Advanced materials include materials that enable the development of and application of other advanced technologies, such as semiconductor materials. Trade in these materials has been slightly negative in recent years.

The Aerospace sector includes military and civilian helicopters, airplanes and spacecraft. The US is an export powerhouse in this sector, consistently delivering our strongest surplus in advanced technology.

The Biotechnology sector focuses on advances in genetics applied to the development of new drugs, hormones and other therapeutic items. Previously in surplus, this sector scored a deficit of -$16.4B in 2018 as US drug manufacture continues to be offshored.

The Electronics sector includes electronic components such as integrated circuits, circuit boards, and other components.

Flexible Manufacturing includes advances in robotics, numerically-controlled machine tools, and similar products that enable industrial automation.

Information and Communications includes computer products, central processing units, peripherals such as disk drives, and telephone switching equipment. Our huge deficit in this sector, $173.6B last year, dominated the total Advanced Technology trade balance.

Life Science concentrates on the application of scientific advances (other than biological) to medical science, such as nuclear resonance imaging, echocardiography, and many other innovations.

Nuclear Technology encompasses nuclear power production apparatus, nuclear reactors and parts, and related products.

Opto-Electronics encompasses electronic products using the emission or detection of light such as optical scanners, solar cells, laser printers, and photo-sensitive semiconductors.

Weapons includes products with military applications such as guided missiles, bombs, torpedoes, mines, and others. The US has run a persistent export surplus in this sector.