The U.S. monthly international trade deficit decreased in May 2017 according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau. The deficit decreased from $47.6 billion in April (revised) to $46.5 billion in May, as exports increased and imports decreased. The previously published April deficit was $47.6 billion. The goods deficit decreased $0.9 billion in May to $67.5 billion. The services surplus increased $0.2 billion in May to $21.0 billion.

Exports

Exports of goods and services increased $0.9 billion, or 0.4% percent, in May to $192.0 billion. Exports of goods increased $0.2 billion and exports of services increased $0.6 billion.

• The increase in exports of goods mostly reflected increases in consumer goods ($0.9 billion) and in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines($0.6 billion). A decrease in foods, feeds, and beverages($0.7 billion) partly offset the increases.
• The increase in exports of services mostly reflected increases in travel (for all purposes including education) ($0.3 billion) and in financial services($0.2 billion).

Imports

Imports of goods and services decreased $0.2 billion, or 0.1%percent, in May to $238.5 billion. Imports of goods decreased $0.6 billion and imports of services increased $0.4 billion.

• The decrease in imports of goods mostly reflected decreases in consumer goods ($1.5 billion) and in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines($0.7 billion). An increase in capital goods ($1.3 billion) partly offset the decreases.
• The increase in imports of services mostly reflected an increase in travel (for all purposes including education)($0.2 billion).

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