According to data released by the US Department of Commerce on 19/2, the trade deficit for the world's largest economy expanded in December 2025 to approximately 70,3 billion USD. This figure was 17,3 billion USD higher than in November and exceeded Dow Jones' forecast of 55,5 billion USD.

For the entirety of last year, the US trade balance showed a deficit of 901,5 billion USD, a 0,2% decrease, or 2,1 billion USD, compared to 2024. This amount was 22,2 billion USD lower than the record deficit the US recorded in 2022.

According to CNBC, the US concluded a year with its trade imbalance largely unchanged, despite Washington's efforts to narrow the gap. The US Department of Commerce released these figures nearly a year after President Donald Trump implemented a series of strict tariff measures to create a fairer global market.

In 4/2025, Trump announced a 10% tariff on all imported goods, along with reciprocal tariffs on countries with large trade surpluses with the US. Since then, however, President Trump has repeatedly softened his initial stance. Negotiations between the US and other nations continue.

Last year, the US recorded its largest goods deficit with the European Union, totaling 218,8 billion USD. This was followed by China at 202,1 billion USD and Mexico at approximately 196,9 billion USD.

The world's largest economy's total exports in 2025 reached 3.430 billion USD, an increase of 199,8 billion USD from 2024. Imports also rose by nearly 198 billion USD, reaching 4.330 billion USD.

Tu Anh (via CNBC)