The U.S. international trade deficit narrowed in September to $40.8 billion, down $7.2 billion from August. The decrease in the deficit reflected an increase in exports and a decrease in imports. September exports were $187.9 billion, up $3.0 billion on the month, while imports fell $4.2 billion to $228.7 billion.
The goods deficit fell $7.3 billion to $60.3 billion, while the surplus in services was essentially flat at $19.5 billion. The petroleum deficit fell $1.3 billion to $5.6 billion.
Exports of goods increased $2.9 billion to $127.3 billion, driven by increases in consumer and capital goods. Exports of services increased $0.1 billion to $60.6 billion, largely related to the travel sector and business services.
Imports of goods fell $4.4 billion to $187.6 billion, as imports of industrial supplies and materials, along with capital goods fell $1.6 billion and $1.0 billion respectively. Imports of services increased $0.1 billion to $41.1 billion, almost entirely due to travel.
Read the Census/BEA release.