The U.S. monthly international trade deficit increased in September 2018 according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau. The deficit increased from $53.3 billion in August (revised) to $54.0 billion in September, as imports increased more than exports. The previously published August deficit was $53.2 billion. The goods deficit increased $0.6 billion in September to $77.2 billion. The services surplus decreased $0.1 billion in September to $23.2 billion.
Exports
Exports of goods and services increased $3.1 billion, or 1.5 percent, in September to $212.6 billion. Exports of goods increased $2.9 billion and exports of services increased $0.3 billion.
- The increase in exports of goods mostly reflected increases in industrial supplies and materials ($2.8 billion) and in capital goods ($1.1 billion). A decrease in foods, feeds, and beverages ($1.0 billion) partly offset the increases.
- The increase in exports of services mostly reflected an increase in transport ($0.2 billion).
Imports
Imports of goods and services increased $3.8 billion, or 1.5 percent, in September to $266.6 billion. Imports of goods increased $3.5 billion and imports of services increased $0.4 billion.
- The increase in imports of goods mostly reflected increases in capital goods ($2.4 billion) and in consumer goods ($2.0 billion). A decrease in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($0.6 billion) partly offset the increases.
- The increase in imports of services mostly reflected an increase in transport ($0.4 billion).
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