US September Goods Trade Deficit Widens to $134.9 Billion on Surging Imports

The US advance goods trade deficit widened to $134.9 billion in September, coming in larger than consensus expectations and worsening from the prior month. Data showed nominal goods imports grew 2.4% to $344.1 billion, outpacing a 2.6% rise in exports to $209.2 billion. The expansion was largely propelled by a 7.5% jump in capital goods imports to $157.4 billion. Analysts note the wider shortfall poses downside risks to third-quarter GDP calculations via net exports, although stronger capital goods demand points to resilient domestic business investment.