Trade Balance figures released

The Trade Balance is the difference between imported and exported goods and services during the reported month.  Export demand impacts production and prices at US manufacturers and can be used as an indicator of health of the economy.  Decreasing exports indicate demand for our products/services is slowing.  Figures are released by the BEA or Bureau of Economic Analysis.  In June exports were at $150.5 billion and imports were at $200.3 billion, leaving a trade imbalance of -49.9 billion.  This exceeded expectations as forecasts sat at -42.0 billion.