasonally Adjusted (BPBLTD01RUQ637S), retrieved from FRED.