U.S. trade deficit widens as virus hits exports

Agence France-Presse

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United States exports are down 4.4% to $144.5 billion, while imports fall 0.9% to $199.1 billion in May 2020

U.S. TRADE. Chinese shipping containers are stored beside a US flag after they were unloaded at the Port of Los Angeles in Long Beach, California, on May 14, 2019. File photo by Mark Ralston/AFP

WASHINGTON, USA – The coronavirus pandemic caused the United States trade deficit to widen in May as both exports and imports fell, the Commerce Department said on Thursday, July 2.

The rise in the deficit to $54.6 billion was worse than expected and came after April data showed both exports and imports dropping by a record amount, sending the trade deficit climbing to an upwardly revised $49.8 billion.

The Commerce Department put the blame for the continued drop in activity on the pandemic, which has caused countries to shut their borders and order businesses closed, at least temporarily, to stop the virus.

“The declines in exports and imports that continued in May were, in part, due to the impact of COVID-19, as many businesses were operating at limited capacity or ceased operations completely, and the movement of travelers across borders was restricted,” the department said.

Exports were down 4.4% to $144.5 billion, while imports fell 0.9% to $199.1 billion. Compared to last year, they were down 14% and 13.1%, respectively, though the overall deficit was 9.1% lower.

Oxford Economics said in a note that the latest data showed trade activity contracting 2.4% in May, and remains still more than a quarter below its peak.

“We anticipate that trade activity will stage a slow recovery in the coming months as global lockdowns ease. However, with activity still globally depressed and the US health crisis not under control, downside risks are significant,” Oxford said.

The goods deficit widened to $76.1 billion, while the services surplus ticked down to $21.5 billion.

The United States’ deficit with the European Union fell $1.6 billion to $12.7 billion in May, as both exports and imports dropped.

However the gap with China widened to $27.9 billion, caused by a rise in imports of $2.7 billion even as exports also increased $0.7 billion. – Rappler.com

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