WASHINGTON, Dec 5 Reuters The U.S. trade deficit contracted sharply in October as imports declined by the most since late 2022, potentially positioning trade to contribute to economic growth in the fourth quarter.

The trade gap narrowed 11.9 to 73.8 billion from a revised 83.8 billion in September, the Commerce Department39;s Bureau of Economic Analysis said on Thursday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the trade deficit easing to 75.0 billion from the previously reported 84.4 billion in September.

Imports dropped 4.0, the biggest decrease since November 2022, to 339.6 billion. Goods imports tumbled 5.5 to 269.3 billion. Businesses worried about Presidentelect Donald Trump39;s threats to raise tariffs on foreign goods could try to front load imports, which would reverse October39;s drop and ensure trade remained a drag on gross domestic product.

Trump has said he would impose a 25 tariff on all products from Mexico and Canada and an additional 10 tariff on goods from China on his first day in office.

Imports of capital goods decreased 7.5 billion, weighed down by declines in imports of computers and semiconductors. Imports of industrial supplies and materials, which include petroleum, fell 3.3 billion. Petroleum imports at 17.2 billion were the lowest since June 2021.

There were also decreases in imports of consumer goods, mostly pharmaceutical preparations. Imports of automotive vehicles, parts and engines also fell.

Imports of services rose 1.4 billion to…