With the biggest part of the economy — consumer spending — moderating, much of the projected pickup stems from a narrower trade deficit and a rebuilding of inventories. While a report Wednesday showed a gain in merchandise exports last month, a broad-based drop in imports indicated domestic demand weakened as the quarter drew to a close.
…
The narrower goods-trade gap in September was hardly a sign of strength, as imports of industrial supplies, capital goods and consumer merchandise all declined. What’s more, exports are unlikely to be a reliable source of U.S. growth until global markets strengthen and the impact of a strong dollar fades, economists said.