U.S. semiconductor imports surged $2.4 billion to a record $15.4 billion in August, driven by AI infrastructure demand. Imports reached $90.5 billion through August, nearly doubling from $49.2 billion a year earlier. * Chip trade: August semiconductor exports totaled $7.79 billion, roughly half the value of imports, highlighting continued reliance on overseas manufacturing. * AI investment: Capital goods imports rose $6.2 billion to $146.4 billion in August. Year-to-date purchases reached $1.02 trillion, up 39%, as businesses expanded AI infrastructure. * Trade deficit: The U.S. deficit widened 13.7% to $105.6 billion, its largest since March 2025. Total imports hit a record $420.8 billion, while exports reached $315.2 billion. * Economic outlook: Oxford Economics attributed much of the import growth to AI spending and expects strong capital goods demand into 2027. A wider trade deficit could weigh on third-quarter GDP growth. 10-OCT-2026 03:23 PM ET