The U.S. merchandise trade deficit expanded 9 percent to $10.9 billion - its widest in three months - during September, the Commerce Department said Friday.
Exports of U.S. goods climbed $800 million to $38.9 billion, but imports increased more than $1.6 billion to a record $49.8 billion.A deficit in merchandise trade for the United States means the total amount of foreign-made goods the nation is taking in exceeds the amount of U.S. made products it is shipping overseas.
The U.S. trade deficit with Japan increased to $5.3 billion, its widest since April.
The United States posted its first deficit with Mexico since March 1991, Commerce said in its report two days after the House approval of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Exports of industrial supplies climbed $600 million, food and beverage rose $400 million and consumer goods increased $100 million. Exports of capital goods fell $300 million.