United States: trade deficit plunges in September

Containers and cranes in the port of Los Angeles, California, October 13, 2021. Robyn Beck AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

This is the fourth time in five months that the US deficit has widened.

In September, it reached almost $ 81 billion, an increase of 11.2%, from the previous month.

Deficit with the rest of the world due in particular to the fall in exports.

Advertising

Read more

The US trade deficit widened more than expected in September to an all-time high.

In September, the United States exported less due to the pandemic which resumed around the world with the spread of the Delta variant, while demand from American consumers held up rather well.

With imports worth $ 288.5 billion and exports of $ 207.6 billion, the US trade deficit currently stands at $ 80.9 billion, while analysts forecast a good deficit. lower ($ 74.8 billion).

Cumulated over the first nine months of the year, the deficit plunges by a third compared to the same period of 2020. A year however marked by a historic recession.

The deficit continues to widen, particularly with China, the European Union and Mexico, among the main partners of the United States. 

In detail, the world's largest economy exported much less crude oil and petroleum products, or even precious metals.

Exports of semiconductors, computer accessories and aircraft engines are also down.

In contrast, the United States imported more capital goods, computers, electrical appliances or mobile phones. 

Persistence of logistical problems 

For specialists, trade has resumed.

It is even more dynamic than before the pandemic.

However, supply chain disruptions and shortages continue to weigh on trade.

These blockages stem from the unprecedented situation created by the pandemic: a strong rebound in demand, but factories that are not yet operating at full capacity and overdue deliveries due to outbreaks of infections and difficulties in recruiting workers. who fear to be infected in their turn.

►

Newsletter

Receive all international news directly in your mailbox

I subscribe

Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application

google-play-badge_FR

• United States

• Trade and Trade

• Economy