by Calculated Risk on 11/02/2018 11:51:00 AM

Earlier from the Department of Commerce reported:

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $54.0 billion in September, up $0.7 billion from $53.3 billion in August, revised.

September exports were $212.6 billion, $3.1 billion more than August exports. September imports were $266.6 billion, $3.8 billion more than August imports.

Click on graph for larger image.

Exports and imports increased in September.

Exports are 29% above the pre-recession peak and up 7% compared to September 2017; imports are 15% above the pre-recession peak, and up 10% compared to September 2017.

In general, trade has been picking up.

The second graph shows the U.S. trade deficit, with and without petroleum.

The blue line is the total deficit, and the black line is the petroleum deficit, and the red line is the trade deficit ex-petroleum products.

Oil imports averaged $61.35 in September, down from $62.63 in August, and up from $45.13 in September 2017.

The trade deficit with China increased to $40.2 billion in September, from $34.50 billion in September 2017.