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US trade deficit falls in February as shortfall with China decreases 28%
CNBC ^ | 04/18/2019 | Jeff Cox

Posted on 04/18/2019 7:21:04 AM PDT by SeekAndFind

The U.S. goods and services deficit with its global trading partners fell to $49.4 billion in February, its lowest level since June 2018 and well below estimates, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday.

Economists surveyed by Dow Jones expected the U.S. trade deficit in February to increase to $53.8 billion from $51.1 billion in January.

The decline was due in large part to a 28.2 percent decrease in its goods deficit with China as exports to the nation surged. Exports to China rose $1.6 billion to $9.2 billion while imports fell $1.5 billion to $39.3 billion. That brought the total deficit with China to $30.1 billion.

The report helped boost the view of Wall Street economists on first-quarter GDP growht, which now likely will come in above 2 percent.

Overall, exports for the month rose $2.3 billion to $209.7 billion, while imports increased $600 million to $259.1 billion.

On a year-to-date basis, the goods and services deficit fell 7.6 percent, or $8.3 billion, from the same period in 2018. Exports rose $11.1 billion, or 2.7 percent, while imports increased $2.8 billion, or 0.5 percent.

The move comes amid hopes that contentious trade negotiations between the U.S. and China soon will be resolved. The U.S. last year slapped tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to institute its own duties against $110 billion worth of American imports.

(Excerpt) Read more at cnbc.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Culture/Society; Front Page News
KEYWORDS: china; tradedeficit
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1 posted on 04/18/2019 7:21:04 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
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To: SeekAndFind; bert
Here is a great article from the Americn Thinker about trade:

Trade, the Left, and Trump

2 posted on 04/18/2019 7:25:20 AM PDT by central_va (I won't be reconstructed and I do not give a damn.)
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To: SeekAndFind

Trump does what he says he will. Our nation would be so better off if we had NO career politicians. Personally, I don’t think anyone should be allowed to run for public office unless and until they have worked at least 7 years in the private sector - OR, have served 7 years in the military.


3 posted on 04/18/2019 7:26:12 AM PDT by neverevergiveup
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To: SeekAndFind

I think our supply chain from China was front-loaded for several months, expecting higher tariffs now. They were already scheduled to start

Now they have paused, temporarily.

Because a LOT was ordered ahead of time.

However, we are not selling anywhere near, what we did before this year, to China. Our EXPORTS to China are way down.

At least, they (appear) way down, thus far.

Not sure if they really are. Could be bought by some other place, for China.


4 posted on 04/18/2019 7:36:13 AM PDT by cba123 ( Toi la nguoi My. Toi bay gio o Viet Nam.)
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To: SeekAndFind

Thank you, Mr. President.


5 posted on 04/18/2019 7:41:19 AM PDT by dsc (Our system of government cannot survive one-party control of communications.)
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To: cba123

“Our EXPORTS to China are way down.”

The opposite of reality.

From the article:

“a 28.2 percent decrease in its goods deficit with China as exports to the nation surged.”

“Exports to China rose $1.6 billion”


6 posted on 04/18/2019 7:44:49 AM PDT by BeauBo
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Democrats Outraged!!!


7 posted on 04/18/2019 7:51:02 AM PDT by dsrtsage (For Leftists, World History starts every day at breakfast)
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To: BeauBo

Check the data:

https://census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c5700.html

This January exports to China: 7134.3
This February exports to China: 8433.6

Last January exports to China: 9835.3
Last February exports to China: 9806.1

Someone is incorrect here.


8 posted on 04/18/2019 7:56:05 AM PDT by cba123 ( Toi la nguoi My. Toi bay gio o Viet Nam.)
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To: cba123

“Check the data:

This January exports to China: 7134.3
This February exports to China: 8433.6”

Yes, that checks out to an 18% increase in US exports to China (Month to Month), while imports from China fell 20% - producing an overall 28% drop in the US trade deficit with China (-34,469.5 to -24,760.8).


