The U.S. monthly international trade deficit increased in November 2017 according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau. The deficit increased from $48.9 billion in October (revised) to $50.5 billion in November, as imports increased more than exports. The previously published October deficit was $48.7 billion. The goods deficit increased $1.7 billion in November to $70.9 billion. The services surplus increased $0.1 billion in November to $20.4 billion.
Exports
Exports of goods and services increased $4.4 billion, or 2.3 percent, in November to $200.2 billion.Exports of goods increased $4.4 billion and exports of services increased $0.1 billion.
- The increase in exports of goods mostly reflected increases in capital goods ($2.5 billion), in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($ 1.0 billion), and in consumer goods ($0.7 billion).
- The increase in exports of services mostly reflected increases in other business services ($0.1 billion), which includes research and development services; professional and management services; and technical, trade-related, and other services, and in financial services ($0.1 billion). A decrease in maintenance and repair services ($0.1 billion) partly offset the increases.
Imports
Imports of goods and services increased $6.0 billion, or 2.5 percent, in November to $250.7 billion. Imports of goods increased $6.0 billion and imports of services decreased less than $0.1 billion.
- The increase in imports of goods mostly reflected increases in consumer goods ($2.4 billion), in industrial supplies and materials ($2.2 billion), and in capital goods ($1.6 billion).
- The decrease in imports of services mostly reflected a decrease in transport ($0.2 billion). Increases in travel (for all purposes including education) ($0.1 billion) and in charges for the use of intellectual property ($0.1 billion) partly offset the decrease.
For more information, read the full report.