The US Census Bureau and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, through the Department of Commerce, announced Thursday that total September exports of $188.9 billion and imports of $230.7 billion resulted in a goods and services deficit of $41.8 billion, up from $38.7 billion in August, revised.
September exports were $0.4 billion less than August exports of $189.3 billion. September imports were $2.7 billion more than August imports of $228.0 billion. In September, the goods deficit increased $3.0 billion from August to $61.3 billion, and the services surplus decreased $0.1 billion from August to $19.5 billion. Exports of goods decreased $0.2 billion to $132.1 billion, and imports of goods increased $2.8 billion to $193.4 billion. Exports of services decreased $0.2 billion to $56.8 billion, and imports of services decreased $0.1 billion to $37.3 billion. The goods and services deficit increased $0.2 billion from September 2012 to September 2013. Exports were up $2.1 billion, or 1.1 percent, and imports were up $2.3 billion, or 1.0 percent.
"Today's data shows that, while we have a lot more work to do, exports through the third quarter of 2013 keep us on track for yet another record year," said US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. "US exports are a bright spot in our economic recovery and support nearly 10 million jobs, including 1.3 million new jobs since 2009. In order to strengthen our economy, the US Department of Commerce is committed to helping more US companies increase exports, expand to new markets and compete in the global marketplace."
Since President Obama launched the National Export Initiative (NEI) in 2010, an ambitious plan to sell more American goods and services into foreign markets, the United States has seen an increase of 1.3 million export-supported jobs. The NEI is the first Presidential-led, government-wide export promotion strategy. Through the initiative's focus on improving trade promotion and advocacy, reducing barriers and enforcing trade rules, US exports have continued to grow. The US exported a record $2.2 trillion dollars last year, up more than $600 billion from 2009.