United States Merchandise Exports (USD bn)

Exports in United States

Revised data shows that GDP grew 1.3% in quarter-on-quarter annualized terms in Q1, slightly above the initial estimate. Underlying momentum was stronger than the headline reading, which was weighed on by a drop in private inventories: Household and government consumption gained speed in the quarter, while fixed investment declined at a softer rate. Turning to Q2, available data is positive: The composite PMI rose through May, while core retail sales and payroll gains both beat market expectations in April. In politics, at end-May, President Biden and Republican Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy reached a deal to raise the debt ceiling. Congressional approval—which is not guaranteed—would avert a damaging default but also cap government spending for the next two years, dampening domestic demand slightly ahead.