October exports were $4.9 billion more than September exports of $153.8 billion.
October imports were $0.9 billion less than September imports of $198.4 billion.
In October, the goods deficit decreased $5.7 billion from September to $51.4 billion, and the services surplus increased $0.2 billion to $12.7 billion.
Exports of goods increased $4.5 billion to $112.3 billion, and imports of goods decreased $1.2 billion to $163.7 billion. Exports of services increased $0.4 billion to $46.4 billion, and imports of services increased $0.2 billion to $33.7 billion.
The goods and services deficit increased $6.4 billion from October 2009 to October 2010. Exports were up $20.6 billion, or 14.9 percent, and imports were up $27.0 billion, or 15.9 percent.
October exports of goods and services ($158.7 billion) were the highest since August 2008 ($162.9 billion).
October exports to China ($9.3 billion) and Mexico ($15.4 billion) were the highest on record.
The September to October increase in exports of goods reflected increases in industrial supplies and materials ($2.6 billion); foods, feeds, and beverages ($0.7 billion); automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($0.4 billion); capital goods ($0.4 billion); other goods ($0.1 billion); and consumer goods ($0.1 billion).
The September to October decrease in imports of goods reflected decreases in industrial supplies and materials ($1.7 billion); capital goods ($0.9 billion); and foods, feeds, and beverages ($0.1 billion). Increases occurred in consumer goods ($1.3 billion) and other goods ($0.3 billion). Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines were virtuallyunchanged.