Resources for Government Statistics: Historical, Trends, Forecasts
Data systematically collected by the U.S. government is a primary source for business people analyzing market potential, measuring the effectiveness of sales and advertising programs, setting sales quotas, and developing budgets.
- Economic Census DataThis is the most detailed report of business data, covering industries by NAICS code and searchable by geographic areas.
- Annual Survey of Manufacturers (ASM)ASM provides "sample estimates of statistics for all manufacturing establishments," including employment, cost of materials consumed, operating expenses, and detailed capital expenditures.
- Current Industrial Reports (CIR)Although its funding ended in 2012, CIR collected "data on production and shipments of selected products," and reports are still available at this site.
- County Business Patterns (CBP)"This data is useful for studying the economic activity of small areas; analyzing economic changes over time; and as a benchmark for other statistical series, surveys, and databases between economic censuses."
Resources for Trade Data & Statistics
- U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)ITC "serves as a Federal resource where trade data and other trade policy-related information are gathered and analyzed."
- ITA Trade Data and AnalysisUse this tool from the International Trade Association to find find trade statistics on the travel/tourism industry, manufacturing, automotive, and steel industry.
- TradeStats ExpressUse this Department of Commerce website to generate charts of national and state-level trade data.
Special Resource: Review of Business Conditions
Survey of Current Business (online)"Articles in the Survey present the latest national, international, regional, and industry estimates."