The deficit has widened by $34.4 billion over the last two months. Aside from volatility associated with Liberation Day swings, the figure for the month represents a record high for the national trade balance.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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US Trade Deficit Hits $105.6B Record Excluding Liberation Day
US Markets15 days ago
Foreign imports rose 4.3% to $420.75 billion in the month ending Aug. 31, outstripping a 1.4% increase in shipments of U.S. goods abroad to $315.18 billion. This growth pushed the total trade gap to $105.6 billion, surpassing a $102.1 billion analyst estimate and a revised July figure of $92.8 billion. The result was driven by a $136.57 billion deficit in goods, which was partially offset by a $31 billion surplus in services.
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