Higher U.S. imports of goods from China and Europe widen deficit
Increases in U.S. imports of goods from China and Europe contributed to a widening of the U.S. trade deficit in goods to $46.5 billion in September from $44.7 billion in August, according to the latest statistics of the U.S. Census Bureau.
The value of goods exported by the U.S. rose by $1.2 billion, to $59.8 billion in September, from $57.7 billion in August. However, imports of goods increased by $3.9 billion over the same period, to $106.3 billion in September, from $102.4 billion in the previous month.
The Census Bureau reported that the goods deficit with China increased to $12.7 billion in September, from $11.7 billion in August . Imports from China increased by $1.1 billion (primarily toys, games, sporting goods, computers, televisions, video tape recorders and other household goods) to $14.8 billion. Exports to China increased by about $100 million (primarily civilian aircraft) to $2.1 billion.
The goods deficit with the European Union also widened, to $8.1 billion in September from $6.6 billion in August. Imports from the EU increased by $1.5 billion (primarily passenger cars, pharmaceutical preparations, civilian aircraft and gem diamonds) to $19.9 billion. Exports to Europe were virtually unchanged at $11.8 billion.
Exports to Japan decreased by $100 million to $4.2 billion in September, while imports increased by $200 million to $9.3 billion.