Spain's trade deficit in the first nine months of the year widened compared to the same period a year earlier, to 53.44 billion euros ($55.49 billion), the industry ministry said on Thursday.

Imports increased 40% to 340.11 billion euros, while exports rose 25% to 286.67 billion euros, the ministry said. ($1 = 0.9630 euros) (Reporting by Jakub Olesiuk;Editing by Inti Landauro)