June 6, 2024

The U.S. goods and services trade deficit increased from $68.6 billion in March (revised) to $74.6 billion in April, as imports increased more than exports. The goods deficit increased $5.9 billion to $99.2 billion, and the services surplus decreased $0.1 billion to $24.7 billion. 

Monthly Goods and Services Trade Deficit June6

Exports of goods and services increased $2.1 billion, or 0.8 percent, in April to $263.7 billion. Exports of goods increased $2.2 billion, and exports of services decreased $0.2 billion.

  • The increase in exports of goods reflected increases in capital goods ($1.9 billion) and in consumer goods ($1.2 billion). A decrease in industrial supplies and materials ($1.1 billion) partly offset the increases.
     
  • The decrease in exports of services reflected decreases in travel ($0.3 billion) and in financial services ($0.2 billion). An increase in other business services ($0.2 billion) partly offset the decreases. 

Imports of goods and services increased $8.0 billion, or 2.4 percent, in April to $338.2 billion. Imports of goods increased $8.1 billion, and imports of services decreased $0.1 billion.

  • The increase in imports of goods reflected increases in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($3.9 billion), in capital goods ($2.4 billion), and in industrial supplies and materials ($1.3 billion).
     
  • The decrease in imports of services reflected a decrease in transport ($0.5 billion). Increases in insurance services ($0.1 billion), in financial services ($0.1 billion), in other business services ($0.1 billion), and in charges for the use of intellectual property ($0.1 billion) partly offset the decrease.

Real, or inflation-adjusted, statistics are also available for trade in goods (Census basis). The real goods deficit increased 5.3 percent in April, compared to a 6.2 percent increase in the nominal deficit. Real exports of goods increased 0.5 percent, compared to a 1.3 percent increase in nominal exports. Real imports of goods increased 2.4 percent, compared to a 3.1 percent increase in nominal imports. 

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