Higher U.S. imports of goods from China and Europe widen deficit

Higher U.S. imports of goods from China and Europe widen deficit    Increases in U.S. imports of goods from China and Europe contributed to a widening of the U.S. trade deficit in goods to $46.5 billion in September from $44.7 billion in August, according to the latest statistics of the U.S. Census Bureau.
   The value of goods exported by the U.S. rose by $1.2 billion, to $59.8 billion in September, from $57.7 billion in August. However, imports of goods increased by $3.9 billion over the same period, to $106.3 billion in September, from $102.4 billion in the previous month.
   The Census Bureau reported that the goods deficit with China increased to $12.7 billion in September, from $11.7 billion in August . Imports from China increased by $1.1 billion (primarily toys, games, sporting goods, computers, televisions, video tape recorders and other household goods) to $14.8 billion. Exports to China increased by about $100 million (primarily civilian aircraft) to $2.1 billion.
   The goods deficit with the European Union also widened, to $8.1 billion in September from $6.6 billion in August. Imports from the EU increased by $1.5 billion (primarily passenger cars, pharmaceutical preparations, civilian aircraft and gem diamonds) to $19.9 billion. Exports to Europe were virtually unchanged at $11.8 billion.
   Exports to Japan decreased by $100 million to $4.2 billion in September, while imports increased by $200 million to $9.3 billion.