WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) – The U.S. trade deficit unexpectedly narrowed in September, touching the lowest level in more than five years, as exports accelerated ‍and imports rose marginally, suggesting that trade likely provided a boost to economic growth in the third quarter.

The trade gap contracted 10.9% to $52.8 billion, the lowest level since June 2020, the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis and ‌Census Bureau said on Thursday.

Economists polled by ‌Reuters had forecast the trade deficit increasing to $63.3 billion. The report was delayed because of the 43-day shutdown of the government.

Exports climbed 3.0% to $289.3 billion in September. Goods exports surged 4.9% to $187.6 billion, with shipments of consumer goods increasing to a record high.

Imports rose 0.6%

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