US Exports Hit New Record in March

US exports rose 2.6%, or $8.3 billion, to a record $327.1 billion in April 2026. Goods exports drove the gain, climbing $8.7 billion to $221.3 billion, with capital goods contributing $4 billion, led by a $2.5 billion increase in computers and a $1 billion rise in civilian aircraft shipments. Industrial supplies and materials also strengthened, supported by higher crude oil exports, which increased $6.4 billion, while fuel oil (up $1.3 billion) and other petroleum products (up $1.0 billion) also posted gains. These increases were partly offset by declines in nonmonetary gold (down $5.8 billion) and other precious metals (down $1.9 billion). Consumer goods exports rose by $1.7 billion. Meanwhile, services exports edged lower by $400 million to $105.8 billion, with declines in travel, transport and maintenance services partially offset by a rise in other business services.

US exports rose 2.0%, or $6.2 billion, to a record $320.9 billion in March 2026, fueled by a $6.5 billion surge in goods exports. Industrial supplies and materials led the gain, up $5.0 billion, driven by higher energy prices tied to the Iran conflict. Key contributors included crude oil (+$2.8 billion), other petroleum products (+$1.7 billion), and fuel oil (+$1.6 billion), while exports of other precious metals fell $1.6 billion. Food, feed, and beverage exports increased $1.1 billion, boosted by soybeans, while consumer goods exports declined $1.7 billion. Services exports dipped $0.3 billion, with travel down $1.1 billion, partially offset by gains in transport (+$0.2 billion), financial services (+$0.1 billion), and other business services (+$0.1 billion).

US exports climbed 4.2%, or $12.6 billion, to a record $314.8 billion in February 2026, driven by an $11.5 billion increase in goods exports, with nonmonetary gold (+$8.0 billion) and natural gas (+$1.3 billion) leading the gains. Services exports also rose $1.1 billion, supported by growth in travel, business services, financial services, and charges for the use of intellectual property. The export surge coincided with another major shift in US tariff policy. On February 20, the Supreme Court struck down a central pillar of President Trump’s trade agenda, broad global duties under the IEEPA, forcing the administration to impose emergency tariffs under a separate statute. However, this authority expires in July, leaving officials racing to find new legal grounds to maintain protectionist barriers.