Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Business Operations

APRIL 27, 2023 — The U.S. Census Bureau today released additional data from the Annual Capital Expenditures Survey (ACES) covering data year 2021. As part of the 2021 ACES, special questions were asked to gather information about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on business operations. Tables provide the impact on budgeted capital expenditures and the use of capital expenditures to fund investments related to social distancing and safety for U.S. companies with employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. All data will be available at the national level by 2-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) industry sector.

Highlights

  • In 2021, 4.7% of all U.S. companies with employees canceled, 7.8% postponed, 8.0% decreased, and 2.0% increased some of their budgeted capital expenditures during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
  • In 2021, sectors that postponed their budgeted capital expenditures included: Mining (8.1%); Manufacturing (12.9%); Retail Trade (7.8%); Information (5.6%); Educational Services (9.2%); Health Care and Social Assistance (8.8%); Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (8.4%); and Accommodation and Food Services (10.6%).
  • In 2021, 6.2% of all U.S. companies with employees used capital expenditures above what they budgeted to fund investment related to social distancing and safety, and 3.2% replaced their budgeted capital expenditures to fund the investment.

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