September 2015 International Trade (General)

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The goods and services deficit was $40.8 billion in September, down $7.2 billion from $48.0 billion in August. September exports were $187.9 billion, $3.0 billion more than August exports. September imports were $228.7 billion, $4.2 billion less than August imports.

The September decrease in the goods and services deficit reflected a decrease in the goods deficit of $7.3 billion to $60.3 billion and a decrease in the services surplus of $0.1 billion to $19.5 billion.

Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit increased $14.9 billion (+3.9%) from the same period in 2014. Exports decreased $66.3 billion (-3.8%). Imports decreased $51.3 billion (-2.4%).

The September figures show surpluses, in billions of dollars, with South and Central America ($3.6), OPEC ($1.7), Brazil ($0.2), and Saudi Arabia ($0.2). Deficits were recorded, in billions of dollars, with China ($30.7), European Union ($13.1), Germany ($5.7), Japan ($5.5), Mexico ($5.4), Italy ($2.3), India ($2.0), South Korea ($1.8), Canada ($1.7), France ($1.3), and United Kingdom ($1.2).

* The deficit with China decreased $2.2 billion to $30.7 billion in September. Exports increased $0.4 billion to $10.2 billion and imports decreased $1.8 billion to $41.0 billion.

* The deficit with the European Union decreased $1.4 billion to $13.1 billion in September. Exports increased $1.1 billion to $22.7 billion and imports decreased $0.3 billion to $35.9 billion. 

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On a global scale, data compiled by the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis showed that world trade volume contracted by 0.5% in August (+0.(% year-over-year) while prices fell by 0.9% (-13.5% YoY).

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.