Foreign Trade

News

• Goods and Services Deficit Increases in 2011
  
  

  The Nation’s international trade deficit in goods and services increased to $558.0 billion in 2011 from $500.0 billion in 2010. (February 10, 2012)

• 2010 Annual Trade Revisions
  
  

  In this release and in the accompanying “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: April 2011,” the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) are jointly publishing revised statistics on both U.S. trade in goods and U.S. trade in services beginning with 1999. (June 9, 2011)

• Imports and Exports by Related Parties, 2010
  
  

  The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that in 2010 related-party trade accounted for 40.8 percent ($1,295 billion) of total goods trade ($3,176 billion). (May 11, 2011)

• A Profile of U.S. Importing and Exporting Companies, 2008-2009
  
  

  The U.S. Census Bureau has released the report A Profile of U.S. Importing and Exporting Companies, 2008 - 2009. This is the first report to include information regarding U.S. importers. (April 12, 2011)

Highlights

• Publication of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Foreign Trade Regulations
  
  

  The U.S. Census Bureau has issued a Notice of Public Rulemaking (NPR) that impacts the export trade community. This NPR revises the FTR to reflect new export reporting requirements.

• Notice: Changes to FT-920: Merchandise Trade Highlights
  
  

  Beginning with the release of the January 2011 statistics scheduled for March 10, 2011, the U.S. Census Bureau will publish a redesigned version of the FT-920 – U.S. Merchandise Trade: Selected Highlights.

• AES Seminar and Workshop Schedule
  
  

  Exporters will learn mandatory reporting responsibilities that could help avoid costly penalities and seizure of export shipments. Philadelphia, PA on June 15 and 16, 2011.
  

• New! Search database
  
  

  Find key economic indicator data by searching on this database developed by U.S. Census Bureau’s Economic Directorate. The database currently includes U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services; Quarterly Services Reports; and Manufacturers’ Shipment, Inventories, and Orders. U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services database begins with 1992 statistics. (August 11, 2010)

• Related Party Trade, 2009
  
  

  The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that in 2009 related-party trade accounted for over 40 percent ($1,048 billion) of total goods trade ($2,615 billion). (May 12, 2010)

• Schedule B Search Updated - New Schedule B Search on the Way
  
  

  In order to assist exporters and filers determine their correct export commodity code (Schedule B number), the Foreign Trade Division (FTD) provides a Schedule B search tool. In an effort to better assist exporters in classifying their products, and to provide more accurate trade statistics, the FTD will soon make available an improved commodity search tool. (March 8, 2010)

• Department of Commerce Issues Press Release on U.S. - Chinese Merchandise Trade Reconciliation
  
  

  The U.S. Department of Commerce released findings on the differences between the official trade statistics produced by the United States and China. (March 5, 2010)

• Social Security Number (SSN) Final Rule: SSNs are Prohibited in the AES
  
  

  The Social Security Number Final Rule was published on February 22, 2010. The reporting of a social security number in the Automated Export System for identification purposes is prohibited. (February 22, 2010)

• What is required for me to ship charity goods to Haiti?
  
  From Global Reach: "Many U.S. residents and organizations are generously donating food, water, medicines, and other supplies to aid in the relief efforts. In order to facilitate the movements of these goods, we offer the following guidance that applies to any goods not requiring a license, such as food, clothing, and medicines." (January 22, 2010)
  
  
• Foreign Trade has GLOBAL REACH
  
  Foreign Trade has just created and published its official blog, "Global Reach." Visit it to discuss the Foreign Trade Regulations, Export Filing (AES), Trade Data, and other trade related topics. Posts are current and relevant to you as the filer, exporter, data user, or curious blog reader. (January 5, 2010)

• Export Training Videos
  

  The US Census Bureau, in conjunction with the International Trade Administration, has released a collection of videos to enhance export training. Topics include "The Basics of Exporting", "The Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR)", "Commodity Classification", "A Complete Overview of AESDirect", "NAFTA" and "Taxes and Tariffs" (September 1, 2009)