The U.S. goods and services deficit increased more than expected in September amid escalating tensions with its global trading partners.
The shortfall rose to $54 billion for the month, a 1.3 percent increase, or $700 million, from August and reflective of a 10.1 percent increase year to date, according to government numbers released Friday. Economists surveyed by Refinitiv had been looking for a gain of $53.6 billion.
The goods deficit stood at $76.3 billion, the highest on record on a seasonally adjusted basis.
