December 2013 International Trade (General)

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Total December exports of $191.3 billion and imports of $230.0 billion resulted in a goods and services deficit of $38.7 billion, up from $34.6 billion in November. December exports were $3.5 billion less than November exports of $194.8 billion. December imports were $0.6 billion more than November imports of $229.4 billion.

In December, the goods deficit increased $4.6 billion from November to $58.8 billion, and the services surplus increased $0.4 billion from November to $20.1 billion. Exports of goods decreased $4.3 billion to $132.8 billion, and imports of goods increased $0.3 billion to $191.6 billion. Exports of services increased $0.8 billion to $58.5 billion, and imports of services increased $0.3 billion to $38.4 billion.

The goods and services deficit increased $0.4 billion from December 2012 to December 2013. Exports were up $2.6 billion, or 1.4 percent, and imports were up $3.0 billion, or 1.3 percent.

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On a global scale, data compiled by the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis showed that world trade volume increased by 0.2 percent in November while prices fell by 1.2 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.