The U.S. current-account deficit—the combined balances on trade in goods and services, income, and net unilateral current transfers—increased to $137.3 billion (preliminary) in the first quarter of 2012 from $118.7 billion (revised) in the fourth quarter of 2011. As a percentage of U.S. gross domestic product, the deficit increased to 3.6 percent from 3.1 percent. The previously published current-account deficit for the fourth quarter was $124.1 billion.
The deficit on international trade in goods increased to $194.5 billion from $189.3 billion, as goods imports increased more than goods exports.
The surplus on international trade in services increased to $43.5 billion from $43.0 billion, as services receipts increased more than services payments.
The surplus on income decreased to $47.6 billion from $59.9 billion, as income payments increased while income receipts decreased.
Net unilateral current transfers to foreign residents were $33.9 billion, up from $32.2 billion.
Net financial inflows were $156.7 billion in the first quarter, up from $63.4 billion in the fourth.
U.S.-owned assets abroad decreased $114.8 billion in the first quarter after increasing $26.2 billion in the fourth.
Foreign-owned assets in the United States increased $41.9 billion in the first quarter after increasing $57.1 billion in the fourth.
To find out more about U.S. international transactions, read the full report.