The US trade gap widened to $71.5 billion in May 2025 from a downwardly revised $60.3 billion gap in April. Exports fell 4% to $279 billion from a record high of $290.5 billion in April. The biggest declines were seen in nonmonetary gold, natural gas, and finished metal shapes. Meanwhile, imports decreased 0.1% to a seven-month low of $350.5 billion, as lower purchases of computer accessories and finished metal shapes more than offset higher imports of computers, passenger cars, and pharmaceutical preparations. The biggest trade deficit was recorded with the EU ($-22.5 billion), compared with a $17.9 billion gap in April. The shortfall with Mexico also surged to $17.1 billion from $13.5 billion. The deficit with Canada ($-2.8 billion from $-2 billion) and Vietnam (-14.9 billion from $-14.5 billion) also widened. On the other hand, the shortfall with China narrowed to $14 billion from $19.7 billion. source: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)

The United States recorded a trade deficit of 71.52 USD Billion in May of 2025. Balance of Trade in the United States averaged -18.95 USD Billion from 1950 until 2025, reaching an all time high of 1.95 USD Billion in June of 1975 and a record low of -138.32 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 2025.

The United States recorded a trade deficit of 71.52 USD Billion in May of 2025. Balance of Trade in the United States is expected to be -57.00 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 -73.00 USD Billion in 2026 and -88.00 USD Billion in 2027, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2025-06-05 12:30 PM
Balance of Trade
Apr $-61.6B $-138.3B $-94B $-66.6B
2025-07-03 12:30 PM
Balance of Trade
May $-71.5B $-60.3B $-71B $-72B
2025-08-05 12:30 PM
Balance of Trade
Jun $-71.5B $ -51B

Components Last Previous Unit Reference
Exports 279.00 290.57 USD Billion May 2025
Goods Exports 179235.00 188974.00 USD Million May 2025
Goods Imports 275822.00 275939.00 USD Million May 2025
Goods Trade Balance -96590.00 -86970.00 USD Million May 2025
Imports 350.52 350.83 USD Billion May 2025

Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Balance of Trade -71.52 -60.26 USD Billion May 2025
Current Account -450.17 -311.97 USD Billion Mar 2025

United States Balance of Trade
The United States has been running consistent trade deficits since 1976 due to high imports of oil and consumer products. In 2022, the biggest trade deficits are recorded with China, Mexico, Vietnam, Canada, Germany, Japan, and Ireland, and the biggest trade surpluses with the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Brazil, Singapore, Australia, and United Kingdom. Canada is the top trading partner, accounting for 15 percent of total trade, followed by Mexico (14 percent) and China (13 percent).
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
-71.52 -60.26 1.95 -138.32 1950 - 2025 USD Billion Monthly
SA

News Stream
US to Impose Tariffs of 15–50% as Trump Sets Harder Trade Line
US President Donald Trump signaled that upcoming tariffs would start at a minimum of 15%, raising the floor for new levies ahead of an August 1 deadline. Speaking at an AI summit in Washington, he said, “We will have a straight, simple tariff of anywhere between 15% and 50%,” adding that the higher rate applies to countries the US hasn’t “been getting along with too well.” The comments mark a shift toward a more aggressive tariff policy aimed at nearly all US trading partners, except a select few with trade deals. On Tuesday, Trump announced a reduction in a planned 25% tariff on Japan to 15% after Tokyo agreed to lift restrictions on US goods and support a $550 billion investment fund. Other countries, including South Korea, India, and EU members, are still negotiating deals to avoid the higher tariffs. Trump noted talks with the EU were “serious” and emphasized the need for a simpler tariff system given the number of nations involved.
2025-07-24
U.S.-China to Revisit Tariff Deadline in Next Week’s Talks
U.S. and Chinese officials are set to meet in Stockholm next week to negotiate a possible extension of the trade deal deadline, currently set for August 12, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He added that the talks will also address rebalancing trade relations. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson welcomed the talks, calling them significant for the global economy. Separately, a Chinese embassy spokesperson confirmed both sides had finalized implementation details of a consensus reached by Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping. Beijing has agreed to lift its export ban on rare earths and magnets, while Washington will resume shipments of chip software, aircraft engines, and other key goods. Without an extension, tariffs could rise to 145% on U.S. exports and 125% on Chinese goods. Bessent also said broader issues, such as China’s export dependence, would be discussed. Meanwhile, China suspended its antitrust probe into DuPont's local unit, seen as a goodwill gesture.
2025-07-23
U.S. Stresses Deal Quality Over Speed in Japan Tariff Talks
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday that the U.S. will prioritize securing the best deal for itself in ongoing tariff negotiations with Japan. “Our priorities are not the internal workings of the Japanese government,” Bessent told CNBC. “Our priorities are giving the best deal for the American people.” With an August 1 deadline looming, after which countries could face steep tariffs, Bessent emphasized that President Trump’s administration is focused on the quality of trade deals over speed. “We’re not going to rush for the sake of doing deals,” he said. When asked if the deadline could be extended for countries engaged in active negotiations, Bessent said the decision rests with Trump.
2025-07-22