The result is better compared to the expectations of experts from the Reuters survey, who forecast a deficit of $56.2 billion.
The value of American exports in April increased by 2.6 percent, or by 8.3 billion dollars, to a record 327.1 billion dollars.
Growth was led by shipments of capital goods, which increased by four billion dollars thanks to higher exports of computers and civil aircraft, reports Reuters.
A significant contribution was also made by industrial products, whose exports increased by 2.5 billion dollars, primarily due to higher sales of crude oil and oil derivatives due to the rise in energy prices caused by tensions in the Middle East.
Exports of consumer goods increased by $1.7 billion, while exports of services decreased by $400 million due to weaker results in the travel, transportation and maintenance services sectors.
American imports in April increased by two percent, or by 7.6 billion dollars, to 383 billion dollars, which is the highest level in the last year.
The growth in imports is almost entirely the result of higher purchases of capital goods, which increased by seven billion dollars, primarily due to higher imports of computers, semiconductors and telecommunications equipment, according to BEA on its website.
Imports of services rose by $1.3 billion, thanks to higher demand for transport, tourism and insurance services.
(Vijesti.ba)
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