The U.S. goods trade deficit swelled to a 14-month high in May, reaching $105.8 billion as imports surged and exports declined. The deficit widened 27.4% from the prior month, far exceeding the $85.0 billion forecast by economists polled by Reuters. Imports rose 3.6% to $313.4 billion, driven by a 6.3% jump in automotive vehicles and a 5.7% increase in consumer goods, while exports fell 5.4% to $207.7 billion. The sharp deterioration suggests trade remained a drag on economic growth in the second quarter, with some economists warning the deficit could stay elevated due to an artificial intelligence investment boom reliant on imports.