It's time for BEA's benchmark survey of U.S. direct investment abroad, conducted every five years. This survey is used to produce statistics that capture changing trends in activities of U.S.-owned businesses in other countries.
These Bureau of Economic Analysis statistics help business leaders make decisions about hiring and investing. They are used by policymakers and researchers to analyze how investment abroad affects jobs, wages, productivity, taxes, and other issues of public interest.
Direct investment statistics and other international trade and investment data are published on bea.gov. Federal law protects the confidentiality of survey respondents and the information they provide
The benchmark survey, known as the BE-10, is BEA’s most comprehensive survey, both in the number of companies covered and the amount of information gathered.
The benchmark is needed to capture shifting economic trends. At the same time, limiting this comprehensive survey to a five-year schedule reduces the burden on businesses, large and small.
Multinationals that would normally file the related annual BE-11 survey will file the BE-10 benchmark survey instead for their fiscal year ending in 2019. Smaller businesses that are not required to file annual surveys are required to participate in benchmark years. A response is required from those subject to the reporting requirements, whether or not they are contacted by BEA.
For more about the survey and who is required to report, as well as filing information and contacts, see the BEA webpage BE-10 Benchmark Survey: U.S. Direct Investment Abroad. Information about BEA’s secure, electronic filing system is also on our website.
BE-10 reports for 2019 are due May 29, 2020. However, reporters required to file 50 or more Forms BE-10B, BE-10C, and/or BE-10D get more time: Their deadline is June 30.