March 2013 International Trade (General)

Click image for larger view

March exports of $184.3 billion and imports of $223.1 billion resulted in a goods and services deficit of $38.8 billion, down from $43.6 billion in February, revised. March exports were $1.7 billion less than February exports of $186.0 billion. March imports were $6.5 billion less than February imports of $229.6 billion.

As ZeroHedge put it, the March trade deficit was “far below the expected number of $42.3 billion. This was driven, however, not by a jump in exports or economic strength…, but due to a plunge in imports (typically confirming economic weakness) mostly of consumer and capital goods as the U.S. economy slowed substantially in March.”

Broken down by geographic sector, the biggest drop from February occurred with Chinese imports, where the deficit plunged from $23.4 billion to $17.9 billion. Net imports from the EU rose modestly from $8.8 billion to $9.9 billion. 

Click image for larger view

On a global scale, data compiled by the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis showed that world trade volume decreased by 0.7 percent in February while prices rose by 0.1 percent.

The foregoing comments represent the general economic views and analysis of Delphi Advisors, and are provided solely for the purpose of information, instruction and discourse. They do not constitute a solicitation or recommendation regarding any investment.