US trade deficit narrows to $105.0 billion in September

The US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported on 4 November 2026 that the goods and services deficit was $105.0 billion in September, down $0.7 billion from $105.7 billion in August, revised (US international trade in goods and services, September 2026).

Key figures, September 2026 (seasonally adjusted)

• Deficit: $105.0 billion, down 0.7%
• Exports: $321.5 billion, up $5.8 billion (1.9%)
• Imports: $426.6 billion, up $5.2 billion (1.2%)
• Goods deficit: $135.9 billion, down $0.7 billion
• Services surplus: $30.9 billion, down less than $0.1 billion

Behind the numbers

Goods exports rose $5.1 billion to $211.0 billion. On a Census basis, capital goods exports increased $3.8 billion, and foods, feeds and beverages $1.9 billion, with soybeans up $1.3 billion. Goods imports rose $4.4 billion to $346.9 billion; on a Census basis, capital goods imports increased $11.6 billion, including computers (up $7.6 billion) and computer accessories (up $5.7 billion).

Year to date, the deficit was $92.4 billion, or 12.2%, smaller than in the same period of 2025. The three-month average deficit rose $11.3 billion to $101.2 billion.

Revisions and next release

August's deficit was first reported at $105.6 billion (August report) and is now $105.7 billion. The October figures are due on Tuesday 8 December 2026. Canada's September trade figures came out the same day: see Canada's trade surplus widens to $5.4 billion. For why the balance matters to the dollar, see how to trade the dollar index.