The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) mission is to "... promote 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." The BEA is an agency of the Department of Commerce that produces statistics to help government and business decision-makers, researchers, and the American public understand economic performance in the US. The BEA produces a number of products and services to discharge its mission including Principal Economic Indicators.



BEA data releases are organized by topic including:

BEA has developed a series of interactive data applications to create a portal for accessing BEA data by providing a common look and feel for users accessing national, international, regional or industry statistics. Thorugh the apps users can print, save and export data as well as generate charts that are both robust and visually appealing. A "Navigating the BEA Interactive Data" video can be viewed to help understand how the interface works.



The BEA Bearfacts interface allows visitors to query data by clicking on a state, county or metro area of interest. One the metro area is selected, clicking on the shape generates a standard report.


To help fulfill its mission, BEA produces a number of research publications recognizing that research is crucial to keeping BEA's statistics up to date and vital and provide a foundation for innovation and new ways to measure the U.S. and global economies. The BEA staff includes some 40 economists and statisticians who are engaged in cutting-edge research. BEA also supports academic research through its Special Sworn Researcher Program which provides access to BEA data under strict confidentiality guidelines. As part of its work producing international trade and investment statistics, BEA collects company-specific data that must be kept confidential by law. Outside researchers can apply to use BEA's company data for their statistical research, under strict guidelines.


The BEA site features an array of resources including its Learning Center which helps interested parties get up to speed on various issues and resources.