U.S. Merchandise Trade Data: 1948-2002 (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised April 3, 2003 |
| Report Number |
98-536C |
| Authors |
J. Michael Donnelly |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
U.S. trade has been increasing in volume and value since the end of World War II.
Merchandise trade statistics provide a continuousseriesto measure that growth in trade.
Official annual trade statistics of the U.S. Department of Commerce, provided here,
show that for the 52 years between 1948 and 2000, merchandise exports grew by over
61 times. During this period, merchandise imports grew by over 171 times. Also during
this period, the U.S. merchandise trade balance moved froma surplusin 1948 to a deficit
in 1971. The deficit exceeded $100 billion for the first time in 1984, surpassed $200
billion in 1998 and $300 billion in 1999, and grew beyond $400 billion in 2000. U.S.
merchandise imports exceeded $1 trillion for the first time in 1999. This report contains
preliminary year 2000 merchandise trade statistics, and will be updated quarterly, or as
events warrant.
