About this Report

Publication No. 3940
Investigation No. 332-345
Date: August 2007
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This site provides analysis, data, and information resources showing competitive aspects of U.S. merchandise trade trends on a country and sector basis.

Exports, Imports and Trade Balance

 

 

Key Economic Events

  • Continued economic growth in the United States and its major trading partners contributed to increased bilateral merchandise trade flows in 2006. Strong growth in consumer spending, business structures investment, and exports supported the economic performance of the United States.
  • The rate of increase in the U.S. merchandise trade deficit slowed from 17 percent in 2005 to 7 percent in 2006, even as the deficit grew from $858.4 billion in 2005 to a record $915.6 billion in 2006.
  • Total U.S. exports increased to a record $929.5 billion, a 16 percent increase. Aircraft, spacecraft, and related equipment; motor vehicles; and petroleum products recorded the largest sector increases for a combined $33.5 billion (27 percent) of export growth, although export increases are recorded in every merchandise sector.
  • U.S. imports for all merchandise sectors increased by 11 percent to a record $1.8 trillion. The energy products, minerals and metals, and transportation equipment sectors accounted for over half of the increase. The crude petroleum, motor vehicles, and petroleum products commodity groups recorded the largest increases in 2006, accounting for a third of import growth.

Trade Shifts in 2006 from 2005

  • U.S. trade deficit: Increased $57.2 billion (7 percent) to $915.6 billion
  • U.S. exports: Increased $25.5 billion (16 percent) to $929.5 billion
  • U.S. imports: Increased $182.7 billion (11 percent) to $1.8 trillion

Sector Shifts

This part of the report examines shifts in trade for ten merchandise sectors: agriculture; chemicals and related products; electronic products; energy-related products; forest products; machinery; minerals and metals; miscellaneous manfactures; textiles, apparel, and footwear; and transportation equipment. 

Agricultural Products :: Chemicals and Related Products :: Electronic Products :: Energy and Related Products :: Forest Products :: Machinery :: Minerals and Metals :: Miscellaneous Manufactures :: Textiles, Apparel, and Footwear :: Transportation Equipment

Country Shifts

This part of the report analyzes shifts in trade between the United States and five significant trading partners. 

Canada :: China :: European Union :: India :: Mexico 

Frequently Asked Questions

General Contact

John Kitzmiller
Project Leader
Phone: 202.205.3387

Gail Burns
Assistant Project Leader
Phone: 202.205.2501

Media Contact

Peg O'Laughlin
Public Affairs Officer
Phone: 202.205.1819