On 8/1, the Bureau of Economic Analysis and Statistics under the US Department of Commerce announced data revealing that the nation's trade deficit last October reached 29,4 billion USD. This figure represents a 39% decrease compared to the same period the previous year, standing at only half of economists' forecasts in a Reuters survey. It also marks the lowest deficit recorded since September 2009.

Total US exports surged by 2,6% to a record 302 billion USD in October. Within this, goods exports also set a new record at 195,9 billion USD. This growth was significantly bolstered by the export of gold and other precious metals. Conversely, exports of consumer goods and several other categories experienced a decline.

Container at Los Angeles port (US) in November 2025. Photo: Reuters

Conversely, total imports decreased by 3,2% to 331,4 billion USD. Goods imports specifically fell by 4,5% to 255 billion USD. These declining import figures could be attributed to President Donald Trump's import tariffs or a weakening of domestic demand within the US. While imports of industrial and consumer goods both decreased, there was an increase in the import of computer components and telecommunications equipment, driven by investment demand in artificial intelligence (AI).

Over the past year, President Trump's trade protectionist policies have caused significant fluctuations in the US trade deficit. The reduction in the trade deficit notably contributed to US economic growth in Q2 and Q3 last year.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta estimates that US Q4 GDP increased by 2,7%. This follows a 4,3% growth rate for the economy in the previous quarter.

The October report was released later than usual due to the 43-day US government shutdown last year.

Ha Thu (according to Reuters)