The US goods trade deficit widened to $134.9 billion in September 2026, the largest gap since March 2025. This followed a revised shortfall of $132.1 billion in August and exceeded market expectations of a $130 billion deficit.
Imports rose 2.4% to a record $344.15 billion. The increase was driven by higher purchases of capital goods (7.5%) and consumer goods (3.1%). In contrast, imports declined for industrial supplies (-6%), autos (-4%), and foods, feeds, and beverages (-2.5%).
Exports of goods increased 2.6% to $209.24 billion. Growth was led by shipments of capital goods (5.4%), consumer goods (6%), and foods, feeds, and beverages (12.8%). These gains were partly offset by lower exports of industrial supplies (-1.6%) and autos (-5.6%).
