WASHINGTON — December trade balance was reported at a $38.7 billion deficit, worse than expected and worse than the Commerce Department assumed in the Q4 GDP report.
December exports posted a $3.5 billion decline as they came off November records. Civilian aircraft was down $609 million and cars fell$769 million. U.S. petroleum exports were the highest on record, illustrating continued movement to energy independence.
Imports posted a $600 million increase. Oil was up $217 million and art and antiques rose $491 million. The lower price for crude oil appeared to have boosted the amounts imported. December imports of consumer goods were a new high.
Unadjusted trade balances by country showed China at a $24.5 billion deficit after a $26.9 billion deficit in November, Japan at a $6 billion deficit after a $5.8 billion deficit, and OPEC at a $4 billion deficit after a $4.8 billion deficit.
For all 2013, the trade balance was a $471.5 billion deficit after a $703.2 billion deficit in 2012 and best showing since 2009.
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