The U.S. monthly international trade deficit decreased in October 2013 according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau. The deficit decreased from $43.0 billion in September (revised) to $40.6 billion in October as exports increased more than imports. The previously published September deficit was $41.8 billion. The goods deficit decreased $2.2 billion from September to $60.2 billion in October; the services surplus increased $0.1 billion from September to $19.6 billion in October.
Exports
Exports of goods and services increased $3.4 billion in October to $192.7 billion, mostly reflecting an increase in exports of goods. Exports of services also increased.
- The increase in exports of goods mostly reflected increases in industrial supplies and materials, in consumer goods, and in foods, feeds, and beverages.
- The increase in exports of services mostly reflected increases in other private services, which includes items such as business, professional, and technical services, insurance services, and financial services, in travel, and in passenger fares.
Imports
Imports of goods and services increased $1.0 billion in October to $233.3 billion, mostly reflecting an increase in imports of goods. Imports of services also increased.
- The increase in imports of goods mostly reflected increases in industrial supplies and materials, in consumer goods, and in other goods that were partly offset by a decrease in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines.
- The increase in imports of services mostly reflected increases in passenger fares and in travel.
Goods by geographic area (not seasonally adjusted)
- The goods deficit with the European Union increased from $8.0 billion in September to $14.3 billion in October. Exports increased $0.3 billion to $23.1 billion and imports increased $6.6 billion to $37.4 billion.
- The goods deficit with China decreased from $30.5 billion in September to $28.9 billion in October. Exports increased $3.5 billion to $13.1 billion and imports increased $1.9 billion to $41.9 billion.
- The goods deficit with Mexico decreased from $5.3 billion in September to $4.1 billion in October. Exports increased $3.2 billion to $21.2 billion and imports increased $2.0 billion to $25.3 billion.
To learn more about U.S. international trade in goods and services, read the full report.