U.S. items commerce deficit widens sharply in October By Reuters

© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: The port of Lengthy Seaside is proven in Lengthy Seaside, California, U.S., March 8, 2022. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Picture

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. commerce deficit in items widened sharply in October as exports declined amid slowing international demand and a powerful greenback.

The products commerce deficit surged 7.7% to $99.0 billion final month, the Commerce Division mentioned on Wednesday. Exports of products dropped 2.6% to $173.7 billion.

There have been decreases in exports of commercial supplies and provides, which embody . Exports of client items tumbled, however shipments of meals and motor autos and elements elevated. The Federal Reserve’s aggressive rate of interest hikes to quell inflation have boosted the greenback, making U.S-made. items costly on the worldwide market.

Items imports rose 0.9% to $272.7 billion. A smaller commerce deficit was one of many essential drivers of financial progress within the third quarter. October’s sharp widening within the deficit advised commerce could possibly be a drag on GDP this quarter.

The Commerce Division additionally reported that wholesale inventories elevated 0.8% in October after rising 0.6% in September. Retail inventories fell 0.2% after dipping 0.1% in September. Motorcar shares elevated 0.4%.

Excluding motor autos, retail inventories slipped 0.4% after dropping 0.9% in September. This element goes into the calculation of GDP. Inventories subtracted from GDP progress within the third quarter.