Overview
- Commerce Department data show the September trade gap narrowed 10.9% to $52.8 billion, with exports up 3.0% to $289.3 billion and imports up 0.6% to $342.1 billion, the lowest deficit since June 2020 after a shutdown-delayed release.
- Analysts note an unusually large surge in nonmonetary gold exports and front‑loaded trade around tariff hikes, warning the improvement may prove temporary.
- The White House hails the figures as evidence the tariff agenda is working, while reporting points to ongoing legal challenges to the administration’s tariff authorities.
- Treasury reports the November federal deficit fell to $173 billion as customs duties helped lift monthly receipts to a record, including $30.76 billion in duties.
- Statistics Canada says Canada recorded a C$153 million September surplus as exports rose 6.3% and imports fell 4.1%, aided by aircraft and unwrought gold shipments and weaker inbound flows.