Trade

Resilient consumption has supported U.S. trade, but analysts have expected the effect of higher interest rates, as it weighs on demand, to add pressure on imports.

The overall trade gap of the world's biggest economy rose by 5.1% to $64.3 billion, the Commerce Department said in a statement.

The rise in September imports was boosted by consumer goods such as cell phones and household goods, as well as automotive vehicles and parts.

While consumer spending has helped to boost U.S. trade, analysts have warned that this could weaken following steep interest rate hikes by the central bank over the past year....