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The U.S. trade deficit hit a record $80.9 billion in September, reflecting an increase in imported goods that continues to outpace American exports, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Foreign trade deficit increased by 11.2 percent compared to August. Imports also rose to $288.5 billion, the highest monthly total on record, as America bought more foreign-made computers, cell phones, machinery and industrial chemicals.
Exports decreased by 3 percent to 207.6 billion dollars. congestion in ports and warehouses helped slow the movement of goods out of the country.
The rise in demand for imported goods during the pandemic has been compounded by the closure of factories and a shortage of truckers and warehouse workers to break the supply chain that carries goods to and from American stores. Global shipping disruptions and delays, product shortage and higher prices, and curbing economic growth.
In the first nine months of the year, the trade deficit in both goods and services hit a record $638.6 billion, up 33.1 percent compared to the same period in 2020, as imports surpassed exports.
Data showed that services exports, typically a bright spot for the American economy, began to recover as the pandemic waned and travel continued.
The United States shipped less gold, crude oil and some types of machinery in September than the previous month, but exports of consumer goods and pharmaceutical components were strong. Auto imports remained weak due to a global shortage of semiconductors.
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