October exports were $6.8 billion less than September exports of $187.3 billion. October imports were $4.9 billion less than September imports of $227.6 billion.
In October, the goods deficit increased $1.8 billion from September to $59.2 billion, and the services surplus decreased $0.1 billion from September to $16.9 billion. Exports of goods decreased $6.5 billion to $127.5 billion, and imports of goods decreased $4.6 billion to $186.6 billion. Exports of services decreased $0.3 billion to $53.0 billion, and imports of services decreased $0.2 billion to $36.1 billion.
The goods and services deficit decreased $3.5 billion from October 2011 to October 2012. Exports were up $1.8 billion, or 1.0 percent, and imports were down $1.7 billion, or 0.8 percent.
The September to October decrease in exports of goods reflected decreases in industrial supplies and materials ($2.9 billion); capital goods ($1.9 billion); foods, feeds, and beverages ($1.4 billion); automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($0.4 billion); and consumer goods ($0.1 billion). An increase occurred in other goods ($0.2 billion).
The September to October decrease in imports of goods reflected decreases in consumer goods ($3.6 billion); automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($0.5 billion); foods, feeds, and beverages ($0.4 billion); capital goods ($0.4 billion); and other goods ($0.3 billion). An increase occurred in industrial supplies and materials ($0.4 billion).