WASHINGTON(Reuters) – The U.S. trade deficit widened sharply in September, likely as a strong dollar and softening global demand weighed on exports.
The Commerce Department said on Thursday that the trade deficit increased 11.6% to $73.3 billion. Exports of goods and services fell 1.1%, while imports increased 1.5%.
A smaller trade deficit was the main driver of the rebound in gross domestic product in the third quarter. The economy grew at a 2.6% annualized rate last quarter after contracting at a 0.6% pace in the second quarter.
(Reporting by Lucia Mutikani)