October 5, 2023

The U.S. goods and services trade deficit decreased from $64.7 billion in July (revised) to $58.3 billion in August, as exports increased and imports decreased. The goods deficit decreased $5.5 billion to $84.5 billion, and the services surplus increased $1.0 billion to $26.2 billion.

Monthly Goods and Services Oct5

Exports of goods and services increased $4.1 billion, or 1.6 percent, in August to $256.0 billion. Exports of goods increased $3.1 billion, and exports of services increased $1.0 billion.

  • The increase in exports of goods reflected increases in industrial supplies and materials ($2.7 billion), in capital goods ($1.1 billion), and in consumer goods ($1.0 billion). A decrease in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($1.4 billion) partly offset the increases.
     
  • The increase in exports of services reflected increases in travel ($0.8 billion) and in financial services ($0.2 billion).

Imports of goods and services decreased $2.3 billion, or 0.7 percent, in August to $314.3 billion. Imports of goods decreased $2.4 billion, and imports of services increased $0.1 billion.

  • The decrease in imports of goods reflected decreases in consumer goods ($1.9 billion) and in capital goods ($1.8 billion). An increase in industrial supplies and materials ($2.7 billion) partly offset the decreases.
     
  • The increase in imports of services reflected increases in travel ($0.2 billion) and in other business services ($0.1 billion). A decrease in transport ($0.3 billion) mostly offset the increases.

Real, or inflation-adjusted, statistics are also available for trade in goods. The real goods deficit decreased 5.1 percent in August, compared to a 6.9 percent decrease in the nominal deficit. Real exports of goods increased 0.1 percent, compared to a 2.3 percent increase in nominal exports. Real imports of goods decreased 1.9 percent, compared to a 1.0 percent decrease in nominal imports.

For more information, read the full release.