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Trade Deficit Decreased to $52.8 Billion in September

The Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported:

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today
that the goods and services deficit was $52.8 billion in September, down $6.4 billion from $59.3 billion in
August, revised.

September exports were $289.3 billion, $8.4 billion more than August exports. September imports were
$342.1 billion, $1.9 billion more than August imports.

emphasis added

U.S. Trade Exports Imports Click on graph for larger image.

Exports and imports increased in September. 

Exports were up 6% year-over-year; imports were down 4% year-over-year.

Imports increased sharply earlier this year as importers rushed to beat tariffs.  

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

U.S. Trade Deficit 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.

Note that net, exports of petroleum products are positive and have been increasing.

The trade deficit with China decreased to $15.0 billion from $31.8 billion a year ago.