U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis is your source of accurate and objective data about the nation’s economy.

What We Do

BEA’s economists produce some of the world’s most closely watched statistics, including U.S. gross domestic product, better known as GDP. It also provides state and local numbers, as well as foreign trade and investment statistics and industry data.

• Economic Accounts: Descriptions of BEA’s principal programs and activities
• Who Uses BEA Measures? Information on the primary users of BEA’s economic accounts
• We’ve Got Your Number: A quick guide to BEA and its data
• Video: About BEA
• Video: About Our Numbers

Why We Do It

Governments of all levels, businesses big and small, and Americans everywhere rely on our numbers. BEA’s work underpins decisions about interest rates and trade policy, taxes and spending, hiring and investing, and more.

All from a source that’s nonpartisan, nonpolitical, and neutral on policy.

Mission

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) promotes a better understanding of the U.S. economy by providing the most timely, relevant, and accurate economic accounts data in an objective and cost-effective manner.

Vision

To deliver trusted and innovative economic statistics that keep pace with the global economy and the needs of the American people.

Core Values of BEA

• Integrity: Maintaining the sterling reputation of BEA and its statistics.
• Quality: Producing timely, relevant, and accurate statistics.
• Excellence: Fostering staff excellence and recognizing and rewarding employee contributions.
• Responsiveness: Providing customers with the programs and services they need.
• Innovation: Using technology and new methodologies to meet measurement challenges.

BEA’s Role in the Federal Statistical System

BEA is an agency of the Department of Commerce.

BEA produces economic accounts statistics that enable government and business decision-makers, researchers, and the American public to track and understand the nation’s economic performance. To do this, BEA collects source data, conducts research and analysis, develops and implements estimation methodologies, and disseminates statistics to the public.

BEA is one of the world’s leading statistical agencies. Although it is a relatively small agency, the BEA produces some of the most closely watched economic statistics that influence the decisions made by government officials, businesspeople, households, and individuals. BEA’s economic statistics provide a comprehensive, up-to-date picture of the U.S. economy and are key ingredients in critical decisions that affect monetary policy, tax and budget projections, and business investment plans. The cornerstone of BEA’s statistics is the National Income and Product Accounts (NIPAs), which feature estimates of gross domestic product (GDP) and related measures.

The Department of Commerce recognized the GDP as its most significant achievement of the 20th century and has been ranked as one of the three most influential measures that affect U.S. financial markets. Since the NIPAs were first developed in the aftermath of the Great Depression, BEA has developed and extended its estimates to cover a wide range of economic activities.

Today, BEA prepares national, regional, industry, and international accounts that present essential information on such key issues as economic growth, regional economic development, interindustry relationships, and the nation’s position in the world economy.