US trade deficit widens to $105.6 billion in August on surge in imports
The US trade deficit increased 13.7% to $105.6 billion in August, wider than the $102.0 billion forecast, as imports jumped 4.3% driven by strong domestic demand, while exports rose 1.4%.
WASHINGTON, Oct 6 (Reuters) — The US trade deficit widened more than expected in August, driven by a surge in imports of goods amid robust domestic demand, keeping trade on track to again subtract from economic growth in the third quarter. 6 billion, the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis and Census Bureau said on Tuesday. 0 billion. The deterioration was flagged by data last week that showed an import-driven surge in the goods trade deficit in August.
Domestic demand increased at its fastest pace in more than 3-1/2 years in the second quarter, reflecting robust consumer spending and business spending on equipment, mostly related to AI. The trend appears to have spilled over into the third quarter, with data last month showing strong consumer spending in August as well as orders and shipments of nondefense capital goods, excluding aircraft. But businesses are relying on imports to meet demand. The increase in imports also has occurred despite President Donald Trump's aggressive tariffs, which he has argued are meant to shrink the trade deficit.
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