Exports decreased 1.0% on lower volumes, while imports were unchanged.

Following two months of large decreases, exports were down a further 1.0% to $43.6 billion in August-despite increases in 6 of 11 sections. Exports have fallen 10.6% since the record high posted in May. Volumes decreased 1.9% in August, while prices were up 1.0%. Consumer goods, basic and industrial chemical, plastic and rubber products, as well as metal ores and non-metallic minerals were responsible for the decline in export values. Exports excluding energy products were down 1.4%. Year over year, total exports edged down 0.2%.