Local businesses again urged to fill out the 2020 Economic Census ASAP

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The ASG’s Commerce Department (AS-DOC) has joined the U.S. Census Bureau in urging businesses in American Samoa that did not response by the deadline — which was Mar. 15 — for the 2020 Economic Census, to do, as soon as possible electronically, with instructions provided by the Census Bureau.

“Response is required by law,” AS-DOC declared, and points out that the due date for the 2022 Economic Census of Island Areas has now passed. 

“Businesses in American Samoa who have not yet replied are receiving past due notices from the U.S. Census Bureau with instructions on how to respond electronically and how to get assistance,” it says. “In addition, paper questionnaires will be mailed to small businesses to provide another reporting option.”

Businesses that require additional time to respond can request an extension by logging onto the Respondent Portal (https://portal.census.gov), entering the authentication code sent to them via mail or email, and accessing their survey card. 

“By completing the Economic Census, companies contribute to a wealth of valuable data that can help grow their business,” said ASDOC.

For more information visit census.gov/econ or call the American Samoa Department of Commerce at 684-633-5155 or 684-633-0120.

According to the US Census, the 2022 Economic Census data for American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are slated to be released in June 2024.

Furthermore, the Economic Census is the official five-year measure of American businesses and the economy.

And data provided by businesses fuel the most comprehensive economic statistics available, representing all geographies and non-agricultural U.S. industries. 

The federal agency points out that the Island Areas economic census collection includes questions on characteristics of majority ownership for the business, including ethnicity (Hispanic/Non-Hispanic status), race, citizenship, and gender that are not requested on stateside questionnaires.