Trade Deficit Widened in December as Exports Fell

Washington, DC, February 5, 2016— The goods and services deficit was $43.4 billion in December, up $1.1 billion from $42.2 billion in November, revised, the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, through the Department of Commerce, announced.

December exports were $181.5 billion, $0.5 billion less than November exports. December imports were $224.9 billion, up $0.6 billion from November.

The December increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $1.3 billion to $62.5 billion and an increase in the services surplus of $0.1 billion to $19.2 billion.

For 2015, the goods and services deficit was $531.5 billion, up $23.2 billion or 4.6% from 2014. Exports were $2,230.3 billion, down $112.9 billion or 4.8%. Imports were $2,761.8 billion, down $89.7 billion or 3.1%.