The U.S. monthly international trade deficit increased in April 2017 according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau. The deficit increased from $45.3 billion in March (revised) to $47.6 billion in April, as exports decreased and imports increased. The previously published March deficit was $43.7 billion. The goods deficit increased $2.3 billion in April to $68.4 billion. The services surplus decreased less than $0.1 billion in April to $20.8 billion.
Exports
Exports of goods and services decreased $0.5 billion, or 0.3% percent, in April to $191.0 billion. Exports of goods decreased $0.5 billion and exports of services increased $0.1 billion.
- The decrease in exports of goods mostly reflected decreases in consumer goods ($0.7 billion) and in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($0.5 billion). An increase in foods, feeds, and beverages ($0.6 billion) partly offset the decreases.
- The increase in exports of services mostly reflected an increase in travel (for all purposes including education) ($0.1 billion).
Imports
Imports of goods and services increased $1.9 billion, or 0.8% percent, in April to $238.6 billion. Imports of goods increased $1.8 billion and imports of services increased $0.1 billion.
- The increase in imports of goods mostly reflected increases in consumer goods ($1.9 billion) and in capital goods ($0.9 billion). A decrease in industrial supplies and materials ($1.5 billion) partly offset the increases.
- The increase in imports of services mostly reflected an increase in travel (for all purposes including education) ($0.1 billion).
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