The U.S. current-account deficit—the combined balances on trade in goods and services, income, and net unilateral current transfers—decreased to $107.5 billion (preliminary) in the third quarter of 2012 from $118.1 billion (revised) in the second quarter of 2012. As a percentage of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), the deficit decreased to 2.7 percent from 3.0 percent. The previously published current-account deficit for the second quarter was $117.4 billion.
- The deficit on international trade in goods decreased to $173.9 billion from $185.7 billion, as goods imports decreased more than goods exports.
- The surplus on international trade in services increased to $49.4 billion from $48.3 billion, as services receipts increased more than services payments.
- The surplus on income decreased to $50.8 billion from $52.1 billion, as income payments increased more than income receipts.
- Net unilateral current transfers to foreign residents were $33.8 billion, up from $32.7 billion.
Net financial inflows were $45.8 billion in the third quarter, down from $105.0 billion in the second.
- U.S.-owned assets abroad increased $229.8 billion in the third quarter after decreasing $248.2 billion in the second.
- Foreign-owned assets in the United States increased $282.0 billion in the third quarter after decreasing $143.6 billion in the second.
To find out more about U.S. international transactions, read the full report.
