March 15, 2013
The U.S. current-account deficit—the combined balances on trade in goods and services, income, and net unilateral current transfers—increased to $475.0 billion (preliminary) in 2012 from $465.9 billion in 2011. As a percentage of U.S. gross domestic product, the deficit decreased to 3.0 percent in 2012 from 3.1 percent in 2011.
- The deficit on international trade in goods decreased to $735.3 billion from $738.4 billion, as goods exports increased more than goods imports.
- The surplus on international trade in services increased to $195.8 billion from $178.5 billion, as services receipts increased more than services payments.
- The surplus on income decreased to $198.6 billion from $227.0 billion, as income payments increased and income receipts decreased.
- Net unilateral current transfers to foreign residents were $134.1 billion, up from $133.1 billion.
Net financial inflows were $399.7 billion in 2012, down from $556.3 billion in 2011.
- U.S.-owned assets abroad decreased $17.9 billion in 2012, after increasing $483.7 billion in 2011.
- Foreign-owned assets in the United States increased $384.9 billion in 2012, after increasing $1,001.0 billion in 2011.
To find out more about U.S. international transactions, read the full report.