Commerce News Updates

The gap in goods and services trade shrank 0.7% in September from the prior month to $105 billion, Commerce Department data showed Nov. 4.

The expansion in third-quarter GDP — the nation’s output of goods and services — was faster than the 2.2% growth registered from April through June, the Commerce Department said. 

Prices remain elevated less than a week from midterm elections in which affordability concerns have become a central issue.

The Commerce Department is imposing tariffs of about 260% on “van-type trailers” that were being “dumped” into the U.S. — imported at prices that make it difficult for domestic manufacturers to compete. 

The ruling followed Commerce findings of dumping and subsidies, with Mexico supplying most trailer imports from China, Canada and Mexico during 2023-25.

Retail sales rose 1.2% last month after recording a revised 0.5% dip in July, according to Commerce Department data released Sept 16.

Prices rose 3.7% in July compared with a year earlier. Inflation has worsened since the Iran war began in late February, when it stood at 2.9%. 

Consumer spending — which accounts for about 70% of U.S. economic activity — increased at a healthy 3.4% annual clip, up from 0.5% in the January-March period.

Retail sales slipped 0.6% last month, the biggest drop since May 2025, from a revised gain of 0.2% in June, according to Commerce Department data released Aug. 14.

The gap in goods and services trade in June shrank 5.6% from the prior month to $73.3 billion, Commerce Department data showed Aug. 4.