Research >> Economics
3Q2018 Current Account Deficit Increased
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The U.S. current-account deficit increased to $124.8 billion (preliminary) in the third quarter of 2018 from $101.2 billion (revised) in the second quarter of 2018, according to statistics released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The deficit was 2.4 percent of current-dollar gross domestic product (GDP) in the third quarter, up from 2.0 percent in the second quarter.
Exports of goods and services and income receipts
Exports of goods and services and income receipts decreased $6.2 billion in the third quarter to $930.3 billion.
- Goods exports decreased $7.7 billion to $421.8 billion, mostly reflecting a decrease in foods, feeds, and beverages, primarily soybeans.
- Primary income receipts decreased $1.8 billion to $264.5 billion, primarily reflecting a decrease in direct investment income. An increase in portfolio investment income partly offset the decrease. For more information on direct investment income, see the box “Effects of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on Components of the International Transactions Accounts.”
- Services exports increased $1.8 billion to $207.6 billion, mostly reflecting increases in charges for the use of intellectual property, in financial services, and in other business services, primarily professional and management services.
Imports of goods and services and income payments
Imports of goods and services and income payments increased $17.4 billion in the third quarter to $1,055.1 billion.
- Goods imports increased $16.3 billion to $648.8 billion, mostly reflecting increases in consumer goods, primarily cell phones, in industrial supplies and materials, primarily petroleum and products, and in automotive vehicles, parts, and engines.
Posted: December 19, 2018 Wednesday 08:30 AM