U.S. exports decline slightly in October

The Commerce Department reported Friday that U.S. exports of goods and services fell in October to $184.1 billion from $186.8 billion in September.    U.S. exports of goods and services fell in October to $184.1 billion from $186.8 billion in September, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. 
   Commerce said Friday services exports, however, increased for the sixth consecutive month to reach $60.3 billion in October. This increase was specifically led by rising exports of transport and financial services. Services exports are up $5.7 billion year-to-date.
   The Obama administration is pressing the benefits of the Trans-Pacific Partnership as a way to further boost U.S. exports of goods and services. 
   “Implementing trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership is critical in ensuring that U.S. businesses can compete on a level playing field in some of the world’s fastest-growing markets,” said Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade Stefan M. Selig in a statement.
   Combined, the current 12 TPP members represent nearly 40 percent of the global GDP.