U.S. goods trade deficit widens to $134.9 billion
September imports rose more in dollar terms than exports, leaving a larger merchandise-trade gap.
The U.S. goods trade deficit widened to $134.9 billion in September from $132.1 billion in August, according to the advance report released Wednesday. The gap grew about 2.1% from the previous month.
Both imports and exports increased. The value of imports rose 2.4%, while exports advanced 2.6%. A faster percentage increase in exports can still accompany a wider deficit because imports start from a larger dollar base.
This is the advance estimate for trade in goods, not the full goods-and-services balance. The figures are not adjusted for inflation. The report is an early view of the trade picture, rather than a final reading on the economy's growth.
