March 13, 2018
Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg Trade Report
The U.S. trade deficit in goods and services increased 6.6 percent in January to $56.6 billion, the largest monthly shortfall in nearly a decade, according to trade statistics released by the Department of Commerce. Exports fell 1.2 percent to $200.9 billion while imports were virtually unchanged at $257.5 billion.
The deficit in goods trade gained 3.8 percent to $76.5 billion in January. Imports of goods slid 0.1 percent to $210.7 billion, including decreases of $1.2 billion in cell phones and other household goods, $900 million in civil aircraft, and $500 million in semiconductors along with a $2.2 billion increase in crude oil. Exports of goods fell 2.2 percent to $134.2 billion, including decreases of $1.8 billion in civil aircraft, $500 million in fuel oil, and $200 million in crude oil along with increases of $500 million in artwork, antiques, stamps, and other collectibles and $400 million in pharmaceutical preparations.
The services surplus was up 0.5 percent to $19.9 billion. Imports gained 0.4 percent to $46.8 billion and exports gained 0.5 percent to $66.7 billion.
| Country/region | Deficit | % Change | Surplus | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | $35.50 billion | +4.4 | ||
| European Union | $15.0 billion | -12.8 | ||
| Germany | $6.3 billion | +10.5 | ||
| Mexico | $5.6 billion | +8.2 | ||
| Japan | $5.6 billion | +1.8 | ||
| Italy | $2.8 billion | -24.3 | ||
| India | $1.8 billion | -14.3 | ||
| South Korea | $1.5 billion | -28.6 | ||
| Taiwan | $1.5 billion | -6.3 | ||
| Canada | $1.5 billion | +7.2 | ||
| France | $1.4 billion | -33.3 | ||
| Saudi Arabia | $0.6 billion | 0 | ||
| Hong Kong | $2.6 billion | +4.0 | ||
| South/Central America | $2.4 billion | -35.1 | ||
| Singapore | $0.9 billion | 0 | ||
| Brazil | $.5 billion | -54.5 | ||
| United Kingdom | $0.3 billion | 0 |