Commerce Department Archives

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Commerce chief lays out blueprint for chip manufacturing in America

by Kai Ryssdal and Sarah Leeson

May 10, 2024

The supply chain is being built to reduce U.S. vulnerability and seize opportunities like artificial intelligence, Raimondo says.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo discussed chips, China and jobs with Marketplace's Kai Ryssdal in Washington.

Nancy Farghalli/Marketplace

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U.S. GDP grew by 1.6% in the first quarter, slower than expected

by Savannah Peters

Apr 25, 2024

This marks the end of a six-quarter streak of GDP growth of 2% or more. But the downshift might not be cause for worry just yet.

The good news: consumer spending, the force that’s been buoying economic growth for months, still looks solid. The bad news: business leaders aren’t feeling quite as confident.

Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

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Furniture sellers hoped for a better 2023

by Elizabeth Trovall

Jan 17, 2024

The furniture and home furnishings sector saw a 5.4% sales decline last year.

Furniture sales dipped 4.7% for the year, according to the Commerce Department.

Brandon Bell/Getty Images

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The U.S. November trade deficit was $63B, but that's not the important thing

by Matt Levin

Jan 9, 2024

Trade deficit numbers get a lot of attention in election years. Here are some things to know about the nuance behind the numbers.

"Counterintuitively, an expanding trade deficit is typically associated with stronger economic growth in the United States," says Scott Lincicome with the Cato Institute.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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Did retail sales grow because we bought more stuff, or did the stuff get more expensive?

by Justin Ho

Oct 17, 2023

The way the Census Bureau calculates its retail sales data wasn't an issue until prices started rising a couple years back.

Grocery store spending rose 0.4% in September, according to the Census Bureau.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

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Warmer U.S.-China trade relations could help U.S. exporters

by Justin Ho

Aug 29, 2023

The U.S. has been restricting certain American exports to China, citing national security concerns. But other U.S. exporters could benefit from improved trade relations.

Secretary Gina Raimondo meets with Lin Feng, Director General of China Ministry of Commerce and U.S. Ambassador to China Nick Burns upon her arrival in Beijing on Sunday.

Andy Wong-Pool/Getty Images

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Boosting chip production is “an investment in America’s national security,” Commerce secretary says

by Kai Ryssdal and Andie Corban

Apr 25, 2023

“The stakes are so high” when it comes to making the U.S. a leader in this key technology, says Gina Raimondo.

“The stakes are so high” when it comes to making the U.S. a leader in semiconductors, says Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

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Consumers spent more in January, but also saved more. What gives?

by Justin Ho

Feb 24, 2023

A boost in disposable income fueled spending and saving. Data signals a healthy outlook, but lower-income people are draining reserves.

ArLawKa AungTun/Getty Images

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Here's why the U.S. revises GDP estimates — over and over

by Lily Jamali

Feb 23, 2023

The Bureau of Economic Analysis revised GDP down to 2.7% from the fourth quarter of last year.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis revised down its GDP estimate for the fourth quarter of last year from 2.9% to 2.7%.

Roman Babakin/Getty Images

What durable goods tell us about the economy

by Nancy Marshall-Genzer

Jul 27, 2021

Orders for long-lasting items rose 0.8% in June. The data could reflect trends in inflation, automation and the economic recovery.

Spending on durable goods, like washing machines, provides a peek into overall consumer confidence.

Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

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Commerce chief lays out blueprint for chip manufacturing in America

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U.S. GDP grew by 1.6% in the first quarter, slower than expected

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Furniture sellers hoped for a better 2023

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The U.S. November trade deficit was $63B, but that's not the important thing

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Did retail sales grow because we bought more stuff, or did the stuff get more expensive?

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Warmer U.S.-China trade relations could help U.S. exporters

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Boosting chip production is “an investment in America’s national security,” Commerce secretary says

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For public good, not for profit.

Consumers spent more in January, but also saved more. What gives?

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Here's why the U.S. revises GDP estimates — over and over

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What durable goods tell us about the economy

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