U.S. trade deficit narrows to $105.0 billion in September as exports rise

The U.S. goods-and-services trade deficit narrowed to $105.0 billion in September from a revised $105.7 billion in August, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The release was published on November 4, 2026.

September exports increased $5.8 billion to $321.5 billion and imports rose $5.2 billion to $426.6 billion. The smaller deficit reflected a $0.7 billion reduction in the goods deficit to $135.9 billion, while the services surplus edged down by less than $0.1 billion to $30.9 billion.

Capital goods were a notable contributor to the rise in goods exports, including increases in computers, computer accessories and civilian aircraft. On the import side, capital goods rose $11.6 billion, led by a $7.6 billion increase in computers. These monthly movements describe trade flows; the release does not by itself establish the cause of the changes.

For the first nine months of 2026, the goods-and-services deficit decreased $92.4 billion, or 12.2%, from the same period in 2025. Exports increased $297.3 billion, or 11.6%, while imports rose $204.9 billion, or 6.2%. The three-month average deficit nevertheless increased $11.3 billion to $101.2 billion for the period ending in September, showing that the monthly improvement came amid a wider recent range.

Sources

1. BEA and U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, September 2026, published November 4, 2026
2. BEA release schedule