News

US Trade Gap Narrows in January
The US trade deficit narrowed sharply to $54.5 billion in January 2026, the lowest since October, following a revised $72.9 billion in December and compared to forecasts of a $66.6 billion gap. Exports jumped 5.5% to a record high of $302.1 billion led by sales of nonmonetary gold, other precious metals, pharmaceutical preparations, computers, civilian aircraft and computer accessories. In contrast, imports declined 0.7% to $356.6 billion led by pharmaceutical preparations, trucks, buses, and special purpose vehicles.
Published on 2026-03-12

US Trade Gap Narrows in January
The US trade deficit narrowed sharply to $54.5 billion in January 2026, the lowest since October, following a revised $72.9 billion in December and compared to forecasts of a $66.6 billion gap. Exports jumped 5.5% to a record high of $302.1 billion led by sales of nonmonetary gold, other precious metals, computers, civilian aircraft and computer accessories while sales were down for pharmaceutical preparations. In contrast, imports declined 0.7% to $356.6 billion led by pharmaceutical preparations, trucks, buses, and special purpose vehicles, passenger cars and nonmonetary gold. On the other hand, imports rose for computers and telecommunications equipment. The largest trade gaps were recorded with Vietnam ($-19 billion vs $-17.6 billion in December), Taiwan ($-17.3 billion vs $-19.8 billion), Mexico ($-12.8 billion vs $-14.5 billion), and China ($-12.5 billion vs $-12.4 billion). The deficit with the EU narrowed sharply to $6.1 billion from $11.1 billion.
Published on 2026-03-12

US Trade Gap Narrows in January
The US trade deficit narrowed sharply to $54.5 billion in January 2026, the lowest since October, following a revised $72.9 billion in December and compared to forecasts of a $66.6 billion gap. Exports jumped 5.5% to a record high of $302.1 billion led by sales of nonmonetary gold, other precious metals, computers, civilian aircraft and computer accessories while sales were down for pharmaceutical preparations. In contrast, imports declined 0.7% to $356.6 billion led by pharmaceutical preparations, trucks, buses, and special purpose vehicles, passenger cars and nonmonetary gold. On the other hand, imports rose for computers and telecommunications equipment.
Published on 2026-03-12

US Trade Gap Narrows in January
The US trade deficit narrowed sharply to $54.5 billion in January 2026, the lowest since October, following a revised $72.9 billion in December and compared to forecasts of a $66.6 billion gap. Exports jumped 5.5% to a record high of $302.1 billion led by sales of nonmonetary gold, other precious metals, pharmaceutical preparations, computers, civilian aircraft and computer accessories. In contrast, imports declined 0.7% to $356.6 billion led by pharmaceutical preparations, trucks, buses, and special purpose vehicles, passenger cars and nonmonetary gold. On the other hand, imports rose for computers and telecommunications equipment.
Published on 2026-03-12

Paris Talks to Pave Way for Trump–Xi Summit
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are expected to meet in Paris late next week to discuss potential business agreements ahead of a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and his counterpart, Xi Jinping, Bloomberg News reported. Talks are likely to center on Chinese purchase commitments for Boeing aircraft and U.S. soybeans. Another key issue will be the future of tariffs imposed by Trump to curb fentanyl flows, after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the duties. Trump is scheduled to arrive in Beijing at the end of March, with the Paris meeting seen as a precursor to broader negotiations at the leaders’ summit.
Published on 2026-03-03

Trade Partners Stay After Court Blocks Tariffs: U.S. Trade Chief
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Sunday that none of Washington’s trade partners have indicated plans to withdraw from existing agreements, despite a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated a broad portion of President Trump’s tariff program. On Friday, Trump introduced a temporary 10% tariff after the court struck down his earlier duties, which were imposed under an economic emergency law. He also ordered new investigations under alternative statutes that officials say could pave the way for fresh tariffs on multiple trading partners. A day later, he raised the temporary levy to 15%, the legal maximum. Separately, the EU has the tools to retaliate against the latest U.S. tariffs, France’s trade minister Nicolas Forissier told the Financial Times.
Published on 2026-02-22

US Trade Gap Higher Than Expected
The US trade deficit widened to $70.3 billion in December 2025 from $53 billion in November, above forecasts of a $55.5 billion gap. Exports were down 1.7% to $287.3 billion, led by a big fall in nonmonetary gold. Meanwhile, imports went up 3.6% to $357.6 billion, led by purchases of computer accessories. Considering full 2025, the US recorded a $901.5 billion trade deficit, slightly less than a $903.5 billion gap in 2024 and still among the largest since 1960. Exports rose 6.2% to $3,432.3 billion, with nonmonetary gold recording the biggest rise, followed by finished metal shapes, charges for the use of intellectual property and natural gas. Imports increased 4.8% to $4,333.8 billion, led by computers. The deficits narrowed with the EU (to $219 billion in 2025 from $236 billion in 2024) and China (to $202 billion from $296 billion), but widened with Mexico (to $197 billion from $171 billion), Vietnam (to $178 billion from $123 billion), and Taiwan (to $147 billion from $74 billion).
Published on 2026-02-19

