US Exports Rise on Higher Industrial Goods Shipments

US exports increased $4.5 billion to $315.2 billion in August 2026, driven by a $6.3 billion rise in industrial supplies and materials, mainly nonmonetary gold and crude oil. Capital goods exports also increased by $1.3 billion, led by semiconductors and computers. These gains were partly offset by a $2.4 billion decline in pharmaceutical exports. Services exports were broadly unchanged, as higher charges for the use of intellectual property and other business services offset declines in travel and financial services.

Exports from the US declined 2.1% month-over-month to $310.7 billion in July 2026, marking a third consecutive monthly fall and the lowest value since January. Sales declined for crude oil (-$4.5 billion), nonmonetary gold (-$3.9 billion), travel services (-$0.6 billion), financial services (-$0.3 billion) and transport services (-$0.2 billion). On the other hand, shipments increased for capital goods ($1.9 billion) and pharmaceutical preparations ($1 billion). Exports went mostly to the EU ($36.5 billion), Mexico ($32.6 billion) and Canada ($29.25 billion). Sales to China amounted to $10.3 billion.

US exports fell 0.9% to a four-month low of $314.7 billion in June 2026, as weaker goods shipments outweighed continued strength in services exports. Goods exports declined by $4 billion to $206.9 billion, with the largest drag coming from industrial supplies and materials. Crude oil exports dropped by $5.7 billion, while fuel oil shipments fell $1.6 billion, reflecting lower oil prices and reduced export volumes. Those declines were partly offset by a $3.4 billion increase in nonmonetary gold exports. Elsewhere, capital goods exports slipped by $0.6 billion, led by a $1.1 billion fall in computer shipments, while other goods exports decreased by $0.8 billion. In contrast, services exports rose $1.1 billion to $107.8 billion, supported by stronger financial services and travel receipts. Spending by international visitors increased for a second straight month as the FIFA World Cup boosted tourism, lifting US travel exports by 2.4% to their highest level since the beginning of 2025.