The U.S. monthly international trade deficit decreased in October 2019 according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau. The deficit decreased from $51.1 billion in September (revised) to $47.2 billion in October, as imports decreased more than exports. The previously published September deficit was $52.5 billion. The goods deficit decreased $3.7 billion in October to $68.0 billion. The services surplus increased $0.2 billion in October to $20.8 billion.
Exports
Exports of goods and services decreased $0.4 billion, or 0.2 percent, in October to $207.1 billion. Exports of goods decreased $0.8 billion and exports of services increased $0.3 billion.
- The decrease in exports of goods reflected decreases in consumer goods ($0.7 billion), in capital goods ($0.4 billion), and in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($0.3 billion). An increase in industrial supplies and materials ($0.6 billion) partly offset the decreases.
- The increase in exports of services reflected increases in other business services ($0.2 billion) and in travel ($0.1 billion). A decrease in transport ($0.1 billion) partly offset the increases.
Imports
Imports of goods and services decreased $4.3 billion, or 1.7 percent, in October to $254.3 billion. Imports of goods decreased $4.5 billion and imports of services increased $0.1 billion.
- The decrease in imports of goods mostly reflected decreases in consumer goods ($2.4 billion) and in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($1.8 billion).
- The increase in imports of services reflected increases in travel ($0.1 billion) and in other business services ($0.1 billion). A decrease in transport ($0.1 billion) partly offset the increases.
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