The U.S. monthly international trade deficit decreased in April 2019 according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau. The deficit decreased from $51.9 billion in March (revised) to $50.8 billion in April, as imports decreased more than exports. The previously published March deficit was $50.0 billion. The goods deficit decreased $1.0 billion in April to $71.7 billion. The services surplus increased $0.1 billion in April to $20.9 billion.
Exports
Exports of goods and services decreased $4.6 billion, or 2.2 percent, in April to $206.8 billion. Exports of goods decreased $4.4 billion and exports of services decreased $0.2 billion.
- The decrease in exports of goods mostly reflected decreases in capital goods ($2.7 billion), in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($0.8 billion), and in consumer goods ($0.6 billion).
- The decrease in exports of services mostly reflected decreases in travel (for all purposes including education) ($0.1 billion) and in maintenance and repair services ($0.1 billion).
Imports
Imports of goods and services decreased $5.7 billion, or 2.2 percent, in April to $257.6 billion. Imports of goods decreased $5.4 billion and imports of services decreased $0.3 billion.
- The decrease in imports of goods mostly reflected decreases in capital goods ($1.7 billion), in consumer goods ($1.1 billion), in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($1.0 billion), in other goods ($0.8 billion), and in industrial supplies and materials ($0.6 billion).
- The decrease in imports of services mostly reflected a decrease in transport ($0.3 billion).
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