United States Balance of Trade

Last Release

Jul 31, 2025

Actual

-78.31

Units In

USD Million

-60.18

Frequency

Monthly

Next Release

Dec 04, 2025

Time to Release

13 Days 12 Hours

Highest	Lowest	Average	Date Range	Source
1,946 Jun 1975	-109,802 Mar 2022	-16,608.28 USD Million	1950-2025	U.S. Census Bureau

The United States has been running consistent trade deficits since 1976 due to high imports of oil and consumer products. In 2018, the biggest trade deficits were recorded with China, Mexico, Germany, Japan, Ireland, Vietnam and Italy and the biggest trade surpluses with Hong Kong, Netherlands, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Belgium, Brazil and Panama. China is the top trading partner, accounting for 16 percent of total trade, followed by Canada (15 percent) and Mexico (15 percent).

Latest Updates

The US trade deficit narrowed to $59.6 billion in August 2025 from $78.2 billion in July, compared to forecasts of a $61 billion gap. Imports tumbled 5.1% to $340.4 billion, led by a $9.3 billion fall in nonmonetary gold. Other declines were registered in purchases of foods, feeds, and beverages; computer accessories; telecommunications equipment; jewelry; and transport. On the other hand, increases were seen for computers; pharmaceutical preparations; telecommunications, computer, and information services; and travel. Meanwhile, exports edged up 0.1% to $280.8 billion led by computers, crude oil, travel, maintenance and repair services, and charges for the use of intellectual property. In contrast, a decline was seen in sales for pharmaceutical preparations, nonmonetary gold, and autos. Among the largest trading partners, the deficit with China widened slightly, the gap with Mexico was little changed and the one with Vietnam, Taiwan and the EU declined.