The U.S. trade deficit narrowed by more than expected at the start of the year ahead of broader supply-chain disruptions from the coronavirus that have since hit businesses dependent on shipments from China.
The overall U.S. deficit in goods and services trade shrank to $45.3 billion in January, from $48.6 billion in the prior month, according to data released Friday by the Commerce Department. The median estimate of economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for a gap of $46.1 billion. The U.S. typically runs a deficit in merchandise trade and a surplus in services.
The report offers insight into the early impact of the phase one trade deal between the U.S. and China in mid-January, while largely preceding the hit from the coronavirus that curtailed activity in China.
Overall imports fell 1.6% to $253.9 billion, led by drops in nonmonetary gold, autos and capital goods.
Exports dropped 0.4% to $208.6 billion, with declines in civilian aircraft and oil.