The U.S. monthly international trade deficit decreased in September 2019 according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau. The deficit decreased from $55.0 billion in August (revised) to $52.5 billion in September, as imports decreased more than exports. The previously published August deficit was $54.9 billion. The goods deficit decreased $2.7 billion in September to $71.7 billion. The services surplus decreased $0.1 billion in September to $19.3 billion.
Exports
Exports of goods and services decreased $1.8 billion, or 0.9 percent, in September to $206.0 billion. Exports of goods decreased $1.8 billion and exports of services decreased $0.1 billion.
- The decrease in exports of goods mostly reflected decreases in foods, feeds, and beverages ($1.5 billion) and in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($1.0 billion). An increase in capital goods ($0.8 billion) partly offset the decreases.
- The decrease in exports of services mostly reflected a decrease in travel ($0.1 billion).
Imports
Imports of goods and services decreased $4.4 billion, or 1.7 percent, in September to $258.4 billion. Imports of goods decreased $4.5 billion and imports of services increased $0.1 billion.
- The decrease in imports of goods mostly reflected decreases in consumer goods ($2.5 billion), in capital goods ($1.1 billion), and in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($1.1 billion).
- The increase in imports of services reflected small (less than $50 million) changes in all major service categories.
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