February 2012 Trade Gap is $46.0 Billion

The U.S. monthly international trade deficit decreased in February 2012, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau. The deficit decreased from $52.5 billion (revised) in January to $46.0 billion in February, as imports decreased and exports increased. The previously published January deficit was $52.6 billion. The goods deficit decreased $6.0 billion from January to $61.4 billion in February, and the…

GDP and the National Accounts: One of the Great Inventions of the 20th Century

BEA Director Steve Landefeld

Imagine you’re trying to find your way through a thick forest. It’s a difficult task. You have nothing to help you navigate—no compass, no GPS, and no communications device to use to contact someone for help. In fact, in your wandering, you’ve lost your bearings so completely that you’re not even sure where you’ve been, let alone where you’re going.