Latest Economic Indicators

  

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Statement on Trade Numbers

WASHINGTON — U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke issued the following statement on the release of the June 2009 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 increased by 2 percent to $125.8 billion, which closely tracked the increase in imports, which rose 2.3 percent to $152.8 billion. The trade gap widened to $27 billion from $26 billion, better than analysts’ expectations.

“While we are seeing signs that the worst part of the recent economic downturn is behind us, we still face challenges to resuscitate domestic manufacturing and expand U.S. exports,” Locke said. “The Commerce Department is using every tool at its disposal to help make the products and services of American companies available to people in markets around the world.”

2008 Propane Price Analysis

Pursuant to the requirements of the Propane Education and Research Act of 1996 (PERA), the Department of Commerce prepares annual analyses of changes in propane prices relative to other energy sources. The most recent report presents the relevant price data and concludes that propane prices have exceeded the threshold established by PERA.

2008 Report

2009 Joint Statistical Meeting

Washington, DC. (August 3)  - Dr. Rebecca Blank, Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, delivered the keynote address to the 2009 Joint Statistical Meeting, a meeting of the American Statistical Association (ASA), the International Biometric Society (ENAR and WNAR), the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (IMS), and the Statistical Society of Canada comprised of over 5,000 statisticians from government, industry and academia meeting at the Washington Convention Center.  Dr. Blank spoke about why good statistics are important to understanding the well-being of American families.

Under Secretary Blank Urges NALEO Officials to Make Your Voices Heard

Hollywood, Calif. (June 26)—Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs, Dr. Rebecca Blank urged attendees of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) annual conference to help facilitate “equal access so everyone will participate in the 2010 Census.”

“The Census is at the core of our democracy. It is not partisan, it is American—and it belongs to everyone living in America.  It is about opportunity, equality and full representation, regardless of economic status, race or ethnic origin,” Blank said at the annual conference entitled “Latinos and Census 2010: On the Brink of the Count.”

Under Secretary Blank joined NALEO national partners in celebration of their commitment to a full enumeration.  Blank praised this 2010 Census national partnership with NALEO Executive Director Arturo Vargas, NALEO Education Fund Chairman Rafael Anchia and other “Ya es hora ¡HAGASE CONTAR! Campaign” (It’s Time, Make Yourself Count!) partners.

The U.S. Census Bureau and NALEO have joined forces to inform and motivate nearly 50 million Latinos to participate in the 2010 Census.  For more information on 2010 national partnerships, visit 2010census.gov/partners. (Spanish Version) (Speech ) (Presentation )

Hear Under Secretary Blank’s interview on Southern California Public Radio, KPCC-FM on Thursday, June 25, 2009 through this link:

http://www.scpr.org/programs/patt-morrison/2009/06/25/our-economy-and-the-2010-census/

Under Secretary Blank Confers with Australian Deputy Prime Minister

Washington (June 19) – Dr. Blank met with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard during a working lunch devoted to socioeconomic issues.  The Deputy Prime Minster is deputy head of the Australian government and carries the cabinet responsibility for education, employment, workplace relations and social inclusion.  Under Secretary Blank attended to offer her expertise to the discussion on social policy responses to poverty and social inclusion.

Dr. Rebecca Blank Sworn In as Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, Top Economic Advisor to Commerce Secretary

Washington (June 9) – Dr. Rebecca Blank was sworn in today as the new Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs. Dr. Blank will oversee two of the Nation’s preeminent statistical agencies: the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Affairs.  She will also serve as the top economic advisor to Commerce Secretary Gary Locke.  (More)

Blank Confirmed as Top Economic Advisor to Commerce Secretary

"Live Webcast", Dr. Blank’s Statement , Dr. Blank’s Biography , White House Press Release on Nomination

Dr. Robert Groves Confirmed as Census Director

Washington (July 13)—The United States Senate confirmed Dr. Robert Groves as the new director of the U.S. Census Bureau, on a strong bipartisan voice vote. Groves, a highly respected expert in the field of survey methodology, takes the helm of the agency at a critical time as it makes final preparations for the 2010 Census. “The 2010 Census faces significant challenges and Dr. Groves will help us meet those challenges,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “He is a respected social scientist, highly regarded by the professional statisticians, geographers, mathematicians and demographers who work at the Census Bureau. He will run the agency with the integrity and independence demanded by the Constitution, and expected by the American people.” (More) (Press Release)

Groves Nomination Clears Committee and Sent to U.S. Senate

Dr. Robert Groves, Nominee for Director of the United States Census Bureau, Department of Commerce was unanimously approved by voice vote without objections on Wednesday, May 20 by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.  His nomination was sent to the full U.S. Senate for confirmation.

"Live Webcast" , Dr. Groves’ Statement , Dr. Groves’ Biography , White House Press Release on Nomination

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

For information about Commerce agencies' efforts, visit Commerce.gov/Recovery.
For information about the entire government's effort, visit Recovery.gov.