October 6, 2020

The U.S. monthly international trade deficit increased in August 2020 according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau. The deficit increased from $63.4 billion in July (revised) to $67.1 billion in August, as imports increased more than exports. The previously published July deficit was $63.6 billion. The goods deficit increased $3.0 billion in August to $83.9 billion. The services surplus decreased $0.7 billion in August to $16.8 billion.

Deficit Oct 6

Exports
Exports of goods and services increased $3.6 billion, or 2.2 percent, in August to $171.9 billion. Exports of goods increased $3.5 billion and exports of services increased $0.1 billion.

  • The increase in exports of goods reflected increases in industrial supplies and materials ($3.9 billion) and in foods, feeds, and beverages ($1.1 billion). A decrease in capital goods ($1.4 billion) partly offset the increases.
  • The increase in exports of services reflected increases in other business services ($0.2 billion), in transport ($0.1 billion), and in charges for the use of intellectual property ($0.1 billion). A decrease in travel ($0.2 billion) partly offset the increases.

Imports
Imports of goods and services increased $7.4 billion, or 3.2 percent, in August to $239.0 billion. Imports of goods increased $6.5 billion and imports of services increased $0.8 billion.

  • The increase in imports of goods reflected increases in consumer goods ($3.8 billion), in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($1.7 billion), and in other goods ($1.1 billion). A decrease in industrial supplies and materials ($1.5 billion) partly offset the increases.
  • The increase in imports of services reflected increases in travel ($0.3 billion) and in transport ($0.3 billion).

For more information, read the full release.