June 2016 International Trade (General)

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The goods and services deficit was $44.5 billion in June, up $3.6 billion from $41.0 billion in May, revised.  June exports were $183.2 billion, $0.6 billion more than May exports. June imports were $227.7 billion, $4.2 billion more than May imports.

The June increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $3.8 billion to $66.0 billion and an increase in the services surplus of $0.3 billion to $21.5 billion.

Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit decreased $5.8 billion, or 2.3 percent, from the same period in 2015. Exports decreased $54.2 billion or 4.7 percent. Imports decreased $60.0 billion or 4.3 percent.

Goods by Selected Countries and Areas: Monthly

The June figures show surpluses, in billions of dollars, with Hong Kong ($2.6), South and Central America ($2.3), Singapore ($0.4), and Brazil ($0.4). Deficits were recorded, in billions of dollars, with China ($28.0), European Union ($12.7), Japan ($6.0), Germany ($5.6), Mexico ($4.7), South Korea ($2.5),  Italy ($2.3), India ($2.0), France ($1.6), OPEC ($1.2), Taiwan ($1.1), Canada ($0.6), Saudi Arabia ($0.5), and United Kingdom ($0.2).

* The deficit with Japan increased $1.0 billion to $6.0 billion in June. Exports decreased $0.4 billion to $5.0 billion and imports increased $0.6 billion to $11.0 billion.

* The deficit with the European Union increased $0.8 billion to $12.7 billion in June. Exports increased $0.9 billion to $22.9 billion and imports increased $1.7 billion to $35.6 billion.

* The deficit with Mexico decreased $0.8 billion to $4.7 billion in June. Exports increased $0.3 billion to $19.0 billion and imports decreased $0.5 billion to $23.7 billion. 

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On a global scale, data compiled by the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis showed that world trade volume decreased 0.4% in May (+0.8% year-over-year) while prices declined by less than 0.1% (-6.8% YoY). May’s price index was 22.1% below the August 2011 peak; price index changes are almost perfectly correlated with changes in the value of the U.S. dollar.

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.