Trade Deficit Widens on Falling Exports in Q3

Washington, DC, December 17, 2015—The U.S. current-account deficit increased to $124.1 billion (preliminary) in the third quarter of 2015 from $111.1 billion (revised) in the second quarter, according to the Commerce Department.

The deficit increased to 2.7% of current-dollar gross domestic product (GDP) from 2.5% in the second quarter.

The increase in the current-account deficit was largely accounted for by a decrease in the surplus on primary income and an increase in the deficit on secondary income.

The deficit on goods and services increased to $133.7 billion in the third quarter from

$133.1 billion in the second quarter.

The deficit on goods increased to $190.0 billion in the third quarter from $189.2

billion in the second quarter.

Goods exports decreased to $379.9 billion from $384.7 billion.

Goods imports decreased to $569.9 billion from $573.9 billion.