US Trade Deficit Narrows as Imports Fall Faster Than Exports

2026-08-04 12:39 By Joana Ferreira 1 min. read

The US trade deficit narrowed to $73.3 billion in June 2026 from $77.6 billion in May, broadly in line with market expectations, as imports declined more sharply than exports.

Imports were down 1.8% to $388.0 billion, driven by lower purchases of capital goods and consumer goods, particularly computers and pharmaceuticals, while services imports edged higher.

Exports fell 0.9% to $314.7 billion, reflecting weaker shipments of industrial supplies, including crude and fuel oil, and capital goods, although services exports increased on stronger financial services and travel.

In the first half of 2026, the cumulative trade gap narrowed to $371.2 billion, down from a record $560.5 billion a year earlier, suggesting that US trade flows are gradually normalizing following last year's tariff announcements and the front-loading of imports that preceded them, although uncertainty over US trade policy remains.



News Stream
US Trade Deficit Widens to 17-Month High
The US trade deficit widened to $105.6 billion in August 2026 from a revised $92.8 billion in July, exceeding market expectations of $102.0 billion and marking its largest gap since March 2025. The widening was driven by a $17.2 billion surge in imports to an all-time high of $420.8 billion. Imports of industrial supplies and materials rose $9.1 billion, led by crude oil and nonmonetary gold, while capital goods imports increased $6.2 billion on stronger purchases of semiconductors and other industrial machinery. These gains more than offset a decline in computer accessories. Meanwhile, exports rose $4.5 billion to $315.2 billion, driven by a $6.3 billion increase in industrial supplies and materials, mainly nonmonetary gold and crude oil, and a $1.3 billion rise in capital goods, including semiconductors and computers. Pharmaceutical exports fell $2.4 billion. Exports and imports of services were little changed.
2026-10-06
U.S.–China Trade Truce Extended to January 10
Washington confirmed the U.S.–China trade truce will run until January 10, 2027, extending tariff relief and rare-earth flows beyond the November expiry. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the move Wednesday as China's leader Xi Jinping arrived for a state visit, noting Beijing must deliver more commitments. The moratorium, first struck by Xi and Trump in South Korea last October, was widely expected to be prolonged, with markets anticipating at least a six-month extension ahead of the summit.
2026-09-24
Trump Eyes EU Tariffs Over Canada Plan
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened sweeping tariffs on the European Union or even a halt to trade if Brussels proceeds with plans to make Canada its first “associate member.” Calling Canada “a terrible trade partner,” Trump said that if he views the EU’s move as hostile, he would impose “very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe on many things.” His remarks followed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s announcement that the bloc was opening the door for Canada to join under a new category of associate membership, which does not currently exist under EU treaties and would require ratification by member states.
2026-09-17