The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, through the Department of Commerce, announced today that the goods and services deficit was $42.4 billion in August, down $1.2 billion from $43.6 billion in July, revised. August exports were $195.3 billion, $0.8 billion more than July exports. August imports were $237.7 billion, $0.4 billion less than July imports. The August decrease in the goods and services deficit reflected a decrease in the goods deficit of $0.9 billion to $64.4 billion and an increase in the services surplus of $0.3 billion to $22.0 billion. Year-to-date, the goods and services ... (full story)

The U.S. trade deficit fell in August as exports of goods and services rose to the highest level in more than 2-1/2 years, suggesting trade could help to soften the blow on the economy from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The Commerce Department said on Thursday that the trade gap declined 2.7 percent to $42.4 billion. July’s trade deficit was revised slightly down to $43.6 billion from the previously reported $43.7 billion. The department said the effects of Harvey and Irma along with Hurricane Maria would be “embedded in source data” for trade, and the impact of the hurricanes will likely be “reflected in subsequent ... (full story)