September's U.S. trade deficit jumps to $36.5 billion, but exports also rise

In a setback on the U.S. trade front, the nation's trade deficit surged 18.2% to $36.5 billion in September, driven higher by an increase in imports, the U.S. Commerce Department announced Friday.

A Bloomberg News survey had expected the gap to total $32 billion in September. The Commerce Department's revised numbers for August and July show deficits of $30.8 billion and $32 billion, respectively.

In September, imports rose 5.8% to $168.4 billion, led by higher oil costs. However, exports also rose, by 2.9% to $132.0 billion, led by increased sales of civilian aircraft and industrial machines.