The US trade deficit widened sharply to $77.6 billion in May 2026 from a revised $54.6 billion in April, broadly in line with market expectations of a $78.5 billion shortfall. The gap was the largest since March 2025, as imports climbed 3.3% to $395.3 billion, their highest level in more than a year. The increase was driven primarily by higher purchases of consumer goods, particularly pharmaceutical preparations and cell phones, as well as crude oil and passenger cars. Meanwhile, exports fell 3.2% to $317.7 billion, weighed down by lower shipments of nonmonetary gold and other precious metals, computers and computer accessories, and consumer goods, particularly pharmaceutical preparations. May's trade data suggests net exports will weigh more heavily on second-quarter GDP than in the first. Meanwhile, ongoing trade policy uncertainty persists as the Trump administration pursues alternative tariff measures and shifts to annual trade reviews with Canada and Mexico. source: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)

The United States recorded a trade deficit of 77.59 USD Billion in May of 2026. Balance of Trade in the United States averaged -18.99 USD Billion from 1950 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 1.95 USD Billion in June of 1975 and a record low of -132.98 USD Billion in March of 2025. This page provides the latest reported value for - United States Balance of Trade - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news. United States Balance of Trade - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on July of 2026.

The United States recorded a trade deficit of 77.59 USD Billion in May of 2026. Balance of Trade in the United States is expected to be -60.00 USD Billion by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the United States Balance of Trade is projected to trend around -40.00 USD Billion in 2027 and -60.00 USD Billion in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-06-09 12:30 PM
Balance of Trade
Apr $-55.9B $-56.6B $-56.1B $-57.9B
2026-07-07 12:30 PM
Balance of Trade
May $-77.6B $-54.6B $-78.5B $-80.0B
2026-08-04 12:30 PM
Balance of Trade
Jun $-77.6B $ -70B



Components Last Previous Unit Reference
Exports 317.68 328.19 USD Billion May 2026
Goods Exports 208504.00 220108.00 USD Million May 2026
Goods Imports 314396.00 302339.00 USD Million May 2026
Goods Trade Balance -105892.00 -82231.00 USD Million May 2026
Imports 395.26 382.76 USD Billion May 2026

Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Balance of Trade -77.59 -54.57 USD Billion May 2026
Current Account -226.83 -221.07 USD Billion Mar 2026


United States Balance of Trade
The United States has recorded persistent trade deficits since 1976, largely reflecting strong demand for imported industrial supplies, capital equipment and consumer goods. In 2025, trade dynamics were significantly shaped by the rollout of new tariffs. Imports climbed to record highs in the first half of the year as businesses accelerated purchases ahead of higher duties. However, import growth slowed sharply toward year-end, suggesting that tariffs were beginning to curb demand. Overall, the US posted a trade deficit of nearly $900 billion in 2025, broadly unchanged from the previous year but still among the largest shortfalls since 1960. The widest bilateral goods deficits were with the European Union ($218.8 billion), particularly Ireland and Germany, followed by China ($202.1 billion), Mexico ($196.9 billion), Vietnam ($178.2 billion), Taiwan ($146.8 billion), Thailand ($71.9 billion), Japan ($63.9 billion), India ($58.2 billion), South Korea ($56.4 billion), Canada ($46.4 billion), Switzerland ($34.3 billion) and Malaysia ($30.8 billion).
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
-77.59 -54.57 1.95 -132.98 1950 - 2026 USD Billion Monthly
SA

News Stream
U.S. Sets 10%-12-1/2% Import Tariffs on 60 Trading Partners
The Trump administration announced new tariffs of 10% to 12-1/2% on imports from about 60 U.S. trading partners, replacing the temporary 10% tariffs that expire Friday. The new duties will apply to nearly all U.S. imports, with the administration arguing that the targeted countries have failed to adequately prohibit or enforce restrictions on goods produced with forced labor. Economies with partial bans on forced labor or commitments to strengthen them, including the UK, Canada, Mexico, and India, will face 10% tariffs. Meanwhile, countries deemed to have insufficient safeguards, such as China, South Korea, and Japan, will be subject to 12-1/2% duties. Products already covered by sector-specific or national security-related tariffs are exempt. The move reflects the administration's broader strategy to restore its global tariff agenda after the Supreme Court struck down its earlier tariff framework in February.
2026-07-23
US, Jordan Seal Landmark Reciprocal Trade Pact
The United States and Jordan signed the U.S.-Jordan Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, a landmark deal aimed at deepening economic ties and strengthening supply chain cooperation. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Jordanian Industry, Trade, and Supply Minister Yarub Qudah inked the accord, which preserves Jordan’s duty-free market access for nearly all U.S. exports. Jordan pledged to bolster its trade framework by enforcing environmental rules, strengthening labor protection, improving intellectual property rights, ensuring fair practices, and streamlining customs procedures. The pact also commits Jordan to removing non-tariff barriers and expanding market access for U.S. goods, including farm products and motor vehicles. Beyond trade, both countries vowed to reinforce economic and security cooperation by coordinating on investment screening, export controls, combating duty evasion, and countering non-market policies from third countries.
2026-07-23
US Targets Interim North America Trade Pacts
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told the Senate Finance Committee that he aims to secure interim trade arrangements with Canada and Mexico by year-end, while deferring more contentious revisions to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement until 2027. Greer said complex issues, including stricter automotive rules of origin, labor standards, and environmental regulations, will require extended consultation “including with Congress in the following year.” He stressed the U.S. is “moving with all due speed” and intends to present options to President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney before December, though he offered no details on the scope of potential deals.
2026-07-23