U.S. trade deficit widens to $105.6 billion in August
U.S. trade deficit widened in August as imports jumped on AI demand and tariffs See how the $105.6B gap compares with forecasts and earlier 2025 levels
The U.S. trade deficit expanded sharply in August as imports rose on stronger demand tied to the artificial intelligence buildout and the effects of tariffs, according to the Commerce Department.
Imports increased 4.3% for the month, lifting the monthly trade gap to $105.6 billion. That was up 13.7% from July and above economists’ expectations.
The August reading was the largest deficit since March 2025, shortly before the Trump administration announced new reciprocal tariffs. Even so, the yeartodate deficit remained below the level seen in the same period a year earlier.