Friday Factoids: U.S. Renewable Energy Trade Deficit Soars

Here's a short (and potent) Friday Factoid to conclude this week:

In the last five years, the U.S trade deficit in renewable energy products increased by 1,400% to nearly $5.7 billion.

That's according to a report on the opportunities and challenges America faces in the production and export of environmental goods, including clean energy technologies, published in December by the Senate Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness, chaired by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The graphic below shows the growth in the U.S. trade deficit in environmental goods. Imbalance in the import/export of renewable energy products ("REP" in the key) is the largest contributor to this deficit.
 

(Click to enlarge)

Product Key:
REP: Renewable Energy Products
CRET: Cleaner or More Resource Efficient Technologies
EMAA: Environmental Monitoring, Equipment
SHW: Management of Solid and Hazardous Waste
HEM: Heat and Energy Management
WWM: Waste Water Management and Treatment
APC: Air Pollution Control

We'll have more on this report and it's implications on Monday. Enjoy your weekend.