U.S. Department of Commerce data released today showed a decline in the United States trade deficit during last November contrary to expectations.

The Department of Commerce stated that the trade deficit during November reached $63.2 billion compared to $64.5 billion during last October according to revised data. Analysts had expected the deficit to rise to $65 billion compared to $64.3 billion during the previous month according to preliminary data.

The unexpected decline in the trade deficit came at a time when the value of imports in dollars dropped more than the decline in the value of exports.

U.S. imports during November fell by 1.9% to $316.9 billion after rising in October by 0.2% to $323.1 billion.

The Commerce Department statement showed a sharp decline in imports of consumer goods including medicines, mobile phones, and other household goods, as well as a decline in imports of capital goods, industrial supplies, and raw materials.

Conversely, exports fell by 1.9% to $253.7 billion during November after declining by 1.1% to $258.6 billion during the previous month.

Exports of industrial supplies, gold, and crude oil fell sharply, while exports of consumer goods, automobiles, and engines declined at a slower pace.