US Trade Gap Higher Than Expected
The US trade deficit widened to $70.3 billion in December 2025 from $53 billion in November, above forecasts of a $55.5 billion gap. Exports were down 1.7% to $287.3 billion, led by a big fall in nonmonetary gold while sales increased for semiconductors, pharmaceutical preparations and travel. Meanwhile, imports went up 3.6% to $357.6 billion, led by purchases of computer accessories, nonmonetary gold, copper, telecommunications equipment, transport, crude oil and travel. On the other hand, imports fell for pharmaceutical preparations. Considering full 2025, the US recorded a $901.47 billion trade deficit, slightly less than a $903.5 billion gap in 2024 and compared to $774.2 billion in 2023. Exports were $3,432.3 billion, up $199.8 billion from 2024. Imports were $4,333.8 billion, up $197.8 billion from 2024.
Published on 2026-02-19

US Trade Gap Higher Than Expected
The US trade deficit widened to $70.3 billion in December 2025 from $53 billion in November, above forecasts of a $55.5 billion gap. Exports were down 1.7% to $287.3 billion, led by a big fall in nonmonetary gold while sales increased for semiconductors, pharmaceutical preparations and travel. Meanwhile, imports went up 3.6% to $357.6 billion, led by purchases of computer accessories, nonmonetary gold, copper, telecommunications equipment, transport, crude oil and travel. On the other hand, imports fell for pharmaceutical preparations.
Published on 2026-02-19

U.S., Taiwan Sign Trade Deal Slashing Tariffs to 15%
The U.S. and Taiwan have signed a trade agreement that lowers tariffs on Taiwanese exports to 15%, matching rates applied to regional allies Japan and South Korea, while granting broader access for American goods to Taiwan’s market. Meanwhile, Taipei will remove or cut 99% of tariff barriers on U.S. products and offer “preferential market access” for industrial and agricultural exports, including autos, beef, and minerals. Taiwan also pledged to buy over USD 84 billion in U.S. goods between 2025 and 2029, covering liquefied natural gas, crude oil, aircraft, and power equipment. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said Taiwan agreed to “resolve longstanding non-tariff barriers,” including recognizing U.S. vehicles built to federal safety standards without extra requirements. The deal follows a January pledge by Taiwanese chip firms to invest at least USD 250 billion in U.S. production, supported by matching government credit.
Published on 2026-02-13

U.S., Taiwan Sign Trade Deal Slashing Tariffs to 15%
The U.S. and Taiwan have signed a trade agreement that lowers tariffs on Taiwanese exports to 15%, matching rates applied to regional allies Japan and South Korea, while granting broader access for American goods to Taiwan’s market. In return, Taipei will remove or cut 99% of tariff barriers on U.S. products and offer “preferential market access” for industrial and agricultural exports, including autos, beef, and minerals. Taiwan also pledged to buy over USD 84 billion in U.S. goods between 2025 and 2029, covering liquefied natural gas, crude oil, aircraft, and power equipment. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said Taiwan agreed to “resolve longstanding non-tariff barriers,” including recognizing U.S. vehicles built to federal safety standards without extra requirements. The deal follows a January pledge by Taiwanese chip firms to invest at least USD 250 billion in U.S. production, supported by matching government credit.
Published on 2026-02-13

U.S. Pauses China Tech Restrictions Before Trump-Xi Talks
The Trump administration has paused several major tech-security measures targeting China ahead of an April meeting between President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, according to Reuters. The shelved actions include a planned ban on China Telecom’s U.S. operations and restrictions on the sale of Chinese equipment used in American data centers. Washington has also put on hold proposed bans on domestic sales of routers made by TP-Link, as well as potential restrictions on the U.S. internet businesses of China Unicom and China Mobile. Another suspended measure would have barred sales of Chinese electric trucks and buses in the U.S. The moves mark the latest effort by the administration to avoid antagonizing Beijing following an October trade truce between the two leaders. That agreement included a Chinese pledge to delay strict export curbs on rare-earth minerals critical to global tech manufacturing.
Published on 2026-02-13

