US trade deficit widens as in May virus hits exports: govt

WASHINGTON: The coronavirus pandemic caused the US trade deficit to widen in May as both exports and imports fell, the Commerce Department said Thursday.

The rise in the deficit to $54.6 billion was worse than expected and came after April data showed both exports and imports dropping by a record amount, sending the trade deficit climbing to an upwardly revised $49.8 billion.

The Commerce Department put the blame for the continued drop in activity on the pandemic, which has caused countries to shut their borders and order businesses closed, at least temporarily, to stop the virus.

"The declines in exports and imports that continued in May were, in part, due to the impact of COVID-19, as many businesses were operating at limited capacity or ceased operations completely, and the movement of travelers across borders was restricted," the department said.

Exports were down 4.4 percent to $144.5 billion, while imports fell 0.9 percent to $199.1 billion. Compared to last year, they were down 14 percent and 13.1 percent, respectively, though the overall deficit was 9.1 percent lower.

Oxford Economics said in a note that the latest data showed trade activity contracting 2.4 percent in May, and remains still more than a quarter below its peak.

"We anticipate that trade activity will stage a slow recovery in the coming months as global lockdowns ease. However, with activity still globally depressed and the US health crisis not under control, downside risks are significant," Oxford said.

The goods deficit widened to $76.1 billion, while the services surplus ticked down to $21.5 billion.

The United States's deficit with the European Union fell $1.6 billion to $12.7 billion in May, as both exports and imports dropped.

However the gap with China widened to $27.9 billion, caused by a rise in imports of $2.7 billion even as exports also increased $0.7 billion.