9 posted on 04/18/2019 8:24:56 AM PDT by BeauBo
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To: cba123

As long as exports are more than or rise faster than imports...it’s good

This is about the trade imbalance that is bleeding our nation


10 posted on 04/18/2019 8:38:41 AM PDT by silverleaf (A man who kneels for the national anthem doesn't stand for much of anything)
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To: SeekAndFind

Stop waving that magic wand around, you Russia colluder, you!


11 posted on 04/18/2019 8:40:45 AM PDT by Eleutheria5 (If you are not prepared to use forceto defend civilization, then be prepared to accept barbarism.)
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To: neverevergiveup

“The decline was due in large part to a 28.2 percent decrease in its goods deficit with China as exports to the nation surged. Exports to China rose $1.6 billion to $9.2 billion while imports fell $1.5 billion to $39.3 billion. That brought the total deficit with China to $30.1 billion.”

This is huge!! And will be completely ignored by the MSM.

I’m told that the Chinese love American products - they are made MUCH better than what they produce.


12 posted on 04/18/2019 9:07:31 AM PDT by CottonBall
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To: lonevoice

Thank you, Mister President! Trump 2020!


13 posted on 04/18/2019 9:10:06 AM PDT by Pride in the USA
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To: neverevergiveup

Heinlein proposed 10 years in civil service or two tours of military service.

In the 50s.


14 posted on 04/18/2019 9:14:25 AM PDT by Spktyr (Overwhelmingly superior firepower and the willingness to use it is the only proven peace solution.)
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To: CottonBall
I’m told that the Chinese love American products - they are made MUCH better than what they produce.

Partner, yes, the Chinese citizens like American products and when they come to the U.S. they will buy the American products. This should really tell us something.

15 posted on 04/18/2019 10:00:03 AM PDT by TheConservativeTejano (God Bless Texas...)
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To: BeauBo

Thank you. At 80+ years, I can’t do that stuff in my head anymore.

You saved me from using the calculator on my Android phone.

“Check the data:

This January exports to China: 7134.3
This February exports to China: 8433.6”

Yes, that checks out to an 18% increase in US exports to China (Month to Month), while imports from China fell 20% - producing an overall 28% drop in the US trade deficit with China (-34,469.5 to -24,760.8).


16 posted on 04/18/2019 10:02:31 AM PDT by Grampa Dave ( AG Barr didnÂ’t defend the President! Barr just reported his findings! President Trump, Not Guilty)
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To: SeekAndFind

Part of the growth in exports was a higher than expected growth in aircraft exports. That might well reverse itself in coming months given Boeing’s issues withe the 737Max.


17 posted on 04/18/2019 10:38:08 AM PDT by oincobx
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To: cba123
Check the data:

https://census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c5700.html

...

Someone is incorrect here.

CNBC article must include goods and services, but provides NO link--only a statement that their source is the US Department of Commerce. I've not found a USDOC goods and services source. Has anyone on FR?

18 posted on 04/18/2019 10:53:12 AM PDT by CDB
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To: TheConservativeTejano
I’m told that the Chinese love American products - they are made MUCH better than what they produce.

When I worked in Kuwait in the '80s. I griped to the Pakistani computer operator about some crap made in America. She said, no, EVERYTHING from America was better. Her brother bought some American sneakers, claimed bragging rights, and would take every advantage to sit down and prop his feet up on a table to show them off.

19 posted on 04/18/2019 2:51:48 PM PDT by Oatka
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To: CottonBall

“I’m told that the Chinese love American products - they are made MUCH better than what they produce.”

Don’t know if it is still true but when I was in China the best selling car was a Buick. Built in Shanghai but with US foremen and supervision.


20 posted on 04/18/2019 10:02:15 PM PDT by Fai Mao (There is no rule of law in the US until The PIAPS is executed.)
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