US trade gap shrinks to smallest since 2009 as imports fallWASHINGTON, United States, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The US trade deficit made a sharp and unexpected pullback in October, reaching its lowest level since 2009 as goods imports dropped while President Donald Trump's tariffs took hold, government data showed Thursday. The overall trade gap plunged 39 percent to $29.4 billion in October, said the Department of Commerce, as imports dropped by 3.2 percent. While US exports rose by $7.8 billion in October to $302.0 billion, imports dropped by $11.0 billion to $331.4 billion. This was largely due to a tumble in goods imports. Although Trump's tariffs have influenced trade flows this year, a large swath of them also face legal challenges.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 09, 2026 03:11 UTC