Latest U.S. Department of Commerce News

US economic growth for last quarter is revised up slightly to a healthy 3.4% annual rate

Mar. 28, 2024 09:08 AM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy grew at a solid 3.4% annual pace from October through December, the government said Thursday in an upgrade from its previous estimate. The government had previously estimated that the economy expanded at a 3.2% rate last quarter. The Commerce...

This Week: Housing starts, Fed policy update and existing US home sales

Mar. 18, 2024 03:12 AM EDT

A look at some of the key business events and economic indicators upcoming this week TRACKING HOME CONSTRUCTION New government data on residential construction should provide insight into the state of the new-home market. The Commerce Department is...

February retail sales up 0.6%, yet fissures emerge in what has been a driving force for US economy

Mar. 14, 2024 17:26 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Americans picked up their spending a bit in February after pulling back the previous month. But last month’s gain was weaker than expected, and January’s decline was revised even lower, suggesting that many are growing more cautious with their money. Retail...

US commerce secretary hails progress at year's first meeting of Indo-Pacific trade grouping

Mar. 14, 2024 11:30 AM EDT

BANGKOK (AP) — U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Thursday praised the progress made by the 14 countries in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity after the group held a ministerial meeting Thursday to discuss proposed guidelines for regional commerce. Raimondo...

US is constantly assessing expansion of export controls on chips that could boost China's military

Mar. 11, 2024 23:40 PM EDT

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The United States is constantly assessing the need to expand export controls to stop China from acquiring advanced computer chips and manufacturing equipment that could be used to boost its military, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said Monday. The...

This week: Consumer prices, wholesale prices, retail sales

Mar. 11, 2024 03:03 AM EDT

A look at some of the key business events and economic indicators upcoming this week. Consumer price check The U.S. government will release data on consumer prices on Tuesday. Analysts expect inflation at the consumer level edged higher in February after...

US economy grew solid 3.2% in fourth quarter, a slight downgrade from government's initial estimate

Feb. 28, 2024 11:55 AM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy grew at a robust 3.2% annual pace from October through December, propelled by healthy consumer spending, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday in a slight downgrade from its initial estimate. The expansion in the nation's gross domestic...

Retail sales fall 0.8% in January from December as shoppers pause after strong holiday season

Feb. 15, 2024 16:43 PM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — Americans pulled back their spending more than expected in January after the traditional holiday season splurge. Retail sales fell 0.8% in January from the strong pace in December when they rose a revised 0.4%, according to the Commerce Department's report on...

Siemens Energy to build first US plant for large power transformers in North Carolina

Feb. 13, 2024 18:30 PM EST

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Siemens Energy Inc. plans to create about 560 new jobs in North Carolina by 2028 while choosing Charlotte for its first U.S. plant to manufacture large power transformers designed to help modernize the electric grid, officials announced Tuesday. The German...

Mexico overtakes China as the leading source of goods imported by US

Feb. 07, 2024 23:39 PM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — For the first time in more than two decades, Mexico last year surpassed China as the leading source of goods imported by the United States. The shift reflects the growing tensions between Washington and Beijing as well as U.S. efforts to import from countries that are friendlier...