U.S. Pauses China Tech Restrictions Before Trump-Xi Meeting
The Trump administration has paused several major tech-security measures targeting China ahead of an April gathering between President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, Reuters reported. The shelved actions include a planned ban on China Telecom’s U.S. operations and restrictions on the sale of Chinese equipment used in American data centers. Washington has also put on hold proposed bans on domestic sales of routers made by TP-Link, as well as potential restrictions on the U.S. internet businesses of China Unicom and China Mobile. Another suspended measure would have barred sales of Chinese electric trucks and buses in the U.S. The moves mark the latest effort by the administration to avoid antagonizing Beijing following an October trade truce between the two leaders. That agreement included a Chinese pledge to delay strict export curbs on rare-earth minerals critical to global tech manufacturing.
Published on 2026-02-13

Trump Extends Africa Duty-Free Trade Program
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed into law a one-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a preferential trade program for Africa, running through December 31 and applied retroactively from September 30, 2025, according to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The move restores duty-free access to the U.S. market for eligible Sub-Saharan African countries after the program lapsed in September. First enacted in 2000, AGOA allows qualifying countries to export more than 1,800 products to the United States without tariffs, supporting trade, investment, and employment across the region.
Published on 2026-02-04

US Trade Gap Widens in November
The trade deficit in the US widened sharply to $56.8 billion in November 2025, the highest in four months, compared to a $29.2 billion gap in October which was the lowest since 2009, and much higher than forecasts of a $40.5 billion shortfall. The figure underscores pronounced monthly swings amid President Trump administration’s frequently changing tariff stance. Imports increased 5% to $348.9 billion, led by a $6.7 billion jump in pharmaceutical preparations after a big drop in the previous month. Purchases of computers also increased by $6.6 billion. Meanwhile, exports were down 3.6% to $292.1 billion, led by falls in nonmonetary gold, pharmaceutical preparations and crude oil. The deficit widened with Vietnam ($16.2 billion vs $15.0 billion), China ($14.7 billion vs $13.7 billion) and the European Union ($14.5 billion vs $6.3 billion), while it narrowed slightly with Mexico ($17.8 billion vs $17.9 billion) and Taiwan ($15.6 billion vs $15.7 billion).
Published on 2026-01-29

US Trade Gap Widens in November
The trade deficit in the US widened sharply to $56.8 billion in November 2025, the highest in four months, compared to a $29.2 billion gap in October which was the lowest since 2009, and much higher than forecasts of a $40.5 billion shortfall. The figure underscores pronounced monthly swings amid the President Trump administration’s frequently changing tariff stance. Imports increased 5% to $348.9 billion, led by a $6.7 billion jump in pharmaceutical preparations after a drop in the previous month. Purchases of computers also increased by $6.6 billion. Other increases in imports were also seen for semiconductors while a decline was recorded for computer accessories, industrial supplies and materials and travel. Meanwhile, exports were down 3.6% to $292.1 billion, led by falls in nonmonetary gold, pharmaceutical preparations and crude oil.
Published on 2026-01-29

US Trade Gap Widens in November
The trade deficit in the US widened sharply to $56.8 billion in November 2025, the highest in four months, compared to a $29.2 billion gap in October which was the lowest since 2009, and much higher than forecasts of a $40.5 billion shortfall. Imports increased 5% to $348.9 billion, led by a $6.7 billion jump in pharmaceutical preparations after a drop in the previous month. Purchases of computers also increased by $6.6 billion. Other increases in imports were also seen for semiconductors while a decline was recorded for computer accessories, industrial supplies and materials and travel. Meanwhile, exports were down 3.6% to $292.1 billion, led by falls in nonmonetary gold, pharmaceutical preparations and crude oil.
Published on 2026-01-29

U.S., Taiwan Seal Trade Pact to Bolster Chip Output
The U.S. and Taiwan signed a trade agreement on Thursday to boost American semiconductor production in exchange for lower tariffs. Under the arrangement, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing will build several new factories in Arizona as part of a USD 250 billion U.S. investment, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. In return, the U.S. will cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 15% from 20% and exempt chipmakers like TSMC that expand operations in America. The pact adds to recent agreements with the European Union and Japan.
Published on 2026-01-15

U.S. & Taiwan Seal Trade Pact to Bolster Chip Output
The U.S. and Taiwan signed a trade agreement on Thursday to boost American semiconductor production in exchange for lower tariffs. Under the arrangement, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing will build several new factories in Arizona as part of a USD 250 billion U.S. investment, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. In return, the U.S. will cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 15% from 20% and exempt chipmakers like TSMC that expand operations in America. The treaty adds to recent agreements with the European Union and Japan.
Published on 2026-01-15

U.S. & Taiwan Seal Trade Pact to Bolster Chip Output
The U.S. and Taiwan signed a trade agreement on Thursday to boost American semiconductor production in exchange for lower tariffs. Under the arrangement, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing will build several new factories in Arizona as part of a USD 250 billion U.S. investment, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. In return, the U.S. will cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 15% from 20% and exempt chipmakers like TSMC that expand operations in America. The treaty adds to recent agreements with the European Union and Japan.
Published on 2026-01-15