Imposition of tariffs at the highest level since the 1930s reduced the disparity with China, but the gap in the exchange of goods continued to increase
The United States trade deficit has reached a new record in 2025according to government data released this Thursday (19), despite the widespread tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
The United States goods deficit stood at US$1.24 billion (R$6.82 billion at the exchange rate at the time) last year, which represents a slight increase compared to the 2024 level, reported the Department of Commerce. However, the goods trade deficit with China decreased over the year as a wholeaccording to the data.
When considering both goods and services, the total trade deficit of the United States in 2025 reduced to US$901.5 billion (R$4.95 trillion at the time), compared to US$903.5 billion (R$5.59 trillion) in 2024.
In December, the total deficit increased more than expected, 32.6%, to US$70.3 billion (R$386 billion), due to the drop in exports and the increase in imports.
Exports of industrial supplies, including non-monetary gold, declined, while imports in the same category increased in the month.
American imports of capital goods, such as computer accessories and telecommunications equipment, recovered in December.
Trade flows in the world’s largest economy were hit hard in 2025 when Trump imposed new tariffs on goods from virtually all of his partners in his effort to reduce the deficit.
His measures raised the average effective tariff to its highest level since the 1930s.
The deficit reduction with China also came after Trump entered into an escalating tariff retaliation with Beijing last year, although both have since eased tensions.
*With information from AFP
