The US economy in November 2025 exhibits a complex mix of moderating growth, deteriorating consumer sentiment, and an increasingly fragile labor market, while the commercial space industry continues rapid expansion as a structural driver of high-tech investment and export services. Real GDP rebounded strongly in Q2 2025 to $23.77 trillion after a tariff-induced Q1 contraction, but forward indicators suggest slower growth ahead amid persistent above-target inflation and weakening confidence. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s Starlink and the broader launch ecosystem demonstrate how space commerce is emerging as a resilient growth sector even as macro conditions soften.
Gross Domestic Product and Economic Growth
Real GDP increased 3.8% at an annualized rate in Q2 2025, reaching $23.77 trillion (in chained 2017 dollars, seasonally adjusted), marking the strongest quarterly performance since Q3 2023 and a sharp rebound from Q1’s 0.6% contraction. The Q1 decline resulted from a 37.9% import surge as businesses and consumers stockpiled goods ahead of anticipated tariffs. Q2’s recovery primarily reflected a 30.3% plunge in imports as stockpiling effects reversed, combined with robust 2.5% growth in consumer spending led by services.
