U.S. Trade Deficit Falls to Lowest Level Since 2009

The Commerce Department reported the U.S. trade deficit narrowed to $29.4 billion in October, the smallest monthly gap since 2009, as imports fell to $331.4 billion and exports rose to $302 billion. Analysts polled by The Wall Street Journal had expected a $58.4 billion deficit, and the data were delayed by last fall's government shutdown.

The Commerce Department reported a sharp narrowing of the U.S. trade deficit for October. Imports fell while exports rose, producing the smallest monthly shortfall since 2009. Economists did not anticipate the change, and the published figures had been delayed by last fall's government shutdown. Key figures: - October trade deficit was $29.4 billion. - Imports in October were $331.4 billion. - Exports in October were $302 billion. - The October deficit was nearly 40% smaller than September's. - Analysts polled by The Wall Street Journal had expected a $58.4 billion deficit. - The trade figures were delayed significantly by last fall's government shutdown. Summary: The narrower deficit reflects lower imports and higher exports and is the smallest monthly shortfall since 2009. Undetermined at this time.