U.S. Trade Deficit Fell to 5-Year Low in September

By Matt Grossman

The U.S. trade deficit decreased in September, declining to the lowest level in five years as trade patterns adjust to the steep new tariffs levied by President Trump.

In September, American exports rose to $289.3 billion, while imports increased more modestly versus the August level to $342.1 billion. That yielded a trade deficit of $52.8 billion on the month, versus a $59.3 billion deficit in August.

The deficit hasn't been that slim since June 2020, when global supply chains were still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The three-month-old figures, published by the Commerce Department, are landing behind schedule as federal statistics agencies continue to catch up on data that couldn't be prepared for publication during the fall's government shutdown.

Stronger exports of gold and consumer goods, including pharmaceuticals, helped increase the sum of America's sales to foreigners. Imports grew more modestly, as smaller imports of computers and electronics helped offset an increase in the value of consumer products purchased from overseas.

Write to Matt Grossman at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

12-11-25 0905ET