February 7, 2024

The U.S. goods and services trade deficit increased from $61.9 billion in November (revised) to $62.2 billion in December, as imports increased more than exports. The goods deficit increased $0.7 billion to $89.1 billion, and the services surplus increased $0.4 billion to $26.9 billion.

Trade Gap December 2023

Exports of goods and services increased $3.9 billion, or 1.5 percent, in December to $258.2 billion. Exports of goods increased $3.1 billion, and exports of services increased $0.8 billion.

  • The increase in exports of goods reflected increases in industrial supplies and materials ($3.3 billion), in consumer goods ($0.7 billion), and in foods, feeds, and beverages ($0.7 billion).
  • The increase in exports of services reflected increases in travel ($0.4 billion), in transport ($0.2 billion), and in financial services ($0.2 billion).

Imports of goods and services increased $4.2 billion, or 1.3 percent, in December to $320.4 billion. Imports of goods increased $3.8 billion, and imports of services increased $0.5 billion.

  • The increase in imports of goods reflected increases in consumer goods ($3.3 billion) and in industrial supplies and materials ($1.2 billion). Decreases in capital goods ($0.4 billion) and in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($0.4 billion) partly offset the increases.
  • The increase in imports of services reflected an increase in transport ($0.6 billion). A decrease in travel ($0.1 billion) partly offset the increase.

Real, or inflation-adjusted, statistics are also available for trade in goods (Census basis). The real goods deficit decreased 1.4 percent in December, compared to a 0.5 percent decrease in the nominal deficit. Real exports of goods increased 3.7 percent, compared to a 2.5 percent increase in nominal exports. Real imports of goods increased 1.8 percent, compared to a 1.5 percent increase in nominal imports.

For more information, read the full release.