Washington (awp / dpa) – The United States’ trade deficit started to rise again in May after falling sharply in April, with goods imports rising, especially from European Union member countries, announced the Commerce Department on Friday.
The deficit stood at $ 71.2 billion, slightly less than expected ($ 71.4 billion), rising 3.1% from the previous month.
Imports rose 1.3% to $ 277.3 billion and exports 0.6% to $ 206 billion.
The United States’ trade deficit hit record highs in February and then in March, before easing a little in April, the month for which the Commerce Department revised the data up, to 69.1 billion against 68.9 billion previously announced.
In May, Americans were more fond of food products. Imports of industrial products such as petroleum and timber have also increased.
On the other hand, those of computers and telecommunications equipment fell.
On the export side, the United States sold more consumer goods such as pharmaceuticals and more food products abroad.
At the same time, the country exported fewer cars and civilian planes.
For goods only and by geographic area, the deficit fell by nearly 16% with China and 22% with Mexico.
On the other hand, it widened with the EU by 15% and with Canada by 58%.
afp/rp
–
