December 2016 International Trade (General)

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The goods and services deficit was $44.3 billion in December, down $1.5 billion from $45.7 billion in November. December exports were $190.7 billion, $5.0 billion more than November exports. December imports were $235.0 billion, $3.6 billion more than November imports.

The December decrease in the goods and services deficit reflected a decrease in the goods deficit of $1.2 billion to $65.7 billion and an increase in the services surplus of $0.3 billion to $21.4 billion.

For 2016, the goods and services deficit increased $1.9 billion, or 0.4%, from 2015. Exports decreased $51.7 billion or 2.3%. Imports decreased $49.9 billion or 1.8%.

Goods by Selected Countries and Areas

The December figures show surpluses, in billions of dollars, with Hong Kong ($2.1), South and Central America ($1.0), Singapore ($0.9), Saudi Arabia ($0.4), and Brazil ($0.2). Deficits were recorded, in billions of dollars, with China ($30.2), European Union ($12.9), Japan ($6.8), Germany ($5.2), Mexico ($4.6), Italy ($2.8), India ($2.0), South Korea ($1.8), Canada ($1.5), Taiwan ($1.0), OPEC ($1.0), France ($0.7), and United Kingdom ($0.2).

* The deficit with Canada decreased $1.7 billion to $1.5 billion in December. Exports increased $1.0 billion to $22.4 billion and imports decreased $0.7 billion to $23.8 billion.

* The deficit with Mexico decreased $1.2 billion to $4.6 billion in December. Exports increased $1.6 billion to $20.7 billion and imports increased $0.5 billion to $25.2 billion. 

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On a global scale, data compiled by the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis showed that world trade volume expanded by 2.8% in October (+2.7% year-over-year) while prices fell by 0.7% (-0.4% YoY). October’s price index was 21.8% below the August 2011 peak; price index changes are almost perfectly (but inversely) 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.