June 2014 International Trade (General)

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Total June exports of $195.9 billion and imports of $237.4 billion resulted in a goods and services deficit of $41.5 billion, down from $44.7 billion in May, revised. June exports were $0.3 billion more than May exports of $195.6 billion. June imports were $2.9 billion less than May imports of $240.3 billion.

In June, the goods deficit decreased $3.0 billion from May to $60.3 billion, and the services surplus increased $0.1 billion from May to $18.7 billion. Exports of goods increased $0.1 billion to $136.9 billion, and imports of goods decreased $2.9 billion to $197.2 billion. Exports of services increased $0.1 billion to $59.0 billion, and imports of services were virtually unchanged at $40.2 billion.

The goods and services deficit increased $5.0 billion from June 2013 to June 2014. Exports were up $5.5 billion, or 2.9 percent, and imports were up $10.5 billion, or 4.6 percent. 

Alarmingly, if petroleum exports are excluded, the U.S. trade deficit hit nearly $47 billion in June, just shy of May’s $49 billion -- the highest real ex-oil trade deficit ever recorded.

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On a global scale, data compiled by the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis showed that world trade volume decreased by 0.6 percent in May while prices fell by 0.3 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.