U.S. Trade Deficit Hits Fresh Record on Goods Demand, Higher Inflation
The U.S. trade deficit widened in September to $80.9 billion, a record, driven by climbing demand for capital goods like computers and electric equipment and industrial supplies that have been soaring in cost as global supply chains remain snarled.
The deficit in trade of goods and services grew 11.2% in September, the Commerce Department said Thursday. The trade deficit has been trending wider throughout the economic recovery, but this was the sharpest monthly increase in the deficit since July of 2020. Imports rose by 0.6% to $288.5 billion, also a monthly record.