Although the US is the acknowledged world leader in many technology areas, we scored a record trade deficit of $129B in advanced technology in 2018. The next ten graphs show our trade balance in each of the ten sub-sectors that make up US Advanced Technology Trade as defined by the US Census Bureau.

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.

A look at the latest monthly data for us trade balance, exports and imports
US trade balance history including key sub-sectors
Our trade with other nations showing major surpluses and deficits
Our trade in Advanced Technology products and key sub-sectors of Advanced Technology
Current account balance as a percent of GDP for the US and other major nations
Exchange rates for the US dollar and other major currencies