The U.S. goods and services trade deficit narrowed to $105.0 billion in September, the Bureau of Economic Analysis and Census Bureau reported Wednesday, as exports increased slightly more than imports.
Exports rose $5.8 billion from August to $321.5 billion. Imports increased $5.2 billion to $426.6 billion. The August deficit was revised to $105.7 billion, leaving the September gap $0.7 billion smaller.
The goods deficit declined $0.7 billion to $135.9 billion, while the services surplus slipped by less than $0.1 billion to $30.9 billion. The figures are seasonally adjusted and measured on a balance-of-payments basis.
Export growth was led by goods, which increased $5.1 billion to $211.0 billion. Capital-goods exports climbed $3.8 billion, including gains in computers, computer accessories and civilian aircraft. Foods, feeds and beverages also rose, helped by a $1.3 billion increase in soybean exports. Services exports increased $0.7 billion to $110.5 billion.
Goods imports increased $4.4 billion to $346.9 billion. On a Census basis, capital-goods imports rose $11.6 billion, including a $7.6 billion increase in computers and a $5.7 billion increase in computer accessories. Services imports increased $0.8 billion to $79.7 billion.
Through September, the trade deficit was $92.4 billion, or 12.2%, smaller than during the same period in 2025. Exports were up 11.6% year to date, while imports increased 6.2%.
The monthly trade report is a key input into estimates of U.S. economic growth. The next release, covering October, is scheduled for Dec. 8.
Sources: - U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and U.S. Census Bureau, “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, September 2026,” Nov. 4, 2026.