Estimates are both seasonally adjusted and unadjusted. USES The Bureau of Economic Analysis uses the estimates as an input to estimate sales and inventories for the Gross Domestic Product. The Council of Economic Advisers uses the estimates to assess near term economic activity. The Department of the Treasury uses the estimates to research economic trends. Business and industry groups use the estimates to forecast future demand.
Researchers use the estimates to benchmark the results from their own sampling operations.
Manufacturers can use inventory estimates as a proxy for the distributors confidence for future expected sales.