United States: economy

What is the US GDP growth rate?

Real GDP grew at an annual rate of 2.2% in the second quarter of 2026 (April to June), according to the third estimate from the Bureau of Economic Analysis released on 30 September 2026. Growth in the first quarter was revised to 2.5%. BEA says consumer spending, investment and exports added to growth, while imports, which are subtracted in the calculation, rose.

The US quotes quarterly growth as an annualised rate: the quarter-on-quarter change compounded over four quarters. That makes US figures look larger than the plain quarterly rates used in the UK and much of Europe. Each quarter has an advance, second and third estimate, and annual updates can revise earlier years. BEA lists the next GDP release for 29 October 2026.

Official sources: BEA: Gross Domestic Product

What is the US trade deficit?

The US goods and services trade deficit was $105.6 billion in August 2026, up from a revised $92.8 billion in July, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Census Bureau, released on 6 October 2026. The goods deficit rose $12.8 billion to $136.6 billion, and the services surplus was $31.0 billion.

The figures are seasonally adjusted and on a balance of payments basis. Year to date, the deficit was down 19.9% on the same months of 2025, as exports grew faster than imports. Monthly figures are revised each month and again in the annual revision, and goods trade includes nonmonetary gold, which can move the totals sharply. The next release is due on 4 November 2026, according to BEA.

Official sources: BEA: U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services

How much does the US export?

US exports of goods and services were $315.2 billion in August 2026, $4.5 billion more than in July, according to the BEA and Census Bureau trade release for August 2026. Goods exports were $205.7 billion and services exports $109.5 billion. Over January to August, exports were up $267.7 billion, or 11.8%, on the same period of 2025.

In August the largest goods increases were in industrial supplies and materials, including crude oil, fuel oil and nonmonetary gold. Services exports include travel by foreign visitors, charges for the use of intellectual property, and financial and business services. For exports by product and partner on a Census basis, the Census Bureau foreign trade pages hold the detailed exhibits.

Official sources: BEA: U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, August 2026 · Census Bureau: U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, current release

Which countries does the US have the biggest trade deficit with?

In August 2026 the largest US goods deficits were with Mexico ($27.7 billion), Vietnam ($24.0 billion), Taiwan ($18.3 billion) and China ($16.4 billion), followed by the European Union ($11.0 billion), according to the BEA and Census Bureau trade release. The largest surpluses were with the Netherlands ($7.7 billion), South and Central America ($5.6 billion) and the United Kingdom ($3.6 billion).

These country figures cover goods only, on a Census basis, and are not seasonally adjusted, so a single month can swing. Services trade by partner is published quarterly. For a fuller picture, compare year-to-date totals in exhibit 19 of the release, as one month can be moved by large shipments such as aircraft or gold.

Official sources: BEA: U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, August 2026

What is PCE inflation in the US?

The PCE price index rose 3.4% in the 12 months to August 2026, and 3.0% excluding food and energy, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, released on 30 September 2026. From July to August, prices rose 0.3%, and 0.2% excluding food and energy.

PCE stands for personal consumption expenditures. It is the measure the Federal Reserve uses for its 2% inflation goal, and it usually runs below the Consumer Price Index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics because it covers a wider basket, including spending made on people's behalf such as employer-paid health insurance, and weights change as spending shifts. The September 2026 figures are due on 29 October 2026, according to BEA.

Official sources: BEA: Personal Income and Outlays, August 2026

What is the personal saving rate in the US?

The US personal saving rate was 4.1% in August 2026, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Personal saving was $990.2 billion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate. Personal income rose $66.6 billion, or 0.2%, in the month, disposable personal income rose 0.3%, and consumer spending rose 0.9%.

The saving rate is personal saving as a share of disposable personal income, which is income after personal taxes. It is a national aggregate, so it says nothing about how saving is spread between households. BEA revises the series often, including at annual updates, so check the latest release before comparing with older figures. The next release is scheduled for 29 October 2026.

Official sources: BEA: Personal Income

How fast is the United States' economy growing?

According to the World Bank, real GDP growth in the United States was 2.2% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from -2.6% (2009) to 6.2% (2021). World rank, highest first: 123rd of 180.

What is the United States' GDP per person?

In 2025, GDP per person in the United States was $90,027, according to the World Bank. That is the highest since at least 2005. Worldwide: 7th of 180.

What is the United States' GDP per capita at PPP?

In 2025, GDP per person at purchasing power parity in the United States was $90,027 in international dollars, according to the World Bank. That is the highest since at least 2005. Worldwide: 9th of 179.

What share of the United States' economy is exports?

11.0% of GDP: that is exports of goods and services in the United States for 2024, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2012, at 13.6% of GDP; its low point was 2005, at 10.0% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 151st of 162.

What is the United States' current account balance?

In 2025, the current account balance in the United States was -3.8% of GDP, according to the IMF, a deficit. Its high point since 2005 was 2017, at -1.8% of GDP; its low point was 2006, at -5.8% of GDP. Of 132 countries with 2025 data, 94th highest.

How much foreign direct investment goes into the United States?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 1.0% of GDP. The peak was 2.8% of GDP in 2015 and the low 0.6% of GDP in 2020. Of 179 countries with 2025 data, 131st highest.

What are bank lending rates in the United States?

In 2021, the average bank lending rate in the United States was 3.2%, according to the IMF. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Worldwide: 97th of 106.