The U.S. monthly international trade deficit increased in July 2018 according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau. The deficit increased from $45.7 billion in June (revised) to $50.1 billion in July, as exports decreased and imports increased. The previously published June deficit was $46.3 billion. The goods deficit increased $4.2 billion in July to $73.1 billion. The services surplus decreased $0.1 billion in July to $23.1 billion.
Exports
Exports of goods and services decreased $2.1 billion, or 1.0 percent, in July to $211.1 billion. Exports of goods decreased $2.3 billion and exports of services increased $0.2 billion.
- The decrease in exports of goods mostly reflected decreases in capital goods ($0.9 billion); in foods, feeds, and beverages ($0.9 billion); and in other goods ($0.5 billion).
- The increase in exports of services mostly reflected increases in charges for the use of intellectual property ($0.1 billion) and in other business services ($0.1 billion), which includes research and development services; professional and management services; and technical, trade-related, and other services.
Imports
Imports of goods and services increased $2.2 billion, or 0.9 percent, in July to $261.2 billion. Imports of goods increased $1.9 billion and imports of services increased $0.3 billion.
- The increase in imports of goods mostly reflected increases in capital goods ($0.7 billion); in other goods ($0.7 billion); in industrial supplies and materials ($0.5 billion); and in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($0.5 billion). A decrease in consumer goods ($0.8 billion) partly offset the increases.
- The increase in imports of services mostly reflected increases in travel (for all purposes including education) ($0.2 billion) and in other business services ($0.1 billion).
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