March 14, 2013
The U.S. current-account deficit—the combined balances on trade in goods and services, income, and net unilateral current transfers—decreased to $110.4 billion (preliminary) in the fourth quarter of 2012 from $112.4 billion (revised) in the third quarter of 2012. As a percentage of U.S. gross domestic product, the deficit remained at 2.8 percent. The previously published current-account deficit for the third quarter was $107.5 billion.
- The deficit on international trade in goods increased to $180.6 billion from $174.2 billion, as goods imports increased and goods exports decreased.
- The surplus on international trade in services increased to $52.2 billion from $49.3 billion, as services receipts increased and services payments decreased.
- The surplus on income increased to $52.4 billion from $46.6 billion, as income receipts increased more than income payments.
- Net unilateral current transfers to foreign residents were $34.4 billion, up from $34.2 billion.
Net financial inflows were $58.4 billion in the fourth quarter, down from $68.3 billion in the third.
- U.S.-owned assets abroad increased $120.5 billion in the fourth quarter after increasing $217.2 billion in the third.
- Foreign-owned assets in the United States increased $176.0 billion in the fourth quarter after increasing $290.6 billion in the third.
To find out more about U.S. international transactions, read the full report.